[C320-list] Maxwell VC500 Windlass - Reversible?

[Jack Brennan]

In our sailing club, some members, particularly when they reach a certain age, invest in a powerful electric windlass and go all-chain. 

The idea is to be able to raise and lower the anchor from the helm without going forward, particularly when the weather is bad. It’s much more common on powerboats and trawlers, but it makes sense when you’re 75 and want to find ways to stay on the water.

I’m not sure the VC 500 fits into the category of powerful windlass, though. When my time comes, it will be something more beefy than that.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.
Dolphin Cruising Club of Florida




Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: Pat Tormey
Sent: Friday, May 8, 2020 11:17 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Maxwell VC500 Windlass - Reversible?

My choice was to keep crews hands away from the chain, my brother lost his grip and  tried to grab the spooling chain. And, I always have the option to free wheel or bypass the windlass. 

At $200 it wasn’t worth it. But at <$50 it was. 

Pat

Pat Tormey 
s/v Blue Skies

From: Gene Gammon
Sent: Friday, May 8, 2020 11:04 AM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Maxwell VC500 Windlass - Reversible?

When I want to drop an anchor, I want it down right now, asap, not feeding it out.  I have never found a reason for a reverse solenoid switch and have built and sold sailboats for over 40 years.


Gene Gammon, Capt.


Catalina 320 #351

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