Windlass Gearbox Not Dropping

[Anifares]

Looking for advice dropping the windlass gearbox and motor for a gear-oil change.
2004 Catalina 34 MK2, Maxwell VC-500 windlass.

I’ve followed all owner’s manual instructions, but the darn thing won’t drop down.

Removed topside parts and the four windlass mounting bolts. I can now jiggle and twist the below deck gear, but something is preventing it from dropping down. Tried gently tapping the shaft with rubber mallet; no luck. Tried using liquid wrench in case mounting sleeve is corroded; no luck. Scoured YouTube; no luck.

Has anyone else encountered this problem?
Thanks in advance

 

[JoeWhite]

There is a split washer at the bottom of the shaft that fits into a groove. It can be removed with a small screw driver. Do not be surprised if you were unable to remove the lower portion even after you removed the washer. I used steering wheel puller with no luck. The soluis to cut the shaft after the motor is removed.
The replacement is Maxwell RC88CAP12. The bolts match, but the chain will rub against the fiberglass. It sits back about 1/4" inch.

 

[Anifares]

There is a split washer at the bottom of the shaft that fits into a groove. It can be removed with a small screw driver. Do not be surprised if you were unable to remove the lower portion even after you removed the washer. I used steering wheel puller with no luck. The soluis to cut the shaft after the motor is removed.
The replacement is Maxwell RC88CAP12. The bolts match, but the chain will rub against the fiberglass. It sits back about 1/4" inch.

JoeWhite, thanks for your reply and link to your website, much appreciated. It's weird there's no way to drop the Maxwell VW500 gearbox without destroying the unit.