Windless brushes (AnchorMate)

[Jdiamond]

Hi I have been having troubles with my windless stopping when I am bringing up the anchor, she goes sweet for a bit then stops, my brother was flaking the anchor and seen a little bit of smoke from under by the motor.

So I later took it apart to investigate and think it needs new brushes? does this sound right? the four bits look a a little worn. I am assuming these are the brushes.?

Also ANy one know where I can get these? The brand of Windless is ANCHORMATE, or can you get others that go in different applications that will fit if you look around?

cheers

[Cotemar]

Jdiamond,

Make sure the brushes move freely. I had the same problem and it turned out that the brushes were too tight and would not push up against the armature firmly.
I took the brushes out and sanded all four sides and it worked for year’s trouble free after that.

Mark

[Dockhead]

Considering that electric windlasses cost a couple thousand dollars at a minimum, it would sure be nice if the makers could use some kind of more suitable electric motor than the non-marinized automobile starter motors most of them use.

I've not seen a single windlass that looks really perfect. Lighthouse windlasses have the motor vertical under the deck where only a single seal keeps saltwater from pouring in (and frequently doesn't keep saltwater pouring in). The crappiness of Lewmar windlasses like mine needs no comment. Lofrans look pretty good I guess. But what we need is a proper marinized, heavy duty, continuous duty motor, gearbox with precision gears and ball bearings and full oil bath with changeable oil, band brakes, nice manual function like the Lighthouse, motor mounted horizontally and with a couple of levels of seals so that sea water does not want to pour in.

Grrrr.

End rant.

[Jdiamond]

Cheers, Cotemar, when you say move freely do you mean on the springs? I have not had a chance to look closely but I was told and it makes sense that they are on springs holding them to the armature.

Dockhead, luckily this is the first problem I have had with a windlass, but I hear you even the few times I have had to pull up chain by hand sucks.

I wouldn't mind buying some spare brushes as I will be even further away from home if it does decide to go again, any ideas on a supplier?

[Cotemar]

Jdiamond,

Brushes should move freely in the brass sleeve shown here.
Mine where actually hard to take out of the brass sleeve.