Equipment Operation
6-5
Windlass Operation- Introduction
The windlass normally comes outfi tted with a rode using 100’ of 1/2”
nylon rope along with 10’ of galvanized chain. The chain is connected
to the anchor shank which is next to the anchor. The chain acts as a
safety margin to protect the rope rode from being damaged by sharp
seabed objects such as coral that might sever the rope if it was next to
the anchor. If needed for harsh sea bottoms the rode can be converted
over to 100’ of 6 mm galvanized chain with a small length of rope at
the top for tying off the rode to a cleat.
The safety clutch is used to “pay out the windlass chain or to retrieve
the anchor “rode”. There is a handle in the anchor locker that inserts
into the gypsy drive cap located on top of the windlass framework.
With the handle inserted in the cap, turn the handle clockwise which grips
the “gipsy”, locks it and tightens the clutch. Remove the handle and
store it after usage.
To loosen the clutch with the handle inserted in the cap, turn the
handle counterclockwise which will free up the “gypsy” from the drive
train. Remove the handle and store it.
Before attempting to “pay out” the anchor ensure that the fail safe
pawl is disengaged from the gipsy and held clear of it by the
fail safe lever. See windlass owner’s manual for further information.
Be sure to pull the safety pin from the anchor shank before using
the system. The anchor will not pay out with this pin inserted. This pin should
be reinstalled after each anchor retrieval.
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