Windlass Lofran Project 1000 - TROUBLE

[JuliaGCC25]

Has anyone else had trouble with this windlass? My CC25 has as original equipment the Lofran Project 1000 windlass. The anchor rode was also supplied by CC.

Now, every time I attempt to up the anchor, the rode does not go down the hawse pipe - it seems to get stuck in the windlass and not release. If I am not VERY vigilant it will jam the winch.

As on might imagine, this can put you in a tough spot - especially if you are close to the beach! Any thoughts?

[Seamoor]

I have a similiar problem with the same exact equipment. The windlass works fine as long as I'm on the chain section, but jams on the anchor line. I've tried switching line from the CC supplied 9/16 to 5/8. I believe the problem is related to the spring activated finger, but still have not found a satisfactory solution.

[JuliaGCC25]

winch

Seamoor:

I think the problem is with the anchor rode not releasing from the groove in the capstain. I am very reluctant to use it near the beach - i.e. swimming with the kids.

Should we let Mac or Kieth know about this? To me it is a major safety issue.

[rgeorge]

You can count me in as well. Mine does exactly the same thing.

[JuliaGCC25]

I took off the top cover of my windlass. I think I found the problem - a bent "stripper". My thought is that perhaps a few fibers from the anchor rode got stuck on the point of the stripper. Due the very high torque of the motor, the rode spun around the gypsy and bent the stripper to a 90 degree angle. (dont get your fingers near this baby!)

I spoke to INMAR in New Bedford, MA. They are the US supplier for LoFran. The rep was very helpful and was aware that there seem to be some problems with the rode going back down the hawse pipe. He suggested that the rode be retrieved SLOWLYwhile keeping tension on the rode.

He also was able to warranty the stripper and a few screws for me. They arrived the next day. So they seem to back up their product.