2004 RINKER FV 270 WINDLASS NOT WORKING (SIMPSON LAWRENCE HORIZON 600)

skuter99

Need some help fellas,

My windlass has stopped working (up & down) seems like there is no power..

How do you gain access to the windlass to remove?

I am pretty new to this, new to me boat last June. How do you release the chain rope from the windlass?

Thanks for any help you can provide. I have been reading that these things seem to be dying regularly....

Windlass worked all last season until storage for winter

Stodge

Did you check the fuse/breaker?  my windlass breaker is on the helm next to the switch.  might be worth re-setting it to see if there is any change.

Should be able to access the windlass through the anchor locker.

skuter99

Stodge,

yes, checked both the breaker at the battery switch and the breaker at the helm next to the switch. thanks

Willhound

@skuter99 the breaker right next to the switch is notorious for moving ever so slightly if you nudge it with your arm. It will look ok but is actually disconnected. Pop it fully and reset and see if that works.

reneechris14

Maybe able to give anchor a kick while some holds the down button. You say it has not moved since the fall? Mine does stick and needs oil.

skuter99

Thanks , will look at both ideas.

Black_Diamond

15 years old...kind of hard to complain really!  

Ian

I agree, these seem to go after a good period but then nothing at all suggests more breaker as @Willhound said. Early this season mine didn't either till I popped it fully and reset.

Willhound

Black_Diamond said:

15 years old...kind of hard to complain really!  

Sorry but I have to disagree. Especially in areas where we boat seasonally. You might use the windlass 40 times a year? That's 600 uses in 15 years at a replacement cost of a grand. About a $1.70 per use?
If maintained at all should last way beyond 15 years.

skuter99

I agree on the maintenance. I just got this boat last June, so not sure if it had been looked after the last 13 years before me??

Black_Diamond

Not much to maintain on that 600 Horizon. Sometimes it is all the idle time that is the problem, not the number of uses. Bearings false brinell, seals dry/rot, grease separates, parts fret, condensation internally...

skuter99

update:

turned out to be a bad ground wire. All good now.

thanks for all the ideas!!

Willhound

Or new motto should be "Cheap and easy fixes are the best!"

Gregg

If if any one wants a 600 for parts I will ship it at you cost. It still works just upgraded to a new 700. 

Gregg

Would suggest someone in Ontario. Due to shipping cost across the border.

Willhound

@Gregg I'd be in. My gypsy getting worn.