After cruising for three years, I have discovered that the original Simpson-Lawerence 1500 windlass is a real piece of ..... well, I won't say it. The brushes on the motor went out and salt water has gotten under the powder paint and made its way into the the insides of the unit. When comparing the motor in the 1500 to the motor on a Vetus or other brand windlass of similar power, it is amazingly small. No wonder that it failed. Has anyone else with a H450 changed out their original windlass for another brand? If so, please contact me with the details of how it was accomplished because there is a height problem with other windlasses that have a sealed motor (above deck). Thank you for your response. Bob Bass
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Maxwell HWC 1200
Prior to ordering our 450 (hull # 233), I realized that only one anchor (with chain) could be retrieved with with the S-L windless that Hunter was supplying. I therefore looked around for a different system. I had Hunter "glass" in the shelf for the windless straight across (with out notch that is for a 2nd anchor - danforth). I then ordered a Maxell HWC 1200. We had the chain and rope gypsy put on the same side (starboard side). If you have seen a Passage 42 windless the gypsies look similar. The windless was then mounted so the chain gypsy is on center line with the anchor bow rollers. Therefore one can launch and retrieve two anchor systems with all chain (or chain and rope). Obviously only one system can be done at a time. System has up and down foot switches, helm controls for up and down and chain stopper. I ordered it in for 3/8" chain gypsy but 5/16" is available. We also swapped out the standard anchor and put on a 60 lb CQR. Windless and anchor shank fit under the anchor well cover door with out any modification. Only negative is that this windless set up (both chain and rope gypsy on same side - starboard) is a 13 week order, however they shipped it in 8 weeks, but from New Zealand. Salesman for Maxell (at the boat show) lead us to believe that this adjustment was a simple "dealer" modification. It is not - needs to be ordered this way. I can not give you a price, since this was part of the boat purchase deal that I negotiated. Hope this helps.
Prior to ordering our 450 (hull # 233), I realized that only one anchor (with chain) could be retrieved with with the S-L windless that Hunter was supplying. I therefore looked around for a different system. I had Hunter "glass" in the shelf for the windless straight across (with out notch that is for a 2nd anchor - danforth). I then ordered a Maxell HWC 1200. We had the chain and rope gypsy put on the same side (starboard side). If you have seen a Passage 42 windless the gypsies look similar. The windless was then mounted so the chain gypsy is on center line with the anchor bow rollers. Therefore one can launch and retrieve two anchor systems with all chain (or chain and rope). Obviously only one system can be done at a time. System has up and down foot switches, helm controls for up and down and chain stopper. I ordered it in for 3/8" chain gypsy but 5/16" is available. We also swapped out the standard anchor and put on a 60 lb CQR. Windless and anchor shank fit under the anchor well cover door with out any modification. Only negative is that this windless set up (both chain and rope gypsy on same side - starboard) is a 13 week order, however they shipped it in 8 weeks, but from New Zealand. Salesman for Maxell (at the boat show) lead us to believe that this adjustment was a simple "dealer" modification. It is not - needs to be ordered this way. I can not give you a price, since this was part of the boat purchase deal that I negotiated. Hope this helps.
an alternative
The problem with the S/L motor is that they used cheap brushes. I burned mine out during the warranty period and S/L sent me a new motor with better brushes which has worked fabulously. You might want to consider having your motor rebuilt with top-of-the-line brushes by an alternator shop. A much cheaper fix than putting in a new windlass. Then, when you put the new motor back on, make certain that you never run the windlass without your engine running in order to keep the new brushes happy.
The problem with the S/L motor is that they used cheap brushes. I burned mine out during the warranty period and S/L sent me a new motor with better brushes which has worked fabulously. You might want to consider having your motor rebuilt with top-of-the-line brushes by an alternator shop. A much cheaper fix than putting in a new windlass. Then, when you put the new motor back on, make certain that you never run the windlass without your engine running in order to keep the new brushes happy.
John Farnsworth
Did the new motor look the same but with an extended end on the brushes end of the motor? I have been told by the SL dealer that there is a better motor available now and wonder if it is the same one. By the way, the original brushes lasted three years, and I never ran the windlass without the engine on. How has the new motor performed? Have you used it very much? Thank you for your reply.
Did the new motor look the same but with an extended end on the brushes end of the motor? I have been told by the SL dealer that there is a better motor available now and wonder if it is the same one. By the way, the original brushes lasted three years, and I never ran the windlass without the engine on. How has the new motor performed? Have you used it very much? Thank you for your reply.
yep
The new S/L motor is the one I'm running now. It's much improved. If memory serves, the original motor was made in France, and the new one comes from Scotland. Installed it last September, and we use the windlass at least four or five times a month, year round. (200 feet of 5/16" BBB chain plus a 20 kg. Bruce.) If you have Simpson Lowrence ship you the motor, switching them is a real easy do-it-yourself job. Five minutes if you don't drop any bolts.
The new S/L motor is the one I'm running now. It's much improved. If memory serves, the original motor was made in France, and the new one comes from Scotland. Installed it last September, and we use the windlass at least four or five times a month, year round. (200 feet of 5/16" BBB chain plus a 20 kg. Bruce.) If you have Simpson Lowrence ship you the motor, switching them is a real easy do-it-yourself job. Five minutes if you don't drop any bolts.
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