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[Porchhound]

Found a photo of the windlass. The arrow points at a slide (unfortunately it's on the aft side with just a bit showing). This lever is supposed to slide in a groove to allow the windlass to release for free fall, but it won't budge, so the windlass only retrieves while cranking. I'm trying to find info/manual to see if I'm just missing a step or if it's broken.

[KWKloeber]

Call Peter Linwick @ Fla. Rigging and Hydraulics.  Tell him I said that if he can’t help you the answer doesn’t exist.

[Porchhound]

Thanks. I will!

[Phil Spicer]

 Found this Lewmar listed in the 2000 catalog as a 800/1000 windlass. Could this be what you are looking for?

[Porchhound]

BINGO! Thanks, Phil. Now maybe I can figure out what's wrong.

[LogoFreak]

I have that exact same windlass, to let it free fall you just need to loosen the clutch. Use one of your winch handles to loosen it (counter clockwise). You can see the where the winch handle goes on the top “plate”.

[Porchhound]

Thanks, Antoni. I've tried the counters clockwise with the handle and it won't budge. Does it have to haver weight of the anchor/ chain pulling on it? Any idea how to disassemble it?

[LogoFreak]

No weight needed from the anchor, if it won’t budge then it’s seized somehow. Turning that plate counterclockwise is how you take it apart. After you remove that the chain stripper and the gypsy can be removed. I have a diagram with an exploded view of it, could email it to you if you’d like.

[KWKloeber]

Would you add the diagram to the wiki?

[Porchhound]

Thanks, Antoni. Please send the diagram. Do you use the handle counter clockwise to take it apart? There is a small black plastic cap covering something also.

[Porchhound]

Just an update on this windlass. Using more force on the winch handle I was able to move it counter-clockwise and free it up so the free-fall function would work. I used a ball peen hammer to tap the slide lock over and loosen it up. Taking the windlass apart I re-greased it and sprayed wd40 on the dogs and the slide lock lever, reassembled it, and it works great.

[Ron Hill]

Porch : It is definitely a Lewmar.  If you look in WiKi or the Mainsheet tech notes you'll see where I mounted a similar Lewmar Windlass inside the double door anchor well (vertical installation). 

You can do the same with your windlass if you're tired of having it on the deck.  My chain or nylon falls beautify into my split (for a 2nd anchor rode) anchor well. There are pictures and all the "How To " details!!   

A thought

[Porchhound]

Thanks, Ron. I'll look at that.