Hello,
I want to go to an all chain rode (5/16 HT) on my CD-36. This will require a windlass so I'm looking for suggestions for an electric windlass. I want a vertical windlass with power up/down capabilities. I've heard some good comments about Maxwell but would like to hear what my fellow Cape Dorians have to say.
Thanks,
Mike Thorpe
Journey"s End
mthorpe@capecod.net
CD-36 Windlass recommendations
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Ken Cave
Re: CD-36 Windlass recommendations
On my 28 the former owner installed a Maxwell 500 with over 300 feet of 5/16 chain with a main power switch inside the cabin to turn the system (out of the way for anyone but me to use it) a switch connection on the pointy end of the boat, and a third one located in the cockpit.
I asked the engineer who installed it why the connection instead of a foot switch-and he gave me the business on why the foot switches should be banned from the boating industry!
He also installed some heavy duty wire to the pointy end to accomodate the drain of the Maxwell-and it does take the juice!! As I have five batteries (four six volt batteries for all the goodies the former owner installed) I do not have a problem. If, however, you are using an older battery, you might be in trouble.
Is it worth it? Best thing the former owner did on my boat!! I have anchored more this year throughout the San Juans and Gulf Islands than I have in the past twenty years!!
Ken Cave
Dragon Tale (227)
PS If any of want the name of this engineer, he is located in Long Beach, (and believe me he walks on water!) write me and I will give you his address and phone number. He ain't cheap, but he is the best!!
bcave@whidbey.net
I asked the engineer who installed it why the connection instead of a foot switch-and he gave me the business on why the foot switches should be banned from the boating industry!
He also installed some heavy duty wire to the pointy end to accomodate the drain of the Maxwell-and it does take the juice!! As I have five batteries (four six volt batteries for all the goodies the former owner installed) I do not have a problem. If, however, you are using an older battery, you might be in trouble.
Is it worth it? Best thing the former owner did on my boat!! I have anchored more this year throughout the San Juans and Gulf Islands than I have in the past twenty years!!
Ken Cave
Dragon Tale (227)
PS If any of want the name of this engineer, he is located in Long Beach, (and believe me he walks on water!) write me and I will give you his address and phone number. He ain't cheap, but he is the best!!
bcave@whidbey.net
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Mike
Re: CD-36 Windlass recommendations
Ken,
Thanks for your response. It sounds like a Maxwell could be a good choice. Right now I'm leaning towards the VWC 800 model. As far as batteries are concerned I have 2 #24's which are way to small for my current needs never mind an electric windlass.
As part of the project I'm adding 2 #8D's for a house string and a #27 for starting the engine along with a battery combiner and a 2nd alternator. Refrigeration is in my future plans for the boat so I'm setting the DC system up accordingly.
I am curious though, other than a foot switch what kind of switch did the former owner put up at the pointy end and, other than inadvertantly stepping on it, what was the problem with a foot switch? I was thinking of exactly the same set up you have but with a 2 foot switches (up/down) at the pointy end. Should I be rethinking the foot switches?
Thanks for the offer of the engineers name but I live on Cape Cod in Massachusetts so his/her travel voucher could get a little $$$$$.
Thanks again,
Mike
mthorpe@capecod.net
Thanks for your response. It sounds like a Maxwell could be a good choice. Right now I'm leaning towards the VWC 800 model. As far as batteries are concerned I have 2 #24's which are way to small for my current needs never mind an electric windlass.
As part of the project I'm adding 2 #8D's for a house string and a #27 for starting the engine along with a battery combiner and a 2nd alternator. Refrigeration is in my future plans for the boat so I'm setting the DC system up accordingly.
I am curious though, other than a foot switch what kind of switch did the former owner put up at the pointy end and, other than inadvertantly stepping on it, what was the problem with a foot switch? I was thinking of exactly the same set up you have but with a 2 foot switches (up/down) at the pointy end. Should I be rethinking the foot switches?
Thanks for the offer of the engineers name but I live on Cape Cod in Massachusetts so his/her travel voucher could get a little $$$$$.
Thanks again,
Mike
mthorpe@capecod.net
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Ken Cave
Re: CD-36 Windlass recommendations
Mike: Foot swithes make big holes in the deck. Using a hand held unit only takes one little hole for you to plug in. Foot switches have been known to leak, get stuck, and cause problems with the electrical stuff. With a hand held unit, you can move around the bow to secure the anchor without watching where you step as the foot switches are active until you turn off the main switch for the windless.
Sent you an E Mail on the other goodies you mentioned-hope this helps!!
Ken Cave
Dragon Tale
bcave@whidbey.net
Sent you an E Mail on the other goodies you mentioned-hope this helps!!
Ken Cave
Dragon Tale
bcave@whidbey.net
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Jeff Barnes
Re: CD-36 Windlass recommendations
Mike:
I have a CD36 and have been considering an all chain rode and windlass as well. I am not as far along in the decision process as you appear to be, so I will be extremely interested in what you decide.
By the way, where are you on Cape Cod. I keep "Jazman" (CD36 #68)in Harwichport. I have done a number of upgrades, so if I can be of any help, let me know.
Regards,
Jeff Barnes
jbarnes@oxbio.com
jbarnes@oxbio.com
I have a CD36 and have been considering an all chain rode and windlass as well. I am not as far along in the decision process as you appear to be, so I will be extremely interested in what you decide.
By the way, where are you on Cape Cod. I keep "Jazman" (CD36 #68)in Harwichport. I have done a number of upgrades, so if I can be of any help, let me know.
Regards,
Jeff Barnes
jbarnes@oxbio.com
jbarnes@oxbio.com
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John R.
Re: CD-36 Windlass recommendations
Over the years we've had very good trouble free service from our Simpson Lawrence Volans vertical windlass. It is a reversing windlass. It is on our CD30 and uses a rope/chain rode with a rope/chain gypsy on the windlass. Chain is BBB and it really has it's advantages. The link design never jams in the windlass gypsy and it stows very compactly, it lays better than standard link or high test. We have two pairs of foot switches, one pair at the bow and one pair in the cockpit. In many years we've only had one slight leak from a footswitch due to inadequate caulking of a screw in the trim ring, no fault of the switch. I have no qualms with foot switches.Mike Thorpe wrote: Hello,
I want to go to an all chain rode (5/16 HT) on my CD-36. This will require a windlass so I'm looking for suggestions for an electric windlass. I want a vertical windlass with power up/down capabilities. I've heard some good comments about Maxwell but would like to hear what my fellow Cape Dorians have to say.
Thanks,
Mike Thorpe
Journey"s End
One common problem I've seen with most windlasses is the lack of quality in the paint finish on the below deck components, motor, chassis etc.,. Manufacturers seem to dislike primers and high quality durable paints. After a short while in a salt enviroment you can figure on doing some refinishing work. Just the dampness in the rode locker will cause problems. Powder coating rather than a paint finish would be best. Whatever you purchase ask about how the motor and related components are finished.