Windlass problem on 2000 396 aft cabin

[tgebler]

Yesterday, we took the 2000 396 aft cabin out for a day on the water. When we anchored, the windlass operated as usual while deploying the anchor. When it was time to leave, the windlass was frozen and would not retrieve the anchor. I tried to use the manual handle but the windlass would not budge. We had to pull up the anchor by hand.

Any ideas as to the cause of the problem and suggested fixes?

Thanks.

[bud37]

First thing, please check your windlass breaker button and make sure there is power....work it a few times and check power at unit. I know , I know but number one on the list.

[Viper]

Make and model of the windlass is....?

[KyleR]

I've had two types of issues with mine:
1. The "down" solenoid failed
2. The windlass itself was bound and wouldn't move.

The first issue was temporarily fixed in the moment (we were trying to anchor at the time) by removing the solenoid box cover located in the anchor locker (just a few screws) and banging on the solenoids with the screwdriver. It had just "frozen" up and needed some good verbal and mechanical agitation. The permanent fix was a replacement solenoid. BTW, there are two solenoids in the plastic case, one for up motion and one for down.

The second issue was resolved by disassembling the windlass, cleaning everything really good, greasing the appropriate parts and then reassemble. Worked great after that. I was able to find the manual online for my model (Maxwell Freedom 800) so do some searching for your model and see what you find. Also I seem to remember a few youtube videos on the disassembly/reassemble process. Now I do this cleaning every 6 months, but we are liveaboards and anchor out almost exclusively, so it gets a lot of use.

And as mentioned previously, start with the simple things like checking breakers and making sure the chain is not binding in the windlass. You should have a handle that goes into the top of the winlass (depending on the model, I am basing this off mine) that you can loosen which will let the chain free-fallout of the locker. If you loosen it and can't pull the chain out, it could just be that the chain is bound up, which the disassembly will also fix that issue.

Another possibility is that over time, when you deploy and then raise your anchor, the chain will twist in the locker. At some point, if you then let out a lot of chain and it cannot "unwind" fast enough or fully enough in the locker, you can drive that "twist" into the windlass and cause a jam that will be tough to get out.

Last thing after these possible solutions would be that the actual motor (inside the anchor locker) has gone bad. That's a little more work to deal with.

Anyway, maybe something here will be helpful. Keep us posted what you find so we can all learn together. Also post your windlass model number.

Kyle