Leak at windlass

onecoolair · Oct 18, 2012

Sweating was and issue for mine. Was so bad I had to wrap the steel shaft on the bottom side of mine with butyl rubber flashing tape and also the compartment area under windless needs to be well ventilated. Also had to jury rig a drip pan under steel shaft of windless with drain to bilge.

Tricia · Oct 18, 2012

Mine leaked.

Water would enter through the clutch handle hole and collect in the base until it filled and spilled down where the chain passed down into the locker. A canvas cover solved the problem.

catsailor · Oct 18, 2012

You mean that is follows the chain/rope in to the chain locker? Of course.

There should be a drain in the locker. Otherwise, you're going to need to cover and possibly remove the chain and plug the hole in real waves.

Ken13559 · Oct 19, 2012

xsiddr said:
Just finished rebedding the windlass. It still leaks!
Am I missing something? The water seems to come in via the windlass not at the deck joint. Is it just a normal thing for water to come in thru the windlass? Should I just keep it covered with canvas? Thanks Damp Bob
Da

I assume you have a verticle windlass. Remove the drum and gypsey (spell?) exposing the shaft. Pack the base around shaft with grease to seal the bearing and gap. Assemble everything back.

seadaddler · Oct 19, 2012

Seal

Yes the windlass has a wiper seal down inside it and most likely that is what is leaking,mine leaks also and I did pack it with heavy grease and has seem to help.
I have not checked it lately but you should pack grease down in under the drum any way to keep it from getting corisson,take the drum and a plate with one screw so you can lifting the shaft only a few inches and than paqck in a good grease.
Nick

Mike8245 · Oct 20, 2012

Re: Seal

Replace the seal and might just as well replace the bearing under it now that is is probably rusted. Did mine a couple of years ago and no problems since. Was able to buy the seal from Defender, but noone had the bearing. I was able to read the international bearing number with a magnifying glass after gently taking it out making sure not to damage the number. after googling it turns out it was the same as some motorcycle front axle bearing- cheap like $8. The leak is probably caused by the bearing going bad(excess movement) such that the seal can't seal anymore. Pay very close attention to mounting the top and bottom units parallel so the bearing and seal are not in a bind. Best of luck. Mike

Mike8245 · Oct 22, 2012

If yours is like mine, the mounting of the top unit(gypsy) and the bottom unit(motor) must be aligned properly. If yours is so new the bearing is probably alright at this point. The problem with mine was the alignment was off such that the seal was being stretched oblong. It had no chance of sealing all due to improper installation. If yours is like mine, maybe this will help. Mike

Ken13559 · Oct 22, 2012

Mine is the Simpson Lawrence unit that come with the boat. When I strip it to replace the motor (permanent magnets was breaking and falling off) I also replaces the shaft bearing, C-clips and clean up the shaft(rusted) and all. The whole assembly seems pretty loose and wide in tolerance. Its important to pack the shaft, bearing and base plate with grease otherwise and any wash water will find its way down the shaft and into the cabin. I suppose other make may be different.