Windlass failing -- 25 amp replacement?

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thinwater
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Windlass failing -- 25 amp replacement?

Post by thinwater »

My Sprint 500 seems to be going south. I'm guessing, from the sound, that it's been running dry for a while and the bearings are gone. Once in a while it jams-up. Yes, I suppose I could open it, grease it and replace a few things, and hope. Parts seem to be available. One the other hand, the case seems seized-up and getting it out will be unpleasant. I would rather simply replace the windlass in kind, but it's discontinued and I can't find anything compatible.

I could up-grade to the V700... but that's 45A vs 25A and pulling the wire would be a big drag. Expensive, too, what with breakers and all. I really don't want or need more power.

I don't want an on-deck windlass. The Horizon 500 would do, but I would rather have a clean deck.

Any ideas, anything in the way of a 25A vertical windlass? I really wouldn't mind a little FRP work, if need be.
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Mongoosemagic
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Re: Windlass failing -- 25 amp replacement?

Post by Mongoosemagic »

I installed a Quick windlass a few years ago and it seems to be holding up well.
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Re: Windlass failing -- 25 amp replacement?

Post by thinwater »

How about the Lewmar V700? Any expereinces? It seems the wire is big enough for 45 amps and I think the Spring 500 is toast; lots of corrosion.
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Re: Windlass failing -- 25 amp replacement?

Post by amytom »

Drew,

I have the Lewmar V700 and I'm very happy with it. I'll send a few pictures of my setup later.

Tom
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Re: Windlass failing -- 25 amp replacement?

Post by thinwater »

I would very much appriciate that. A picture can save an hour of fiddling!

It seems pretty straight forward. I didn't have any trouble pulling the old one. I figure the hole and the bolts will require a little filling and re-drilling, and I'll have to mount a new solinoid and breaker. But the extra umph shoud be nice.
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Re: Windlass failing -- 25 amp replacement?

Post by thinwater »

It turns out the V77 is close to a drop-in replacement. It is more powerful (35 amps vs 25 amps) and so contactors and breakers need replaced, but the kit includes everything and the fitting is simple. A few hours. The wire is large enough (#8, and the motor leads on the V700 are only #10).

I posted the details:
http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/2012/ ... plant.html
Writing full time since 2014.
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