Replacing a windlass that is (maybe) beyond repair

[Toubab]

Hey everyone! I have a vertical Lewmar windlass on my 38' Beneteau that doesn't work. It has never worked since I bought the boat. I don't think it's an electrical problem because I can't get it to turn manually either. I also can't find any sort of documentation or manual for it. The only things it says on it are "Lewmar" and "1000." Here are some pictures:




I was told by the guy at my local shop that if it won't spin at all, it's not worth trying to repair it. So my questions are: 1) Is that true? Should I just replace it? and 2) What should I replace it with that will work well for me and will not cost me an arm and a leg in both purchase price and amount of modification to fit it in the current location?

Thanks!

[Stumble]

Before I junked it I would pull it apart and try to figure out what is wrong. I have seen more than one windlass seized, where the only thing wrong was that the break had corroded and prevented the drum from spinning. At the same time I wouldn't be in a hurt to buy parts for one that old without knowing exactly what was wrong.

As for replacements... There are a number of issues... what size anchor and tackle you use, if you need a capstan for it or not, the voltage/power available, ect.

[noelex 77]

If the windlass is seized when you apply 12v power there should be some noise (a thunk) heat and other signs of distress. If you are getting nothing I would suspect an electrical problem.
These are very common and usually not difficult to fix.

Check you are getting 12v at the motor terminals.

The fact that you cannot turn it by hand is not a good sign, but the worm drives gearboxes used on these winches self lock. There are some mechanisms incorporated to turn them by hand, but sometimes they are optional extras, or can jam without effecting the winch's function.

Don't assume because it has a winch handle slot in the top that it can necessarily be operated manually although that is usually the case.

It looks in reasonable condition externally and I would not give up on it without some further investigation.

[ranger58sb]

Have you consulted Lewmar?

-Chris

[forsailbyowner]

I would do an exploratory surgery. 'Wont know whats up till you take a look.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by forsailbyowner

I would do an exploratory surgery. 'Wont know whats up till you take a look.

Yep, should be a good reliable windlass. Get it out, test the motor, make sure everything is lubed etc. You can probably test/remove the Motor without removing the windlass.? If the motor is the issue, if there are any old fashioned auto electrical shops, they can likely rebuild the motor for you... if it's just brushes. Are you sure it's getting 12Volts?
It is possible having been a charter boat that the windlass took a lot of abuse... includding riding at anchor on the chain only. So hard to say... start with Voltage and motor function.
I would replace with a vertical Maxwell, at least a 1500. Windlasses are expensive and important, fix that one or get a good one. Later: Thinking about this....actually, if another 1000 was the same footprint I would probably use that....

[Blue Stocking]

Thank your lucky stars it is a Lewmar. At least you can talk to someone about it.
If it was a Muir, I'd just suggest you trash it.

[noelex 77]

Originally Posted by Blue Stocking

Thank your lucky stars it is a Lewmar. At least you can talk to someone about it.
If it was a Muir, I'd just suggest you trash it.

I have had a couple of muir anchor winches and always found their customer service very good.
Try their headquarters in Australia with any technical problems.

[casual]

I 2nd contacting Lewmar. Had a problem with a pro 1000 contacted Tec help on the net they diagnosed the problem directed me to a supplier had the part shipped to a marina along the ICW. I picked it installed it. Two yrs latter all is well.Lewmar was great.

[wsmurdoch]

Originally Posted by Blue Stocking

Thank your lucky stars it is a Lewmar. At least you can talk to someone about it.
If it was a Muir, I'd just suggest you trash it.

I have a circa 1988 Muir 800 with capstan and chainwheel. Muir in Australia and IMTRA in the US could not have been better in supplying me with manuals and parts.

[Wraith_Mac]

Maybe some visual help.
Lewmar 700-1000 pro series, 3 part strip & clean on utube.

Lewmar Windlass Tear down - YouTube

[for part 1]
Cheers,
Mac

[sailorboy1]

Probably less expensive and trouble to rebuild than replace.

Mine stopped the other day and with a new shaft bearing and a new motor it was $550. Much less than getting a new unit.

BTW - the problem was a motor magnetic came loose.

[Swedenyacht]

Same problem with the bearing, technical support from Lewmar mailed me the part and construction drawing

[Shrew]

They are actually surprisingly simple. Even if you decided to replace, you still have to remove the one that is there. I'd remove the entire thing. Id' seal the deck coring with something (even a coat of varnish for the short term while you're doing the work) then cover the hole with some preservation tape in the meantime. That should give you some time to get the old one sorted and, if necessary, buy a new one.

[charliehows]

like anything designed for the extremely corrosive marine environment, this equipment is very robust but requires occasional maintenance. If your approach to maintenance is 'chuck it away and buy a new one', good luck to you. Otherwise I'd suggest you try and develop a few basic maintenance skills or find someone to undertake maintenance for you.