Anchor winch question, advice needed

[sully4]

Hi Guys,
I have a 258 journey with the factory fitted lewmar winch. Love the boat but unsure on the winch.
On my old boat i had a drum style winch (called a "stressfree" in Aus.) and it was awesome, no slippage and heaps of grunt.
My local waterway is extreme with tides and i find it takes many goes to get the anchor up and in.I don't believe the type of anchor is the issue.
The rode bunches up and then jams therefore having to drop it a little to start the process again. This would happen 4-8 times on a return.
Should i be doing something special? I motor over the chain when pulling it in, and have tried a few different methods but i have never got the anchor totally in on the first try without the rope jamming.
Should i buy the type of winch i had before???
Thanks in advance
Glenn

 

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

Sounds like you have too much rope in there and don't have the height for the rope to drop.

 

[journeyman]

I have 300' of 1/2 line in my 258 anchor locker and there's plenty of room. Sometimes, when there is no tension on the line, it will bunch up in the Gypsy and I will have to drop to un-bunch (not very correct nautical language is it? :lol: )

What kind and size line are you using. 3 strand, Plaited? Too big (or small) could be an issue.

I always thought it was normal to have a bunch-up or two during a retrieve. Maybe others can weigh in and straighten us both out.

 

[sully4]

Not sure on the size of rope.Its plaited and very soft and supple. Its the chain and rope supplied with the boat from grady, so i ussume its the right size, type and length.
If there is too much tension when pulling it up it just won't pull it up, so i have to drive up on it a little.
Thanks for any feedback.
Glenn

 

[journeyman]

If there is too much tension when pulling it up it just won't pull it up, so i have to drive up on it a little.

I've found that when I'm in a situation where there's a heavy current or wind and I'm really taut on the anchor then I need to drive up on the hook. The windlass isn't made for that much stress. If it is slipping uder tension then use the wrench to tighten it up a little.

Normally, I shift just into gear as I retrieve so there isn't any strain on the windlass and my 1st Mate (the one most thankful this boat has a windlass :lol: ) gives me direction and progress reports.

 

[AndyK]

Winch

Hi Sully
I used to have the same problems with my old winch on my Seafarer Voyager, drove me nuts. I changed to the Stress Free winch and as the name suggests it was stress free. I recently updated to their free fall version - very clever design.

I am just looking at a 258 Journey, do you know if the Stress Free winch will fit.
I would be keen to call you and have a chat about your new boat to get a feel for how well it handles and your likes and dislikes.
If you wouldn't mind taking a call could you please email me andyp@neways.com.au and I will call you.
Thanks
Andy

 

[magicalbill]

I have the same problem with my Lewmar winch that I ordered from the factory.(I have a 232 Gulfstream.)
When the rode catches and bunches up, I do what you do..Just drop it back down and then bring it up again.
I find that it tends to spool up better when there is a SLIGHT tension on the rode that keeps any slack out.At the same time, I'm careful not to pull the whole weight of the boat forward with the winch alone, but just enough tension lets it wrap correctly.

 

[sully4]

magicalbill,
After much angst i have finally sorted the problem out! its the rope.
my grady came with this super soft supple plaited rope. After speaking with lewmar agents in brisbane (aus) they sent me their recommendation rope for the winch, i think it was 12mm nylon. It has done the trick, no more jamming and happy days!
Cheers

 

[magicalbill]

Good!
I might have to do the same then..