[C320-list] Gypsy

Tue Sep 3 04:36:49 PDT 2024

#765 2000 has only a drum.  I put 2 wraps of rope around the drum and tail it and when the joint rope to chain arrives at the drum I tail a little harder until the joint clears and then continue with two wraps of chain.  When the anchor tips over the roller I stop and guide it past the furlling drum by hand and then tighten the chain with a jog of the windlass.
There have been posts here in the past about covering the drum with rubber and/or a rubber inner tube section.
Ken GeigerNorthern Dream #765

Sent from AOL on Android 

  On Mon, Sep 2, 2024 at 11:33 p.m., Jack Brennan via C320-list<c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:   Again, the standard Maxwell 500 does not have a gypsy for chain. Yet some people apparently use it for chain. I'm curious as to how they do it.

________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Greg Flanagan via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Monday, September 2, 2024 9:47 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com <C320-List at catalina320.com>
Cc: Greg Flanagan <greg.flanagan at shaw.ca>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Gypsy

We use the capstan for rope—tailing it, and then guide the chain into the chain wheel after all the rope is in. It does take a stop. However, in the Gulf (and San Juan) Islands, 98% of the time we anchor on the chain only. Straight out and in—in the chain wheel.

Greg
Hoop Dancer #1076
Sidney, BC

> On Sep 2, 2024, at 5:57 PM, Jack Brennan via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> So I'll bite. What technique do you use when the chain comes on to the windlass?
>
> I stand on the foredeck with one wrap on the windlass for rope and keep tension on it as I feed the line into the locker.
>
> When I tried to do that with chain I made a mess of it.
>
> Jack Brennan
> Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
> Tierra Verde, Fl.
>
>
>
> Sent via the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone
>
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Greg Flanagan via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
> Date: 9/2/24 8:30 PM (GMT-05:00)
> To: C320-List at catalina320.com
> Cc: Greg Flanagan <greg.flanagan at shaw.ca>
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Gypsy
>
> I have 130’ of 3/8” chain + 180’ of rode on a Rocna 15kg anchor. Perfect! I have successfully used the Maxwell 500 Windless that came with the boat for 18 years. Unfortunately, I have never figured out how to service it but it is still working fine—chain and rope. An added advantage of the chain was it lifted the stern just of the water, allowing it to remain clean.
>
> Greg
> Hoop Dancer #1076
> Sidney, BC
>
>
> > On Sep 2, 2024, at 5:18 PM, John Beck via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
> >
> > I welded the gypsy onto mine, have 150’ of chain and 150’ of rope.
> > John Beck
> > SV Sail On
> > # 518
> >
> > Jb
> >
> >
> > On Mon, Sep 2, 2024 at 8:08 PM Joe Grande via C320-list <
> > c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
> >
> > > Thanks guys! Nineteen years ago I had an anchor dragging event. I then
> > > discovered that my C320 came to me with only 15' of 1/4" chain. One friend
> > > suggested that I go to all chain. Not wanting that weight in the bow, I
> > > went with 30' of 3/8" chain, which outweighs my Delta anchor. It has served
> > > me well! And, yes, I loop the chain around the Maxwell winch.
> > >
> > > Joe Grande
> > > Whisper #772, 2000
> > >
> > >
> > > Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device
> > > Get Outlook for Android<https://aka.ms/AAb9ysg>
> > > ________________________________
> > > From: Karl Mielenhausen <kmielen at gmail.com>
> > > Sent: Monday, September 2, 2024 4:02:25 PM
> > > To: C320-List at catalina320.com <C320-List at catalina320.com>
> > > Cc: Joe Grande <joe_grande at msn.com>
> > > Subject: Re: [C320-list] Gypsy
> > >
> > > Same here. When the hand-over-hand retrieval is burdensome, I don't
> > > hesitate to use the drum for the chain.
> > >
> > > Karl
> > >
> > >
> > > On Mon, Sep 2, 2024 at 4:44 PM Joe Grande via C320-list <
> > > c320-list at lists.catalina320.com<mailto:c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>>
> > > wrote:
> > > Well I guess I am the bad boy! No one ever told me my Maxwell 500 was
> > > "rope only." Sure the drum is scored from chain, but it's been hoisting my
> > > chain for 20 summers; as recently as last Thursday in the back bay of Port
> > > Ludlow.
> > >
> > > Joe Grande
> > > 80 yr old owner of
> > > Whisper #772, 2000
> > >
> > > Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device
> > > Get Outlook for Android<https://aka.ms/AAb9ysg>
> > > ________________________________
> > > From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com<mailto:
> > > c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com>> on behalf of --Bill via
> > > C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com<mailto:
> > > c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>>
> > > Sent: Monday, September 2, 2024 1:30:14 PM
> > > To: C320-List at catalina320.com<mailto:C320-List at catalina320.com> <
> > > C320-List at catalina320.com<mailto:C320-List at catalina320.com>>
> > > Cc: --Bill <ackermwi at yahoo.com<mailto:ackermwi at yahoo.com>>
> > > Subject: Re: [C320-list] Gypsy
> > >
> > > I’ve also never used a swivel. I have 30’ of chain. I asked Maxwell
> > > technical group about upgrading to chain/rope and here was their response…
> > >
> > > “The VC500 is not convertible to include a chainwheel or gypsy. While you
> > > can add a solenoid and another footswitch to make it dual directional, with
> > > the ability to counterwind or slip the rope out on your windlass as it is
> > > now, you may want to save your money for a good replacement – the VW10
> > > windlass – available in either a 5/16”or 3/8”version, and it has a
> > > rope/chain chainwheel to handle your primary rode AND a drum for a second
> > > rope rode anchor or other rope.
> > >
> > >
> > > https://maxwellmarine.com/product/vw-10/
> > > <https://maxwellmarine.com/product/vw-10/><
> > > https://maxwellmarine.com/product/vw-10/>
> > >
> > > Please let us know if you need anything else.
> > >
> > > Regards,
> > > David Barrett
> > > Technical Support/Customer Service”
> > >
> > > —Bill Ackerman
> > > #320 Gulfport FL
> > >
> > > > On Sep 2, 2024, at 3:43 PM, Jack Brennan via C320-list <
> > > c320-list at lists.catalina320.com<mailto:c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>>
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > I've never had a swivel. I just use a shackle. Here's a Practical
> > > Sailor article discussing them:
> > > https://www.practical-sailor.com/sails-rigging-deckgear/anchor-swivels-caution-required
> > > <
> > > https://www.practical-sailor.com/sails-rigging-deckgear/anchor-swivels-caution-required
> > > ><
> > > https://www.practical-sailor.com/sails-rigging-deckgear/anchor-swivels-caution-required
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > I too have the Maxwell 500 rope-only windlass that came with older 320s.
> > > I believe that Maxwell used to make a kit that converted it to handle
> > > chain, but that disappeared many moons ago.
> > > >
> > > > As I hit 70 and upgraded to a 35-pound Manson supreme anchor with 30
> > > feet of 5/16 chain, I too started thinking about upgrading my windlass
> > > because it's getting more and more difficult to pull up everything.
> > > >
> > > > As far as I can tell, there is no choice but to go with a new Maxwell
> > > vw10 or vw1000 due to the configuration. Defender seems to have the best
> > > prices, but these now start at $2,100.
> > > >
> > > > I have been waiting for the price to fall, but it keeps creeping up.
> > > >
> > > > Has anyone ever tried to mount a different, less expensive windlass on
> > > the 320? I'd be interested in hearing about it.
> > > >
> > > > Jack Brennan
> > > > Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
> > > > Tierra Verde, Fl.
> > > > [
> > > https://cdn.practical-sailor.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/p19smohij3nhm1sq29i5h5vdm48.jpg.optimal.jpg
> > > <
> > > https://cdn.practical-sailor.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/p19smohij3nhm1sq29i5h5vdm48.jpg.optimal.jpg
> > > >]<
> > > https://www.practical-sailor.com/sails-rigging-deckgear/anchor-swivels-caution-required
> > > <
> > > https://www.practical-sailor.com/sails-rigging-deckgear/anchor-swivels-caution-required
> > > ><
> > > https://cdn.practical-sailor.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/p19smohij3nhm1sq29i5h5vdm48.jpg.optimal.jpg
> > > >>
> > > > Anchor Swivels: Caution Required - Practical Sailor<
> > > https://www.practical-sailor.com/sails-rigging-deckgear/anchor-swivels-caution-required
> > > <
> > > https://www.practical-sailor.com/sails-rigging-deckgear/anchor-swivels-caution-required
> > > ><
> > > https://www.practical-sailor.com/sails-rigging-deckgear/anchor-swivels-caution-required
> > > >>
> > > > Since 1974, Practical Sailor’s independent testing has taken the
> > > guesswork out of boat and gear buying.
> > > >
> > > http://www.practical-sailor.com/
> > > <http://www.practical-sailor.com/><http://www.practical-sailor.com/>
> > > >
> > > > ________________________________
> > > > From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com<mailto:
> > > c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com>> on behalf of Wandering Star via
> > > C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com<mailto:
> > > c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>>
> > > > Sent: Monday, September 2, 2024 2:56 PM
> > > > To: C320 Blog <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com<mailto:
> > > c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>>
> > > > Cc: Wandering Star <wanderingstar951 at comcast.net<mailto:
> > > wanderingstar951 at comcast.net>>
> > > > Subject: [C320-list] Gypsy
> > > >
> > > > I mistakenly allowed my ex to remove the swivel between the anchor and
> > > anchor chain. He said, “don’t worry, when the wind changes the anchor won’t
> > > break free.” Well that isn’t true. Took the boat out last night in a small
> > > protected Anchorage with a good holding ground. Got a good bite, but as the
> > > wind clocked around, I noticed I was dragging. A bunch of other boats had
> > > come into the small anchorage so I immediately started to pull up the
> > > anchor and realized that the anchor hooks with line he set up was way more
> > > convoluted than I wanted to deal with. So now, I’m contemplating adding a
> > > gypsy. And no, they are not cheap!
> > > >
> > > > I have a windlass, but I have to pull the chain up by hand. So my
> > > question to the group is twofold. First, can you give me recommendations on
> > > a gypsy that has worked well for you. Secondly, can the gypsy go in the
> > > anchor locker or will it have to be mounted on the deck? I have space in
> > > the Anchor locker, but I’m not really too sure if it replaces the winch or
> > > becomes an addition to the winch. I’m thinking it replaces it.
> > > >
> > > > Thinking that this might be a good “boat buck” item to splurge on. The
> > > strength won’t get better with age. :<
> > > >
> > > > Sara
> > > > Wandering Star
> > > > Seattle
> > > > #707/2000
> > > > Sara S.
> > >