Simpson Lawrence Horizon 600 Windlass Problem

[Buck]

Grady Owners,

Due to an emergency situation that resulted in a person operating my windlass who was unfamiliar with its limitations, my windlass has been damaged. It still functions both up and down, but will not hold tension on the rode once the anchor is snug on the bowsprit.

I have searched the archives and found some guidance which reflects the data in the owner's manual for the 400 or 500 series windlass, but the 600 is different. I have checked the clutch nut on the outside of the gypsy. I have also opened up the windlass and there were no visible broken teeth or slipping gears. The only part I was unable to see was the connection between the main drive gear and the electric motor itself.

I don't know of any boatyards or windlass repair shops in SE Louisiana so I believe I am on my own. My current solution is to put a snubber or chain retainer device on the pulpit to hold the tension and keep the anchor shank and chain from banging on the deck. But I don't want to drill another hole and put another piece of hardware on my deck.

The cost and pain of pulling the entire windlass off the boat and sending it off for repair is more than I want to incur. I also believe that I could repair a part if I could determine what was required.

Any guesses?

Buck

 

[Gman25]

I once had a powerwinch freefall that did the same thing you described. I called the company and they fixed it for me free, but it is a PITA taking it off the boat,shipping it and being without it for a couple of weeks. While talking to them about the problem, they knew exactly what the problem was and what had to be done to fix it...kinda like there was a design flaw and they would fix them as the calls came in.

 

[Buck]

Could you send me the number of the place you called and used? Or did you mean "Powerwinch" is another brand?

 

[eppem]

Give them a call, great company. We had problems with ours and they fixed it no charge...worth the effort t remove the windless.

 

[Gman25]

I believe Simpson Lawrence was taken over by Lewmar. I also had a problem with my SL and after removing that one from my Marlin, I brought it to the local dealer. (That too was doing the same thing..It could not hold the rode at anchor). When he opened it up it was filled with water. Thankfully It was waranteed and it was replaced with the Lewmar v700. The nice thing about this one is it has a clutch so there isnt as much strain on the motor. If there is a shock on the rode the clutch will give way then hold firm and its adjustable.There is also a "ratchet" switch that will lock the rode in place without placing ANY pressure on the windlass motor. Its a great design IMO.

 

[ocnslr]

... but will not hold tension on the rode once the anchor is snug on the bowsprit.

That windlass, like most others, has a clear note in the owner's manual that the windlass is NOT designed to hold the anchor under load.

You may be able to simply readjust the clutch, or it may have to be replaced.

But you should start securing the anchor rode and not "ride to the windlass".

Brian

 

[Buck]

Just to close this issue out for purposes of anyone searching the site looking for answers... My problem turned out to be (embarrassingly) the easiest answer of all. After taking the windlass apart and then reassembling I decided to tighten the nut on the outside of the capstan/gypsy. I was convinced it didn't need it but tried anyway. After I turned it about an entire turn, the windlass resumed its normal operation. Sure wish I had gone ahead and checked that first.
Buck

 

[ahill]

First do NOT use the windlass to snug the anchor in bowsprit or at anchor. It jams the multi gear. I know from experience on my 272. Get an anchor chain lock many suppliers on line plus usual marine stores. Prices vary dramatically so shop around.I had to disassemble the windlass call Horizon (same thing) and get instructions the gear functions up and down thru uni directional bearing. Yours hasn't locked up yet so you're lucky.
At times my windlass would not hold rode. After paying out I would hit up for a couple of seconds and ut would then hold.
Sounds like your multi gear may be the culprit though.