[C320-list] Of kellets and keel wraps

[Dennis Cookson]

Ferris, a previous owner did exactly this modification to the Maxwell 500VC windlass on our 1999 C320, and although it is very non-standard, it has worked flawlessly for us for nearly four seasons of light cruising with 30m of 8mm chain and another 15m of octoplait, which also fits the gypsy. We have never encountered any wrapping around the wing keel. 

If I were to replace the Maxwell windlass today I would have a good look at the Lewmar RX <https://www.lewmar.com/content/rx-windlass>  range which can be similarly mounted to the Maxwell with the motor and gearing behind a bulkhead. It has a maximum pull of 1175 kg (2500 lbs), and is designed for the 30ft-48ft market with 4 gypsy options, suitable for chain sizes from 6-10mm (and 1/4”, 5/16”). I feel that a 1/4” chain is seriously undersized for a displacement of 5,300 kg, so I would opt for the RX1800 Go 8mm 12V model, which has a 700W motor and max pull of 850kg, subject to further study of the dimensions and ease of fitting.

The Lewmar RX2 Go is a very similar model (maybe superseded?) with max pull of 775kg and is advertised here in the UK for under £1,000.

I’d be interested to hear if anybody has experience of this RX windlass range.

Dennis Cookson
Catalina, 0577



 



> On 22 Feb 2023, at 22:57, Ferris Wills via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
> 
> I recall someone posting in a previous thread that they welded a chain gypsy to the end of the existing rope one, and it worked well for them despite the offset.
> 
> I’ve been trying to scrounge an appropriately sized chain gypsy and do the same, but I like this rubber wrap hack even more(price is right 😂) -  will give it a try, thx!
> 
> Ferris
> 
> Typos by iPhone
> 
>> On Feb 22, 2023, at 3:47 PM, P.F. Ross via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Thanks all.
>> 
>> Jack, yes I know the pain of a new windlass for chain.  That is why I
>> googled "use rope windlass for chain rode" and found a kludge from a fellow
>> sailor that I cannot now find to reference and give him credit.  In any
>> case, he wrapped 1/8" thick neoprene rubber, 1" wide, spiraling around his
>> windlass drum in the correct direction and secured the free end with a
>> couple of wraps of self fusing silicone tape.
>> 
>> That is what I have done and can report it has worked well now over three
>> anchorings.  Yes, I need to tail the 1/4 chain but it does not slip and the
>> rubber is holding up well.  I was mostly concerned with the silicone rubber
>> since it does not do well with abrasion, but so far so good
>>> 
>>>