[C320-list] Maxwell VC500 Windlass - Reversible?

[Scott Thompson]

Are you sure there is no clutch? I'm pretty sure the parts that act as a 
clutch were included in the conversion kits that let you add a chain 
gypsy. On mine you control the clutch action via the cap on the far left 
of the capstan as you look at it from above (facing the bow). The boat 
came with a short aluminum bar that you insert into one of the 
rectangular openings in that cap in order to give you leverage to 
unscrew it a bit and relieve the compression tension on the gypsy. If 
the gypsy is installed correctly then it is not keyed to the shaft and 
will turn freely once the compression is relieved by unscrewing that cap 
a bit. Of course if it hasn't been used in a long time the parts that 
are supposed to slide freely on the shaft could be frozen in place, or 
the gypsy could be frozen to the keyed parts on either side of it and 
thus unable to turn on the shaft.

Scott
Surprise (1999), #653



On 5/8/2020 2:37 PM, Dennis Cookson wrote:
> Thanks for all replies to this post.  My Maxwell windlass was modified by a previous owner to add a gypsy, which works well, but there is no clutch. If you’re not careful it’s possible to pull the anchor in so tight against the bow roller that you can’t then get the chain off the gypsy without damaging something.  That’s the reason I’m looking into having a reversing capability, so I can ease off the tension if necessary.
>
> Dennis Cookson
> #0577/1999
>
>
>> On 8 May 2020, at 16:36, Jack Brennan <jackbrennan at bellsouth.net> wrote:
>>
>> 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
>>
>> www.gcyachts.com<http://www.gcyachts.com>
>>
>> www.irwinyachts.com<http://www.irwinyachts.com>
>>
>>
>>