How does this windlass work?

[rpeebles]

What is the extra handle hole for?

[roverhi]

Speculation but the center shaft is possibly geared for power but low speed. The off center puka is one to one ungeared for speed but no mechanical advantage so a grunt to use. Just a guess without the winch to actually try.

[tkeithlu]

You'll probably find that the off center socket is the shaft for one of the planatary gears between the cenmter shaft and the outer casing.

[rslifkin]

If this is an electric windlass (guessing by the foot switches), the center hole is likely to adjust the clutch and the outer hole is for manual retrieval (after loosening the clutch and likely engaging a lock pawl to only allow 1 directional movement).

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by rslifkin

If this is an electric windlass (guessing by the foot switches), the center hole is likely to adjust the clutch and the outer hole is for manual retrieval (after loosening the clutch and likely engaging a lock pawl to only allow 1 directional movement).

I’ll second this.

[Shrew]

Originally Posted by rslifkin

If this is an electric windlass (guessing by the foot switches), the center hole is likely to adjust the clutch and the outer hole is for manual retrieval (after loosening the clutch and likely engaging a lock pawl to only allow 1 directional movement).

I'll 'third' this.

[rpeebles]

Do you think the box under may contain the motor? I hate to drive a long distance without knowing more. The seller is not very knowledgeable.

[Sailmonkey]

The motor will be in the chai locker. The “box” is to raise the gypsy up for a fair lead to the bow roller

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by rpeebles

Do you think the box under may contain the motor? I hate to drive a long distance without knowing more. The seller is not very knowledgeable.Attachment 241978

I doubt it very much.. the 'Box' (timber block) is likely there to raise the windlass to an appropriate height for the chain angle from the roller to be acceptable, the motor will be in the chain locker below the deck.
But... I could be wrong..

[jmh2002]

Video of the offset socket in action during manual operation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fBsJQYbLNo

[Wotname]

That is a combined capstan/gypsy windlass.

The capstan can be manually operated separately to the gypsy. With the clutch disengaged (by using the centre socket), the capstan can be rotated by hand using a winch handle in the offset socket while the gypsy remains stationary.

[Wotname]

FWIW, the electric motor will be about the same size as a starter motor for a 50 hp diesel engine.