Windlass Removal and Replacement Options

[390Express]

I have an outdated Maxwell RC windlass. Motor went bad, rebuilding it isn’t an option, can’t seem to find a suitable replacement motor, so it looks like I’m going to have to replace the whole thing. That said, I can’t seem to get the old unit apart. I got the old motor off, got 1/2 the gearbox out, but I can’t separate the lower gearbox from the top half, and the hole isn’t big enough to pull the lower gearbox through. I can see the bottoms of a couple bolts that hold the topside and bottom together, but I can’t locate them on the topside. I’m guessing they’re under the pulley that lifts the anchor, but I can’t get that off. Any advice would be appreciated. Here’s a couple pics:

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[Midnightsun]

Can't see too well in the picture but there should be a snap ring on the bottom of the shaft. Remove that and the assembly will slide off. This is how the Freedom series work, only assuming it is the same for yours.

[390Express]

QR_BBPOST Can't see too well in the picture but there should be a snap ring on the bottom of the shaft. Remove that and the assembly will slide off. This is how the Freedom series work, only assuming it is the same for yours.

Thanks MSN. To be clear, if I undo the snap ring, the white outer casing will slide down as well? That's currently the item that is preventing me from getting this thing out.

[km1125]

I'm just guessing, but if you pull that snap ring off the bottom and pull those gears/parts off, then that whole shaft with the gypsy will pull up and uncover the 4 bolts underneath that are bolted to that white casing. Then you can take the white casing off and then remove the four bolts that are holding the outside casing to the deck.

[Midnightsun]

Pretty sure it works just like km1125 said above.

[390Express]

Thanks gang. Pulled the snap ring, I had to pry the top half up, to get the bottom gears off, but got it done. Had to cut my rode to get it it off, but all is well, I had to do that anyhow. The old shackel system was way too big to fit through the windlass, and I want to put 5-10' of chain on the new setup. I'm a little worried that my rode won't fit through the new windlass. It's pretty thick. We'll see... Worst case scenario, I have to buy a new $200 rode. Cheap part... Looks like the windlass is going to ding me around $1500.