Windlass maintenance - cleaning

[amanphoto]

I am taking apart my maxwell freedom 800 windlass for preventive maintenance. I’m also replacing the pressure arm. My question is, what is the top of the windlass made of? I would like to polish out some of these blemishes, but I’m afraid that I’m going to go through the chrome plating.


Ps. The surface is smooth and all blemishes seam to be below the surface.

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[bud37]

There are all sorts of chrome cleaners out there, but try an sos pad wet......the blue ones with the soap, they work great then you can wax it after, just don't push too hard.

[tomschauer]

It should be chrome plated stainless steel.
Steel wool or and SOS pad will scratch the finish, but it looks like you may have pitting that has penetrated the chrome finish. If that is indeed the case, steel wool or SOS may get you a finish as good as you are going to get. If the pitting as not as bad as it looks, try mothers or starbrite chrome and aluminum polish.

[mjk1040]

Does your Maxwell 800 screw up a lot? I'm always replacing the stripper and tensioner that get broken? New rode and chain last year and still have issues. Thinking maybe I'm going to have to season the rode by letting it all get wet and unwind some or something. Only way I can wind in is by pulsing the return feed, any time I leave it on rewinding for long period of time I have an issue.

FYI> a full copper coin will not scratch chrome. Took the boot marks off the Harley pipes that way with Awesome and a scotch lite pad too!

[amanphoto]

QR_BBPOST Does your Maxwell 800 screw up a lot? I'm always replacing the stripper and tensioner that get broken? New rode and chain last year and still have issues. Thinking maybe I'm going to have to season the rode by letting it all get wet and unwind some or something. Only way I can wind in is by pulsing the return feed, any time I leave it on rewinding for long period of time I have an issue.

My tension piece broke in the middle of the season last year. Even with it missing, my windlass preformed flawlessly. I am running an all chain rode. I am replacing the broken piece when I reassemble it.

[amanphoto]

QR_BBPOST Does your Maxwell 800 screw up a lot? I'm always replacing the stripper and tensioner that get broken? New rode and chain last year and still have issues. Thinking maybe I'm going to have to season the rode by letting it all get wet and unwind some or something. Only way I can wind in is by pulsing the return feed, any time I leave it on rewinding for long period of time I have an issue.

My tension piece broke in the middle of the season last year. Even with it missing, my windlass preformed flawlessly. I am running an all chain rode. I am replacing the broken piece when I reassemble it.

[Midnightsun]

Most wear issues are caused by twisted chain. You may want to let it all out while on the hard and re-feed the entire length which will get rid of the twist assuming you removed your anchor. If you do not have a swivel you may want to consider one as this helps quit a bit. This is the best there is IMHO. https://www.amazon.com/Mantus-Marine-Ch ... B0748KF1KV

[bud37]

I agree about the chain twist, mine was sticking when we got the boat....pulled it all out on the dock, lots of corrosion and twist......if you do this, paint some yardage markers on your chain while its all out.

Fyi, I would never suggest using anything that would scratch.... I have used a wet soapy SOS pads, never raw steel wool..... ... for years to clean chrome bumpers etc on cars/ boats/bikes, if it is soapy and you don't push too hard. Once it gets like yours is though not much can help.

[denpooch]

I agree with Hans regarding the Mantus Swivel. It's the best and the company is terrific.
Amanphoto do you have any reference guide for that task? I want to service mine this season and am having trouble finding reference with procedure and pictures. Thanks

[1992330aftcabin]

Try buff magic works well on aluminum and Stainless Steel, won’t scratch the chrome and polish to a mirror shine.