Anchor windless drum

[Newport Bob]

The windless on our Beneteau 373 has a gypsy and drum. I understand that I can use the drum with the gypsy "locked". But I can't come up with a use for the drum.
I don't like the fact that there is no free fall on this windless - only power down. Was thinking of calling Lewmar to see if I can replace the drum with another cap to get the free fall feature.
Wanted to know how others use the drum before going further.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

What model of Lewmar windless do you have ? ? ?

 

[Newport Bob]

From what I have found it is concept/ocean 1
The manual doesn't explain the difference between them. I have the 003 gypsy with a rope "winch" drum mounted on top.
I don't see a use for the drum.

 

[Ron20324]

With a block hung from a halyard, you could lift a dinghy or a crew member on board.

 

[Kings Gambit]

"I don't like the fact that there is no free fall on this windless - only power down. Was thinking of calling Lewmar to see if I can replace the drum with another cap to get the free fall feature."

See below from owner manual. The capstan (drum) can be used for hauling up nylon rode if you have a chain-nylon rode combination.

Power Up - Press UP switch.
Power Down - Press DOWN switch.
Manual Chain Release - Turn off power at circuit breaker. Place handle
in bi-square and undo the top nut approximately half of a turn.This will
allow the chain gypsy to run free. The descent of the chain can be
controlled and stopped by tightening the top nut with the winch handle.

Capstan Operation - Gypsy/Capstan (drum) models - To use the capstan
independently, it is important to tie off or remove rope/chain from gypsy
(engage gypsy pawl with Ocean). The top nut can then be
loosened allowing the capstan to be powered independently.

http://www.p2marine.com/sailing-gear/lewmar/lewmar-concept-123-manual.pdf

 

[Stu Jackson]

Free fall may be necessary on a windlass, but it not necessarily a good anchoring technique.

 

[Newport Bob]

Kings Gambit,
If you read a little further "Capstan units do not include manual chain release or emergency override." The manual mode is only for the non capstan units. Reason I am asking why I would not want to change/remove the capstan drum.
Stu,
Agree, I will use the power down normally but like the ability of free fall being available if needed (no batt power available/failure)

Thank you both for replying,do you use the capstan?

 

[Newport Bob]

Kings,
The gypsy hauls both chain and rode so I don't need the drum for normal anchoring. If I tie off the anchor rode I can then "release" and drive the drum w/o turning the gypsy. I can not run the gypsy w/o turning the drum.
This is the first boat I have owned with a windless -looking forward to this season of anchoring without hauling by hand!

 

[Ron20324]

...I will use the power down normally but like the ability of free fall being available if needed (no batt power available/failure)...

With a loss of power, gravity is still your friend

 

[Newport Bob]

Ron,
TOTALLY AGREE - but I can't release the gypsy to let my friend work with the current windless assy.