Can you identify this windlass?

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by US1Fountain

2 of the pictures are of the windlass

So that 3 bolt pattern holds the gypsy on and is a view from above? Sure is a strange beast.

[US1Fountain]

Originally Posted by Paul L

So that 3 bolt pattern holds the gypsy on and is a view from above? Sure is a strange beast.

Yes, the 2 pictures are taken from above, looking straight down on top of it.

I agree, its a real stumper. I have the Maxwell motor, large control box mounted by the motor, dash mounted remote switch, and the good size circuit breaker box in the bilge by the batteries, all with Maxwell logos. But nothing that hints to the model. Im not discounting the thought that the motor is mated to a non Maxwell windlass.

[buzzstar]

Originally Posted by US1Fountain

2 of the pictures are of the windlass

I am not being snarky, but there is nothing I can identify as the working part of of a windlass, such as a gypsy or wildcat. I guess old age has its disadvantages, even if coupled with experience. Sorry.

[Alan Mighty]

Originally Posted by US1Fountain

I agree, its a real stumper. I have the Maxwell motor, large control box mounted by the motor, dash mounted remote switch, and the good size circuit breaker box in the bilge by the batteries, all with Maxwell logos. But nothing that hints to the model. Im not discounting the thought that the motor is mated to a non Maxwell windlass.

A question or two while we wait for the VetusMaxwell expert:

1. is this a power boat or a sail boat? Where was it built?

The low profile models of Maxwell from the 1990s were the Freedom windlasses. Many of them were fitted to power boats that used cordage rodes rather than sail boats that might use both chain and cordage. And not a few were installed 'inside' an anchor well, meaning under a flap that could be lowered so the deck was free of toe stubbing projections.

This is not a Maxwell Freedom. And that adds weight to the idea that a boat builder or an owner might have used a Maxwell Cima motor either at boat construction or to replace some other motor.

2. Could you use a mirror to examine the upper surface, the surface closest to the overhead, of the gearbox near where the Maxwell motor mates with the gearbox? That was a favoured place for stamping serial numbers, part numbers, brand names etc.

3. Does the underside of the gearbox have any lettering or numbers? I can almost imagine that I see something there in you photo, but I'm not sure.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by buzzstar

I am not being snarky, but there is nothing I can identify as the working part of of a windlass, such as a gypsy or wildcat. I guess old age has its disadvantages, even if coupled with experience. Sorry.

First two photos, zoom in and look to the upper left....chain is entering re wildcat.

[US1Fountain]

The boat is a 1993 34’ Baja 340 Motoryacht. It is your typical inland cruiser. Think Searay, Rinker, etc

I will try to use a mirror to look for the serial number on top of the gearbox. I see that is the location it’s cast at from all the manuals I have searched thru. The boat has a control box mounted in the chain locker, a dash remote switch, and a large circuit breaker box located in the bildge by the battery. All with Maxwell tags. The battery cables where ran during boat construction. Not a add on. Or at least this boat was prewired for a windlass. So at 1 time it did have a Maxwell windlass unless Baja used Maxwell parts for the prewire. Now whether the deck unit itself has been replaced by the current unit, utilizing all the existing Maxwell parts, I don’t know. It has crossed my mind that the Maxwell motor was installed on this unit, but why? A search of other same boats of this model and yr have not been productive. Some have no windlass or a different model.

The chain end that is barely visible, is just a general rubber coated 6’ long chain attached to the rope and does not enter the windlass. The anchor rope was retrieved until the chain link bottomed against the windlass. I have not verified if the gypsy is a rope only or a rope/chain gypsy. I’ve only had the boat for 3 weeks before I hauled it home for a winter cleaning project and never left the dock. I just powered the windlass up/ down a foot to verify it worked.

I believe since it is an unusual (not the more common) looking unit is why a few have asked for a top view of the deck unit, when in fact the pics are of the top overhead view.

[Alan Mighty]

Originally Posted by Alan Mighty

3. Does the underside of the gearbox have any lettering or numbers? I can almost imagine that I see something there in you photo, but I'm not sure.

Could just be a part number moulded into the gearbox casing. But it looks more stamped than moulded into the cast. Can you clean and check?

[US1Fountain]

Originally Posted by JOHNMARDALL

Please send your information and photographs to Will Vrooman , windlass guru at VetusMaxwell (wvrooman@vetus.com), and he will be able to tell you what you've got.

all the best
John Mardall
Vetus Maxwell Group

I emailed and received a response within minutes. He confirmed it is a
Maxwell R800, rope only unit. This model was made for just a few yrs, then replaced with the RC lineup. He has no digital manuals, thus the unsuccessful search on the Maxwell obsolete line.