[MakoMatt]

I have a Powerwinch brand, 30' class, free fall windlass. I have been having a problem with it, quite often, the line does not grab, the metal wheel thing turns, but is not biting the line, and sometimes the line "jumps" out of the "groove" where it should be seated, even with that little spring loaded arm.

I have called Powerwinch, and they said it probably, they said 99% sure, was the line. $180 later on new line, I'm still having the same problem. I am using the recommended line, and it is the correct diameter. When it works, it works great, but when it starts acting up, it a real pain, and someone has to go up on the bow to help it along. This can be a little dangerous at times.

Anyone have any suggestions on a cure, or comments on this brand of windlass?

Thanks in advance.

MakoMatt

 

[gebby]

makomatt, i have a simpson lawrance 600 (?) i think. its not a freefall but powerdown but ive had the same problem at times. i dont know your setup but if its 2 discs with teeth in btween them there should be a way to tighten it up (bring the discs closer). i have an allen wrench fitting on the side of one of the discs. its happened a coupla times with the proper diameter lines and both times tightening that fitting has cured my ills. hope this helps. and youre right, its a little busy up front there in a bit of a sea by myself or with my 11 year old at the helm and me pulling up rode. g.

 

[B.Attitude]

Matty,
does this happen with the line taught or with slack in it?I have the Simpson freefall model,if the line is tight I never have a problem.
paulie

 

[616357]

Are the teeth of your wheel stripped or worn down?
My Simpson wheel was stripped and I had to replace the wheel. I tie off the anchor line when I am at achor to the Anchor clete and always power into the line to pull up the anchor. Depending on how old it is some internal mechanisms could be shot. I went online to the company and was given suggestions for repair.

 

[Leprechaun]

It could be few things . . .

Matt - it could be a worn gypsy (The turning wheel) or it also could be that the line is not falling into the locker correctly and is forming a "Coil Pile" directly under the gypsy that is causing the line to lift slightly off the gypsy's surface which then causes the gypsy to spin without line retrieval.

Somebody that has some experience with these things needs to look at it.

Where is the boat? Maybe after I lift my boat this weekend I can help you out.

rgds, Leprechaun

 

[MakoMatt]

Guys thanks, I'm going to take a closer look at that gypsy, and compare it to a new one to look for wear. Leprechaun, thanks for the offer, I am over on Hudson Canal, Freeport Tuna Club, but the boat is out of the water now, and I don't think the line will be supple enough in this cold to play with it, and see how it lays in the locker. That is a good point however, and something I will check in the Spring, I don't have much room in there. I may get back to you again if you don't mind when the weather warms up if I don't solve this thing by then.

Tight lines,
MakoMatt

 

[Leprechaun]

No Problemo

I live in the Wantagh/Seaford area, just a quick blast down Merrick Road from you and am always available to help out.

If you have too much line stuffed into your locker, the windlass will malfunction on the retrieve just exactly as you describe. There has to be at least 18" of free-drop space between the bottom of your windlass and the top of the pile of line.

I have a similar situation on my boat. I stuff 500' into my locker and really there's only space for about 475'. So when the anchor is ALMOST to the boat the line stops coming up and then that's my clue to send someone down into the cuddy to open the anchor locker door and "Knock down" the pile of coiled line. Which is ALWAYS coiled right up to the bottom of the windlass (or top ofthe locker).

rgds, Leprechaun

 

[MakoMatt]

I never thought about that locker condition that might exist, and the more I think about it, the more I think that is PART of the problem. I carry 200' and it's a pretty tight space if memory serves me correctly. I also don't recall putting the line in there in the neatest way. I sometimes find that when it starts to skip, if I motor in reverse for a moment to pull the line tight, I can often times get it to go again, but the jumping out of the gyspy makes me think that perhaps it's worn a bit, and I need to look at that too.

Thanks again,
MakoMatt

 

[blackfish]

Mako Matt,

I have a simpson lawrence freefall 600 and I had the same problem. It turned out to be not enough space in the locker for the rope to coil as lep had mentioned. One other thing it can be is that the clutch may not be engaging the gypsum all the time on the way up. Check out the space in the locker that should do it.



Best regards,

Blackfish