Anchor Windlass 37.5

Mar 6, 2008
1,373
Catalina 1999 C36 MKII #1787 Coyote Point Marina, CA.
Nice job, Scott. The only part I would have added is to have 90 degree sweep PVC pipe that would guide the chain down into the anchor locker. It will save the deck.
 
Jan 22, 2008
1,670
Hunter 34 Alameda CA
Scott,

That was a very well executed project. I have not seen the windlass deliver the chain via the back of the anchor locker on my model boat (H34). From your post it looks entirely possible.

Maybe I missed it, but does your system handle transitioning from chain to rode as well?

Great job.

Allan
 
Jan 4, 2006
7,307
Hunter 310 West Vancouver, B.C.
After over a year of research and figuring out how I was going to do it, I did it. I installed an anchor windlass on my 1996 37.5. I created an article with pictures on how I did it so that others who may be so inclined to do this can have a guide line to accomplish it. Please see the attached pdf file.

View attachment 89500

:dance:
I may have been looking over your shoulder or you over mine but it looks like we had the same approach of plenty of research and cost be damned. In the end, I still got screwed by a "minor problem" with the Lewmar people.

http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/in...id=267&cat_id=26&aid=8297&page=article&mn=310

When I bought the windlass on line from Wholesale Marine ($1183.26), I didn't pay much attention to the fact it came with a #2 gypsy. It took 3/8" chain and that was what I was looking for.

The chain required was specified as Campbell 3/8" S4 or 10mm. DIN 766. (a little larger than 3/8" and DIN specifications). When I went to our Canada wide chain seller (QC Canada) looking for either of these chains, I was told to forget it as these were not commonly available chains and if I ever did find either, the shipping would be more than the chain was worth. He located the chain with the closest possible dimensions to the Campbell 3/8" S4 and wished me luck. You guessed it, jammed every 10 ft. or so.

Next call was to the Lewmar distributor who apologized and said the #2 gypsy should not be sold as there is no commonly available chain available for it (#1 and #3 Gypsy will take G4 chain which is common). Great. He said to give 5/16" G4 chain a try as it's commonly available ................ no promises. Back to QC Canada and another 50 ft. of chain. Thankfully it worked out well.

The lesson here is: investigate your gypsy chain requirements before buying the windlass. Mine was a crap shoot and a new gypsy would have been $275.00.
 
Sep 30, 2008
96
Hunter 37.5 37.5 Norfolk
I guess I left the part out about the anchor rode. I have 60 ft. of chain an 150 ft. of nylon rode. I sail in Chesapeake Bay. When testing after install I discovered the weight of the chain pulls it into the locker. I only have to help feed the nylon rode so it doesn't pile up at the back of the anchor locker. The gypsy issue mentioned above. I agree, you really have to be sure to match your gypsy and chain. What really grips me is why can't they make a gypsy to accommodate regular chain. I have a ton of anchor chain that will not work on a windlass because of the link size. Sail on my fellow sailors.

Scott.
 
Sep 30, 2008
96
Hunter 37.5 37.5 Norfolk
The chain does transition to the nylon rode smoothly. I did a three stand nylon rode to anchor chain splice. Basically a back splice around the last link of chain. My compliments to Ralph's install of a Lewmar windlass. That was quite an effort.

Sail on my fellow sailors.

Scott
 
Jan 4, 2006
7,307
Hunter 310 West Vancouver, B.C.
They're Making Money on it .....................

What really grips me is why can't they make a gypsy to accommodate regular chain. I have a ton of anchor chain that will not work on a windlass because of the link size.
..................... somehow, I don't know how, but they're making money on it :cussing:.