P42 Maxwell Windlass

Terry Cox

Terry Cox

.
Dec 25, 2000
5,913
Hunter Passage 42 Shelter Bay, WA
Just published an article in the Boat Info tab that describes the Maxwell windlass that Hunter equipped on our 1991 model year. Unsure whether Hunter used this particular windlass on all model years, but for those who have it, hope it helps you. That article is here: Hunter 42 Owner Modifications and Upgrades

There was no information about the windlass when we took possession in 2002. It just always worked, so no worries. At some point the machine may act up and if so I'll have something to go on. So it only took me twenty years to get to this point, eh?

My other article that describes the clutch handle that did not come with our boat you can read and see here: Hunter 42 Owner Modifications and Upgrades
 
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Jim_H42

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Apr 21, 2017
75
Hunter 42 Passage Punta Gorda
Thanks Terry for the write-up.

Did you ever determine whether the flat head machine screw that secures the drum/gypsy and clutch plate to the drive shaft was right or left hand thread?

My 1992 H42 also has the VW700/2 windlass. The only PDF's I could find were related to VW500 and VW800 models.

For reference, I've include pictures of some of the related wiring from my Hunter Owners Manual.Maxwell Wiring1.jpgMaxwell Wiring2.jpg

I've done one modification to add a Wireless Winch Remote Control Kit. Since it's handheld I can easily watch over the bow as the anchor is raised. It was quite inexpensive from amazon and has worked well for 2 years. Since I didn't have a lot of faith in the handheld, I did wire it up so the windlass so it will work with either the wireless remote of the foot switch .

This is the wireless unit:

In looking at my windlass motor, I'm pretty sure that it could be made to also lower the anchor. Although I haven't done this project yet I believe this could be accomplished with Reversing Polarity DC Contactor such as this one:

 
Terry Cox

Terry Cox

.
Dec 25, 2000
5,913
Hunter Passage 42 Shelter Bay, WA
Jim_H42 said:
Did you ever determine whether the flat head machine screw that secures the drum/gypsy and clutch plate to the drive shaft was right or left hand thread?
Click to expand
Hi Jim, thanks for the good input. Yes, a Vetus rep was pretty sure that it is a right hand thread machine screw.

Likely will not go with a remote or motor down option. Since our anchor well is pretty full of both main and spare anchor and rode, I prefer to pay in everything by hand at the bow to help prevent any bunching under the gypsy thus a jam. That way I can keep an eye on the process, inspect gear as it goes out and comes in, etc. Having a mix of chain and rope requires that I must transfer the rode from the drum to the gypsy once the shackle reaches the windlass.

Been doing it this way for years with rarely an issue. Installing a kellet, as I do, using a remote would further complicated matters.
 
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