How to repair a windlass that spins in a vacuum?
The windlass is an essential piece of equipment on the boat. A vertical or horizontal windlass is a winch used to drop or raise the anchor easily and quickly. It is often placed on the foredeck of the sailboat and is powered by a motor when it is an electric windlass. To understand the operation of an electric windlass, you should know that there are two elements that constitute it: the gypsy and the doll. The sprocket is a toothed wheel intended to house the chain for hoisting the anchor. The doll is the drum which allows the cable to be wound up. Today, almost all sprockets perform these two functions, that is to say, to accommodate the chain and block the rope. To use an electric windlass, you need a remote control. The windlass remote control can be wired or radio. If you are a recreational sailor, and you often practice fairground anchorages, a windlass problem can arise at any time. In this guide, we explain the causes of a windlass that turns in the void as well as the solutions adapted to repair a broken electric windlass.
Contents of the page
The materials to repair a windlass that turns in a vacuum?
To repair your boat, especially for repairing the windlass on a sailboat, you need tools such as a wrench to unscrew the bolts, a screwdriver, a locking lever, a hammer to dismantle the windlass motor. It may be necessary to replace spare parts of the windlass if you have wear or failure of certain elements. A maintenance kit is also recommended for the maintenance of the windlass:
- See the Maintenance Kits for FALKON LOFRANS Windlasses
- See the Maintenance kits for TIGRES LOFRANS windlasses
- See the Maintenance Kits for ROYAL LOFRANS Windlasses
To know how to disassemble a windlass, you will need to have on hand an assembly diagram of the electric windlass, this will help you in the dismantling of the windlass and for the reassembly.
Adjusting an electric windlass is a tedious task and can take you long hours, especially when it comes to disassembling the unit.
The different possible causes of a windlass spinning in a vacuum
An electric windlass that does not work can be due to various causes, namely a brake application problem, a malfunction of the relay, wear of parts or even a lack of maintenance.
Problem of tightening the headstock on the gypsy
If the pulley at the clutch is not properly tightened, there is a risk of slipping. This limits the torque supplied by the motor. It is a stainless steel tray located above the windlass.
Problem with the windlass relay which turns in a vacuum
If the windlass does not work, the relay may be the cause. The problem may be with the main circuit, or the relay power contact may simply be out of order.
Contamination or wear of parts
Sprocket cones can also wear out over time. The brake lining can also be clogged with fatty substances. Indeed, the clutch can also stick because of the salt.
Solutions to repair a windlass that turns in a vacuum
The repair of the electric windlass requires a minimum of knowledge in electrical circuit and mechanics.
Solution for tightening the gypsy flange
To solve the tightening problem, it will be necessary to block the gypsy with a ratchet by inserting the ratchet in a hole in the headstock. The doll is located at the end of the tree, it is generally pierced with four holes in which you can introduce the ringer. This will allow you to play on the tightening of the doll.
It is important that the pulley is properly tightened at the clutch.
Solve the relay problem
Check the motor power supply contact as well as the relay contactors. To do this, bridge the relay. Using a current clamp, check whether the current is reaching the motor.
If the relay cannot trip, check the wiring between the relay and its control. You can also unplug your remote and check all connections. Often it will be necessary to purchase an electric windlass relay. If the problem is with the remote, you may need to change it:
- See the Italwinch remote control
- See the Lofrans remote control
- See the Lofrans wireless remote control
- See the Quick wireless remote control
There are also foot switches installed flat deck. It is the most efficient for maneuvers.
Clean up to avoid a windlass spinning in the air
If the clutch is clogged with salt, unscrew it and clean it with fresh water and then with a special boat degreaser. Finally, lubricate all the parts with marine grease. Caution: The grease must not spill over the friction flanges of the brake.
It may be useful to disassemble a windlass to clean the cones, unscrewing all the toothed crowns.
If the Ferodo is dirty, you can clean it with acetone. To clean the other parts, you can use the same special boat degreaser. Remember to put marine grease on the parts before reassembling them.
You should also check the level of wear of the sprocket, and change it if necessary. This is because the sprocket cones can wear out over time and no longer catch the chain effectively. To change a sprocket, you can easily find a spare part on Amazon, Ebay et Ticketmaster :
- Sprocket for LOFRANS X1 windlass
- Sprocket for LOFRANS X2 and PROJECT 1000 windlass
- Sprocket for LOFRANS X3 and PROJECT 1500 windlass
- Sprocket for LOFRANS KOBRA / CAYMAN / TIGRES / ROYAL windlass
- Sprocket for LEWMAR CPX2 / 3 windlass
- Sprocket for LEWMAR V700 windlass
- Sprocket for LEWMAR Pro-Series Windlass
What other solutions for a windlass that turns in a vacuum?
If you cannot identify the cause of the windlass that turns in the void, all you have to do is manually raise or lower the anchor.
If you know how to do it, you can replace the electric windlass with a winch.
Otherwise, contact a professional repairman, or get a new electric windlass to renew your mooring equipment. To know what type of windlass, choose your windlass according to the power of the engine (electric windlass of 500 W, 700 W, 1000 W, 1200 W or 1500 W) and according to the length of your boat. Also take into account the speed of an electric windlass. To find out more, you can read our windlass buying guide.
For the choice of the brand, you are spoiled for choice: Lewmar windlass, Lofrans electric windlass, Quick windlass, Plastimo windlass, Italwinch windlass, etc. We wrote a article on the main windlass brands to help you differentiate them.
Maintaining a windlass is essential to facilitate the raising and lowering of your anchor. It's quite simple, when washing the deck, rinse the windlass with water. It is recommended to clean and lubricate the clutch disc, at least once a year, before wintering. Do not forget to tighten it well. Check the connection of an electric windlass, and all the wiring for an electric windlass. Refer to our tutorial to properly clean your windlass.
