1986 Lofrans Tigres windlass

[clarissa]

We have a 1986 Lofrans Tigres windlass and are unable to find a parts manual for servicing it. All research we have done only brings up manuals for newer units. Any out there? (Presently refurbishing it)
We use it on an 86 Jeanneau Sun Legende 41. It is located in anchor locker with G43 chain. No problem lifting anchor and flaking chain, but hard to keep chain on gypsy when deploying anchor. Any suggestions on how others have yours set up to make it work?

[dsteinfeld]

Hopefully these will help you

[CassidyNZ]

Looking at your picture, I believe your chain pitch is incorrect for the gypsy. This is quite a critical dimension and “near enough” is unfortunately not “good enough”.

The difference is probably a metric chain in an imperial gypsy or vice versa. The way the matching of the chain was tested by my chain supplier was to hold the gypsy in your hand and wrap the chain around it. The last link when you get around to the start point must still be an accurate fit.

If you look at your picture, the second link (RH) already begins to noticeably overlap the aperture on the gypsy. By the time you get around the other side, it will no longer be in the aperture at all.

I’ve re-posted your picture. The top arrow shows the chain almost centrally seated in the aperture with an even gap back and front. The left lower arrow shows a gap between chain and the LH shoulder of the next aperture and then the right lower arrow points to the second link already over-lapping the RH shoulder.

My Tigres gave me endless trouble with chain jumping out of the gypsy (nearly lost 2 fingers because of it) until my chain supplier accurately matched the new chain to the gypsy. Now it still occasionally jumps but it is quite unusual. I now routinely reel in 40 metres of chain without it jumping once.

Try the wrap-round test - it may answer your question.

[Tayana42]

We had the same trouble with the chain jumping off of our Lofrans Tigres windlass (1989 model). Ours is also mounted in a well on the foredeck so the angle is just less than the 90 degrees it should be. In my case replacing the gypsy fixed the problem. The original gypsy was apparently worn slightly, enough to not properly capture the chain. Jim Thomas, Product Manager at Imtra Corp was very helpful in solving our problem.
508-995-7000
www.imtra.com

[moseriw]

All parts still available with Lofrans. Good windlass no need to change anything but the motor to 1500W

[Tayana42]

Sorry