French hitch on windless capstan

[Hayden Watson]

I have a Maxwell 500 that only has a capstan and no chain gypsy. I typically pull the chain section of my rode by hand because it doesn't work very well on the chain. I recently replaced my chain and anchor with sizes and they now total about 70lbs so I am looking for a way to use the capstan for the chain. One thought was to use a French Hitch cover the capstan in order to improve the grip and reduce the abrasion of the chain and capstan.
Have any of you seen or tried this idea? https://www.netknots.com/rope_knots/french-whipping

 

[dlochner]

Is this windlass? http://www.apsltd.com/maxwell-vw-50...- US&msclkid=c68ec12863531b0349239c0bd37d7310

http://www.maxwellmarine.com/gen_vw.php?features

Have you contacted Maxwell about adding a chain gypsy? I've found their customer support to be excellent. It may be possible to retrofit a gypsy. The gypsy and capstan are separate. I have an extra chain gypsy that might work.

 

[jssailem]

Hayden. Searching the Maxwell site it appears you may have a "Maxwell Freedom 500". If so you may be in luck as they made a Chain gypsy for the unit. Unfortunately the unit was listed as "obsolete" in the support section..

Here is what I found from the manual.

Identifying your Windlass
Before ordering spare parts, use the steps below to identify the model of your windlass.
1. Standard or Capstan
There are two different styles of Freedom windlass – standard (low profile) and capstan.

2. Chainwheel identification
To determine which model of chainwheel you have look at the number in the bi-square on the top of
the windlass as shown below. There are 4 models of chainwheel: Freedom 500, 500M, 800 and
800M.


Freedom Windlass
Standard

-
Standard and capstan versions

​

 

[Hayden Watson]

I have already contacted Maxwell and they no longer have the conversion available. The only way to get a chain gypsy is to replace the whole thing. I will get the VW10-8 which will mount horizontally in my anchor locker.
https://www.wmjmarine.com/vw10812v.html
I am hoping to get by with a modification to allow me to continue using my old 500 until it dies.

 

[dLj]

I've never used that knot to do what you are suggesting, but have for other reasons. You get a curved ridge using this knot where the half hitches lie.

That may be good for what you want to use it for. I'd say give it a try. The worst that can happen is it doesn't work and you have to take it off again. Make sure you tighten each knot a lot would be my only real input I can give. You may wish to have the rope wet so you can tighten a lot. Then if you do really like it and it works well, you may wish to re-do it with the rope soaked in a spar varnish. It's a bit messy but when it's done and the varnish dries, it almost becomes permanent.

dj

 

[Hayden Watson]

Any suggestions for an abrasion resistant line?

 

[jssailem]

abrasion resistant line

Where are you planning to use the line that you need abrasion protections?

 

[Hayden Watson]

I plan to put some French hitching on the capstan to keep the capstan and chain from grinding on each other. https://www.bing.com/videos/search?...0B2CCC2A3C490C872F210B2CCC2A3C49&&FORM=VRDGAR

 

[jssailem]

That should work for a while and can be replaced as it wears.

 

[Hayden Watson]

I am looking for suggestions for a good small diameter line for the whipping that has lots of abrasion resistance to stand up to the chain.

 

[dLj]

I would use a nylon. Not so much for the abrasion resistance, but more so for the stretch as you want that line to stay in place well. My take would be to first see if your idea is going to work, then if yes, you can refine the function. You don't know yet if wrapping is going to work for your chain and anchor line.

I do think that nylon may stand up to this type of use pretty well. However, if I was doing this on my boat, I'd first be concerned that it doesn't unravel in use long before I'd be concerned about wear....

dj

 

[Hayden Watson]

I am pretty sure that direction of wrapping will make a big difference in how tight it stays. I will play with it to see which direction works best.

 

[dlochner]

Let's get creative. The ideal rope will be inexpensive, will shrink, and abrasion resistant.

Working backwards, the outer layer should be something like spectra or dyneema, tough and abrasion resistant.

The inner core needs to shrink and be cheap.

Strength is not a big issue.

What about an inner core of manilla/hemp rope with a spectra cover?

Feed the manilla rope into the spectra cover, soak the whole thing in a bucket of water and then wind it on. When the rope dries out, it will pull tight against the capstan. It should work or be a waste of time and good money.