simpson lawrence electric windlass manual

This limits the amount of power they can develop, based on length of the handle, but allows them to be more compact and very simple in construction. Some manual windlasses rotate in a vertical axis like a sheet winch. Two–speed windlasses are similar to two–speed sheet winches: they have a fast, low–power speed for easy pulling, and a slow, high–power speed for increased power. Manual windlasses come in one and two–speed models, and most are double–action, meaning that the windlass pulls on both forward and backward strokes. Their chief advantages are relatively low price, no need for electrical wiring and their relative simplicity, which reduces maintenance and the chance of failure. Because they require you to be on deck to raise or lower your anchor, they’re generally limited to small– to medium–sized boats. They also ratchet in one direction so the rode does not run backwards. Manual windlasses multiply your strength through mechanical advantage. All boats need a roller to pass the anchor rode smoothly over the rail of the boat. Other boats store the anchor in chocks or a locker on deck. Most boats have an anchor roller/mount that stores the anchor when not in use. Windlasses generally mount in the center of the boat’s foredeck, aligned with an anchor roller of some sort. We’ll examine the first two types, as hydraulic windlasses are generally used only on very large vessels.

Windlasses are powered by one of three methods: muscle power (manual), electricity or hydraulics. Windlasses reduce the effort required to raise or lower your anchor and rode with electrical power, or by adding mechanical advantage to your muscle power. Rather than downsize your boat or use inadequate ground tackle, consider installing a windlass.

Configuring your windlass (including photos)Īs boats become larger, the size of their anchors increases to a point where they cannot be weighed by hand.

I had no idea the grease was so critical, and so unavailable. To low a viscosity and the grease will not separate and lubricate the moving parts (and may leak out of the case), to high and it will interfer with proper function of the springs with the gears. The thickeners in the grease function something like sponges, releasing the lubricating fluid (base oil & additives).

Greases with identical NLGI grade could have very different base-oil viscosities. The oil used determines the base-oil viscosity. The NLGI grade is critical - primarily a function of thickener used in the grease formulation. Fortunately, Tim Dean at Florida Rigging & Hydraulics re-discovered a 5 gallon container of the Starfak 00 (its no longer made) and shipped me the 5lbs I needed.

Of course, I disassembled before I had the grease in hand, originally Texaco, then Starfax 00 (NLGI Grade 0/00), then Shell Retinax TL 00, then Shell Gadus S2 V220 00 about 3 years ago.

Simpson lawrence electric windlass manual