Hunter P42 Windlass

[Lyle]

I have the original Maxwell VW800 windlass installed on my 1994 P42 with 210' of chain and 200' rode. This windless is capable of reversing but Hunter in their wisdom decided not to install that additional feature. I have been using the clutch to freefall the chain and anchor but the problem that sometimes crops up (especially anchoring in deep water of 80 - 100 feet) is the chain is difficult to release in a controlled manner with the clutch with all that weight hanging straight down and will pop off the gypsy resulting in all the chain paying out uncontrollably. I have been thinking of installing a reversing solenoid and another foot switch to hopefully solve this - has anyone done this? Also I usually feed the chain by hand into the anchor locker as it comes off the gypsy when retrieving it to keep the chain from bunching up (which is a result of a not deep enough anchor locker and insufficient drop for the chain). It is a little more labour intensive - especially when retrieving a lot of chain- but it does work. Part of the issue obviously is that I have a lot more chain and rode than Hunter ever designed the boat for so the chain drop is not very high but I have to admit I am rather frustrated with the system and am looking for feedback from other P42 owners as to how they handle it. I would also like to replace the windlass at some point with a more powerful model - I believe the Maxwell 1500 is pretty much the same footprint and would install in the same spot with little modification required. Unfortunately the geometry and capacity of the anchor locker limits any other changes.

 

[Paul Cossman]

P42 Windlass upgrade

For MANY complaints and discussions on the Passage 42 windlass, try using the search engine on this website using my name (Paul Cossman), my boat's name (Sabina), and "windlass." You should find quite a bit. I have always suffered from the same issues with the tailing of the chain rode (I used to carry 350' of 5/16" chain, and now carry 300' of 3/8" chain). Same issues with the dropping of the rode as well. I generally wear gloves and manually hold onto the chain as the anchor drops and sets.

I replaced the original windlass with the Maxwell VWC 1200. It was an easy replacement except for the collar. The new collar had a different bolt pattern, and I was loathe to drill new holes, so I just had the old collar machined to accept the larger diameter main shaft. It works great, and I appreciate the significant boost in power. It came with a reversing solenoid and foot switch. I had also planned to install the second switch and try the lowering-under-power approach. That was in 1999, and it's still on my list . . . .

Cheers,
Paul

 

[ttac]

Hello, Our PO had changed our windless so it has a down button on it. I will try to post some pictures of the setup when I get to the boat this weekend.
We have a 42 Passage (1991), the button on top of the hump is our down button, I think this was the up button before, my up button is down in the locker on the starboard side near our bow water tank fill cap. It is set up so I can sit down and use my right foot to work the button and have both hands free to tail the windless and wash the chain on its way in. It works really good. I'm not sure what maxwell windless I have but I will let you know when I post the pictures.

 

[Lyle]

Thank you for the input. I did do a search for related posts but for some reason only 1 thread came through. Does the chain jump the gypsy at all when you use the down switch? It seems to me that is the way to go. Putting down a 45lb anchor and 200' of chain by hand is pretty hard on the back. A picture would be great if you can manage to get one.

 

[ttac]

Hello, I'm back with the picture's of our windless setup. Our windless is a Maxwell 800.
When we use the down button we need to keep an eye on the chain as we pay it out, it will jump off the gypsy if not carful. Our windless runs faster then I like! Up or Down! In the one picture you can see how I use the side of my foot to run the up button. Our relay box is mounted right buy the motor below deck. ( sorry no pictures )
I hope this is some help for you.
Dean

 

[Lyle]

Thanks ttac. I think I will go that route. The anchoring system on the boat isn't great overall but otherwise its a great boat!