The Lewmar V700 Vertical Windlass is an anchor control system designed for marine applications, specifically for deploying and recovering anchors on vessels. It is engineered for quality, technical innovation, and proven performance, promising many years of outstanding service when properly installed and maintained.

Function Description

The primary function of the V700 Vertical Windlass is to manage the anchor rode (rope/chain combination) for anchoring and retrieval. It utilizes a gypsy, which is a specialized wheel designed to handle both rope and chain, particularly Lewmar's factory-made Rope/Chain combination rodes. The windlass operates electrically, powered by the boat's battery supply, and can also be operated manually in case of power failure.

For deployment, the windlass allows for two methods: letting go under gravity or under power. When letting go under gravity, the clutch is disengaged, allowing the anchor and rode to pay out freely, with the rate of descent controlled by the clutch lever. When letting go under power, the 'Down' control is used to electrically pay out the rode. During anchoring, it is recommended to power the rode out, allowing the vessel to take up stern way to prevent the rode from tangling.

For retrieval, the windlass can haul in the anchor under power using an 'Up' control. The fallsafe pawl acts as a ratchet during retrieval, preventing accidental pay out. To aid recovery, it is advised to use the vessel's engine to move towards the anchor, avoiding motoring over and beyond it to prevent damage to the topsides. The final few feet of rode should be inched in carefully to prevent damage to the vessel. In the event of power loss, manual recovery is possible by inserting the clutch lever into the gypsy drive cap and turning it clockwise to haul in the anchor.

A critical safety feature is the clutch mechanism. To tighten the clutch, the gypsy drive cap is rotated clockwise using the supplied clutch lever, locking the gypsy to the windlass geartrain. To slacken it, the cap is turned anti-clockwise, freeing the gypsy to turn independently. The fallsafe pawl is designed to prevent accidental deployment of the anchor while underway and should be engaged once the anchor is stowed. However, it must be disengaged before letting go of the anchor again.

The windlass is designed to be used with a chain stopper or other suitable independent strong point to secure the anchor rode. It should never be used as a mooring bollard, as this can damage the windlass. The circuit breaker supplied with the product is crucial for protecting the motor and cables from overheating and damage and should never be bypassed.

Usage Features

The V700 windlass is designed for ease of use with either a toggle switch or a contactor system, which can integrate foot switches and a hand-held control for multi-station operation. This flexibility allows the operator to choose the most convenient control method for their vessel.

When anchoring, the windlass facilitates a controlled deployment, allowing the vessel to take up stern way, which helps prevent the rode from tangling on the seabed. For recovery, the ability to assist with the vessel's engine ensures a smoother and safer retrieval process, minimizing strain on the windlass and the vessel.

The gypsy is specifically designed to handle rope/chain combination rodes, with recommendations for windlass-grade, medium-lay nylon ropes spliced to a chain tail. This ensures optimal performance and minimizes slippage. The manual provides guidance on joining rope to chain, emphasizing the importance of a splice that is no tighter than the rope and positioned to avoid being in the gypsy when the anchor is at the stemhead.

The windlass is equipped with a fallsafe pawl, which acts as a ratchet during retrieval and helps secure the anchor when stowed. This feature enhances safety by preventing accidental deployment while the vessel is underway. The clutch lever allows for manual control over rode deployment and retrieval, providing a backup in case of electrical system failure.

Maintenance Features

Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and optimal performance of the V700 windlass. The manual outlines a servicing schedule with both regular and annual tasks.

Regular maintenance includes washing down the windlass with fresh water, examining electrical connections for corrosion, and cleaning and lightly greasing them. It also involves checking the anchor locker drain to prevent water damage to the motor/gearbox and inspecting the anchor rode splice for wear. The gypsy, being a high-wear item, should be checked regularly, and its contact surfaces should be greased during reassembly. Mounting studs should also be checked after the first few recoveries and regularly thereafter.

Annually, more comprehensive maintenance is recommended. This involves checking electric cables for damage and repairing/renewing them as needed. The above-deck components should be stripped, cleaned, and lightly greased. The motor/gearbox should be checked for corrosion, cleaned, and repainted with a suitable marine-grade oil-based enamel paint. The electric motor cover should be removed, and dust blown away from the brushes using a foot pump or similar, taking care not to inhale the dust.

The manual provides detailed instructions for specific service tasks, such as gypsy replacement/service, control arm replacement, and fallsafe pawl replacement. These procedures involve removing and reassembling various components, with guidance on using specific tools and applying sealants or thread lock where necessary.

For main shaft lubrication, the geartrain and its bearings are pre-lubricated with SFG 100 grease (a white synthetic grease containing PTFE) and typically require no regular attention. However, it is recommended to strip, clean, and re-grease the external drive shaft components at least annually. This ensures smooth operation and prevents wear.

Troubleshooting guidance is also provided for common issues like anchor rode paying out independently or sluggish operation, emphasizing the importance of proper voltage, cable sizing, and checking electrical connections and components. This helps users diagnose and resolve problems efficiently, ensuring the windlass remains in good working order.

Lewmar V700 - Page 19

Table of Contents