Buying a new Windlass

[mcrow33]

I am looking to replace my manual windlass for an electric windlass. I have 5/16 BBB all chain rode. The windlass that I'm looking at Lofrans Project 1000 that says that it

• Accepts 5/16” High Test or BBB chain spliced to 9/16” or 5/8” 3-strand nylon rope

Can I use an all chain rode with this windlass? It has a good price on the Defenders sale this weekend. It will be replacing the Simpson Lawrence on a Beneteau 361.

Thanks

 

[Dave Groshong]

In my experience you can use all chain, as long as you deploy a proper snubber on deck.
We offer a great price on this Quick windlass:
http://shop.hunterowners.com/hp/part.php?m=45DS&c=8&p=55012

 

[Gunni]

Yes. You will match the windlass gypsy (the rotating wheel) to your chain. Look for a 5/16 BBB gypsy, they are sold separately. Most chain gypsys have a provision to accommodate rope as well. Some like Dave's Quick have a rope capstan which give you the equivalent of a powered winch for other boat tasks.

 

[mcrow33]

Thanks for the replies. I did buy the Lofrans. I found an online users manual for the model, and it said if you are using all chain. You just have remove a couple of tabs that are used to feed the rope into the slot.

 

[capta]

I highly recommend Lofrans windlasses, HOWEVER, be certain that the windlass has the correct gypsy. Our Lofrans windlass had the same part number for all their gypsies with the chain size as an additional number.
We bought ours with a 3/8" hi test gypsy and it would not work on BBB, even though the distributor (who paid to remedy their mistake) insisted it would. It took months to get all the info and order the correct gypsy.
Also, I'd recommend that you be absolutely positive that you want to stick with the chain size you have. We decided to go up to ½" BBB chain and the new gypsy retailed for a bit over a grand!
I don't know the model you are interested in, but it should have a 'free fall' mode, as powering your chain down isn't the most efficient way to get an anchor down where you originally wanted to anchor.

 

[TonyJohns1949]

Can anyone tell me if the 10mm chain on our 1983 Beneteau First 42 is likely to be ISO or DIN. I need to take out a new Windlass and the boat is in Greece so can't measure ten links as recommended. tonyjohns@enterprise.net

 

[Gunni]

Both versions of 10mm chain are sold, and I can't imagine the original chain is still in use 35 years on. The DIN chain is marked DIN766. ISO4565 is the other.
You have to get it right or you will have a problem, about a 2mm link length difference. Have someone ID your chain.
http://coxengineering.sharepoint.com/Pages/Chaindefinitions.aspx