[C320-list] Windlass question

[Graeme Clark]

Did you have the mud palms and set it to the greater angle for mud?
I haven’t needed to change the angle on mine, having said that, but our mud is soft and oozy, not hard packed
Graeme

Sent from my phone. Excuse typos! 

> On 24 Feb 2020, at 17:11, Chris Burti <clburti at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 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
>>