[C320-list] Windlass question

[Chris Burti]

I believe that the Maxwell VW series of winches might work as a replacement
and that is the way I plan to go if necessary and if the measurements check
out

Chris Burti
Commitment #867
Farmville, NC



On Mon, Feb 24, 2020 at 8:10 AM Scott Westwood <scottwestwood at bellsouth.net>
wrote:

> Thank you all for the replies.  I may try the rubber as a temp but just to
> let you all know why I was asking...
> We just got back from a trip to the Bahamas. (North Carolina to Exumas and
> back).  Here in NC we have mostly sticky mud.  Down in the Bahamas it is
> mostly Clean sand.  Sand is great for anchoring but they do have some
> places with rocks that can chafe the rode.  It is recommended (by several
> people that have been doing the Bahamas for 20+ years) that you have
> all/mostly chain rode.  Several reasons beyond rock chafe.  Also anchoring
> down ICW has many places with strong currents.  All chain rode is "less
> likely" to wrap around anchor as wind/currents shift. (We had a bad scare
> when we drug anchor in 25+ knots with strong current.  Almost drug into
> concrete bridge column.  Anchor rode came up wrapped twice around anchor)
> So...
> 1. Want to (look in to) replace current anchor with larger/heavier Rocna
> and 100ft of chain and leave the 160 ft line.  That should hold in almost
> anything.  NOTE: While in the Bahamas there are times you may have to
> anchor in 25+ knots in tight spaces.  Also some anchorages a small and an
> all chain rode "can sometimes" allow you less rode and closer proximity to
> other boats(depending on conditions of course). Please no comments about
> always using proper scope.  I get it.
> 2. If I had all/mostly/more chain with a capstan that can raise/lower the
> anchor, then I can more easily use the washdown with both hands free.
> Right now (Around NC) I have to raise the anchor some, then secure it to
> use the washdown. (normally holding chain/rode with one hand and the hose
> nozzle in the other)  Then "set down the washdown" to raise the anchor some
> more (about 4-5 ft each time) then secure it, wash it down, then repeat
> until anchor is in roller. If a brush is required then I need both hands.
> With all chain and a capstan, that can take a chain, you "can" use your
> foot to raise the anchor while washing down the chain/anchor much faster
> and easier.
> 3.  I can physically do the current method for now but I am not getting
> any younger and a larger anchor and more chain will start to get
> challenging especially in strong wind and/or current.
> I am looking at the future.  Still deciding and gathering info right now
> to see if it makes sense or not.
> Keep the ideas/comments coming.  They can often trigger other
> ideas/thoughts.
>
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
>
>
> Scott Westwood scottwestwood at bellsouth.net C (919)- 819-9794
>
>
>     On Sunday, February 23, 2020, 06:56:11 PM EST, <
> sail-ability at sympatico.ca> wrote:
>
>  That winch is no longer manufactured and the gypsy kit no longer
> available. The previous owner of my boat was able to snare a gypsy kit and
> have it installed. Works great but doesn’t help U.
> I’ve seen the winch drum taped up with heavy duty rubber (truck tire inner
> tube) to help grab the chain rode. Works OK but not ideal. I’d stay with
> the nylon rode and 30/40 feet of chain. That’s how that windless was
> designed to work. If you’re insisting on all chain rode, get another
> windlass. There R manual ones which work well.
> JohnM
> 1999#574
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On Feb 23, 2020, at 2:15 PM, Scott Westwood <scottwestwood at bellsouth.net>
> wrote:
> >
> > I have (I think) a Maxwell VC500 windlass on our '98 C320. Pretty sure
> it is original to boat??  If I remember correctly, there were some posts
> that there are no replacement capstans that will handle chain?  I would
> have to replace the entire winch??
> > The current capstan is smooth and will not take chain.  I am looking to
> move to all chain rode (thinking about) and would want to use the winch
> more.
> > Any thoughts?
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Scott Westwood scottwestwood at bellsouth.net C (919)- 819-9794
>