Hunter 420 windlass replacement

[Persy]

I have a 2001 Hunter 420. The windlass has started acting very sluggishly (is that a word?).

I opened the access panel and found the negative post on the motor practically corroded/melted away.

I'm wondering if I should

1) have motor repaired by a local electric motor repair shop and rebuild the windlass myself

2) replace only the motor (if even possible) and rebuild windlass

3) replace entire unit. problem here is I understand the windlass was a custom item from Simpson and the replacement from Lewmar probably won't fit right in.

Has anyone done any of the above?

Thanks for any ideas and cheers!

 

[Rich Stidger]

If you have a Simpson Lawrence windlass, it probably has a Leroy Somer motor. That French-made motor is junk.

Check this link for a replacement motor. I've had one for 10+ years with zero trouble.

http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=785675&highlight=simpson lawrence

 

[Persy]

I contacted Lewmar asking if any current models would drop into a 420, they replied that there are none (see below).

I'm looking at getting the replacement motor, but wonder if my windlass/gearbox is worth rebuilding. The shaft seems frozen into the gearbox. I am under the impression that I should be able to rotate the shaft when the motor is not engaged for manual operation, but cannot.

"Simpson Lawrence did make a windlass specific to Hunter called the Sprint Atlantic Modified.
What made that unit different from a standard Sprint Atlantic was that the front section of the deck unit was cut out to allow the anchor rode to pass further forward of the unit and into the anchor locker.
Once the Sprint line of windlasses was discontinued, we did offer a V3 modified, which had that same cutout, but even those have fallen by the wayside.
We do not currently offer a windlass with that same cutout.
You could try to modify a current V3 windlass but that mind of modification would most likely invalidate the warranty."

 

[Buck420]

I had the same problem about 5 years ago, and was able to find another original motor by calling around. Try talking with Tim Dean at Fla. Rigging and Hydraulics, as a start.
If you can't find another motor, hopefully, your electric shop can overhaul your original.

 

[Buck420]

As far as the gear box issue, talk to a few mechanics, until you find someone who can help you free up whatever has caused it to lock up.

 

[Persy]

As expected, I'm having a tough time getting the old winch off the boat.

I've pulled the 4 main bolt holding the gearbox to the deck unit. I've pulled the gearbox down about 3", but it won't go any further. I don't see an c-clips or anything that should stop it from sliding off.

Did you take yours off yourself? If yes, can you give me some ideas on what I may be doing wrong?

I've pulled the motor off and the positive lead bolt had separated from the internal wiring. I assume it will be impossible to repair, so have to decide if I want to just replace the motor, or the entire unit. I can't get the gearbox off, so can't look at it and see what condition it's in.

Thanks for any insight or ideas!

cheers

 

[Persy]

If you have a Simpson Lawrence windlass, it probably has a Leroy Somer motor. That French-made motor is junk.

Check this link for a replacement motor. I've had one for 10+ years with zero trouble.

http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=785675&highlight=simpson lawrence

I've contacted the company at the link, thanks for the info.

I asked Buck for info on how he pulled the old winch from the boat, if you have any help on that, I would appreciate it.

Are you still using your old gearbox, or did you replace that as well?

cheers!

 

[Rich Stidger]

I've contacted the company at the link, thanks for the info.

I asked Buck for info on how he pulled the old winch from the boat, if you have any help on that, I would appreciate it.

Are you still using your old gearbox, or did you replace that as well?

cheers!

I had an Anchorman 1000 and I just replaced the motor. The new motor was about 3/8" longer than the original and that did cause me to grind some of the nearby fiberglass but it was not a big deal. In your case it may not matter at all.

 

[JamesG161]

You wanna another SWAG?

I have never heard of a "sluggish" DC motor. I have heard of a bad or corroded 12VDC connection over heating from large resistance causing low VDC on the motor.

Clean, polish both the terminals and connectors bright. Reconnect, put your Voltmeter across the positive/negative terminals and see what the meter reads when you activate you windlass.

Jim..

PS: I was about to replace mine, when my helper asked, "Is this red wire supposed be lose?":dance:

 

[Persy]

I've pulled the motor off and found

. Positive lead was melted/corroded and barely making contact
. The positive lead bolt was 90% disconnected from internal cables I guess due to heat from bad connections

I assume it can't be fixed so need to find a new motor I guess.

You wanna another SWAG?

I have never heard of a "sluggish" DC motor. I have heard of a bad or corroded 12VDC connection over heating from large resistance causing low VDC on the motor.

Clean, polish both the terminals and connectors bright. Reconnect, put your Voltmeter across the positive/negative terminals and see what the meter reads when you activate you windlass.

Jim..

PS: I was about to replace mine, when my helper asked, "Is this red wire supposed be lose?":dance:

 

[Buck420]

I've pulled the motor off and found

. Positive lead was melted/corroded and barely making contact
. The positive lead bolt was 90% disconnected from internal cables I guess due to heat from bad connections

I assume it can't be fixed so need to find a new motor I guess.

Before you assume it can't be fixed, take it to the alternator shop and let them take a look at it.... nothing ventured, nothing gained.
I, personally, have not had to ( or tried to ) remove the gear box, only the motor, so, not sure about getting it out.
Have you tried calling the people at Hunterowners.com store. Even if they don't have a motor ( or an entire windless ), they may be able to give you a lead or two.

 

[Rich Stidger]

Before you assume it can't be fixed, take it to the alternator shop and let them take a look at it.... nothing ventured, nothing gained.
I, personally, have not had to ( or tried to ) remove the gear box, only the motor, so, not sure about getting it out.
Have you tried calling the people at Hunterowners.com store. Even if they don't have a motor ( or an entire windless ), they may be able to give you a lead or two.

Good advice- You might be surprised what a good motor shop can do. Lots of the hardware can be replaced.