Fitting electric windlass

Jeremy_Ingram · 2022-12-10 19:14:05

I was wondering if anyone had fitted an electric windlass to their Frances 26 cutters? I say cutters because it´s on the top of the bowsprit which is the obvious place for it but this makes total deck thickness there of something like 90mm and the vast majority of models seem to be only suited to decks of the 30 to 40 mm mark. Or at least those models I´ve seen so far . If anyone had sorted this I´d be most grateful for any feedback . Many thanks, Jeremy

David_Schuiteman · 2022-12-11 12:57:35

Hi Jeremy,

I recently had Lewmar Windlass CPX-1 fitted my Francis 26 Cutter. This was mounted on the deck with a new roller fitted. The did add a backing plate to strengthen it.

It works fairly well. Although I can't keep the anchor hanging off the roller and the bowsprint cable does sometimes chafe the chain when raising the anchor. But it beats me pulling up 30+ meters of chain on my own.

I'll try to add some photos.

David

Jeremy_Ingram · 2022-12-11 13:43:46

Hi David, thanks so much for that, very interesting. I imagined that in that position the chain would foul the aft corner of the bowsprit but guess it doesn´t? I´ve seen that there are some models which tolerate up to about 50 mm deck thickness so suppose that a 30mm pad to mount it on and lift it up would go some way to alleviate it? It seems to fit in very tidily and , as you say, avoids the laborious hand hauling routine. By the way, you seem to be using your starboard roller for the anchor, you didn´t consider mounting the windlass on that side to get a fairer run of the chain?
Jeremy

Jeremy_Ingram · 2022-12-11 16:06:05

A follow on from last post. Looking more closely at the photo I see you´re on port hand roller and I get what you mean by not being able to hang the anchor from the roller, lack of length for anchor stock!

David_Schuiteman · 2022-12-11 16:31:45

Hi,

The windlass was mounted on the port side solely because there was an existing hole for the chain locker. I have the anchor mounted/stored in a fitting that's why the chain is draped over the bowsprint wood.

It is a bit fiddly to prepare. Remove from fitting, slip anchor and chain under the roller furler continuous line, hang anchor and chain off the roller, then release and make sure it doesn't catch the bowsprint wire support. Sounds more complicated than it is though.

Since I sail solo quite a bit, I had a wired remote in the cockpit. It's all been fine, but haven't tested this arrangement in a heavy blow yet.

I'll give it a go this spring when I head to the Scillys in early May.

Jeremy_Ingram · 2022-12-12 11:04:45

Hi David,
Thanks for the input so far, it´s been really useful. Just another couple of things if you don´t mind? What wattage did you choose for the windlass? In the position you have it, does the chain fall directly into the chain locker, or in other words is the chain locker bulkhead forward or aft of the hawse? and lastly, I wonder why you couldn´t stow your anchor on the bow roller? I imagine it´s to do with the length of the stock but would have thought there´d be enough . I´m away from the boat until Jan so can´t measure up for myself and just trying to get a plan for when I get there.
Thanks again,
Jeremy

David_Schuiteman · 2022-12-19 13:23:23

Hi Jeremy,

So for the delay on your questions.

I went with the Lewmar CPX1
Model: CPX1 12V
Motor Power Watt: 700
Max Pull: 454kg 1000lb
Working Load Limit: 113kg 250lb
Max Line Speed: 19m/min 65ft/min
Normal current Draw: 80 Amp
Circuit Breaker: 90 Amp
App Weight Gypsy Only: 17.5kg 38.5lb

It was fitted to the starter battery (~100amp). I always run the engine when in use. If I am not using the windlass to pull the boat (and you shouldn't anyways), it only takes a few mins of actual runtime.

The chain comes around the rear and does a u-turn directly into the locker. The windlass was fitted over the existing chain locker hole.

I can't hang the anchor on the bow roller because the blades of the anchor snag the wire that secures the bow sprint. So when I retrieve the anchor, I stop well before that and pull the remaining in by hand (slip through the continuous roller furler lines) and then set in the anchor storage fittings.

If I had to do it over, I would have added the chain counter. Because, standing in the cockpit and motoring as I am pulling, I can't always see the bits of colour marker painting on the chain. And vise versa, releasing the anchor from the cockpit. I do like to be in a position where I am still controlling the vessel when anchoring.

If you're in the Hamble area until March or Haslar after, feel free to drop by and have a look. If schedules align, I could be there too.

Now back to last minute Christmas present acquisition.

Cheers,
David

Bill_Robinson · 2022-12-20 18:17:10

I fitted a Lofrans Dorado windlass on Inyoni. Inyoni is masthead cutter rigged, with a removable inner forestay, but no bowsprit. Not really relevant to your problem, but if you like, I could post some photos.

Jeremy_Ingram · 2022-12-20 19:38:44

David,
Thank you so much for the information, it´s been invaluable in figuring out what would be practical especially not being aboard at the moment for a better picture. The idea of fitting it alongside the bowsprit , not on top as I first thought is excellent and seems port side position will improve the chain lead which enters from this side of the gypsy anyway, so better all round. So ,very many thanks. And likewise if , on your way to or back from the Scilly Isles you´ll be sure to pass through Falmouth , please get in touch and hopefully we could meet if you had time. But hope you have a wonderful cruise anyway.
Bill,
Very many thanks to you too, your offer really appreciated and although it is a different situation , if you had time I would be very glad to see any photos you had, all adds to the overall picture and would be really good. Would you post on here or e mail ?
All the best
Jeremy

Bill_Robinson · 2022-12-20 23:15:13

Hi Jeremy, it is much easier to send photos using email. Unfortunately posting requires resizing and is not so simple. Please send me your email address.
Bill.

Jeremy_Ingram · 2022-12-21 11:16:32

Thanks Bill, I’ll send you an email.
Jeremy

Susie_Turner · 2024-01-15 21:13:47

Dear Bill Robinson, I'm thinking of fitting a Lofrans Dorado windlass on my Francis 26 which has a large bow sprite.
There doesn't appear to be enough room on the deck to fit a low profile vertical winch & achieve a good run to the Bow roller. However, I believe the horizontal windlass's are a little more forgiving with the angle to the Bow roller.
Could you please email photo's of your windlass installation.
Susie Turner

Bill_Robinson · 2024-01-19 11:14:47

Hi Susie,
Although my Frances 26, Inyoni, is cutter rigged, she does not have a bow sprit.
I am happy to send you photos of my Lofrans Dorado installation, but I cannot find your email address.
Regards,
Bill.

Bill_Robinson · 2024-01-20 02:49:25

Hi Susie, emails sent.

Admin · 2024-03-10 12:30:00

Bill, if you drop web@ a line with the photos and a description, I can do all the resizing for you and put them in your photo storage space on the forum.

#1 2022-12-10 19:14:05

Fitting electric windlass

#2 2022-12-11 12:57:35

Re: Fitting electric windlass

#3 2022-12-11 13:43:46

Re: Fitting electric windlass

#4 2022-12-11 16:06:05

Re: Fitting electric windlass

#5 2022-12-11 16:31:45

Re: Fitting electric windlass

#6 2022-12-12 11:04:45

Re: Fitting electric windlass

#7 2022-12-19 13:23:23

Re: Fitting electric windlass

#8 2022-12-20 18:17:10

Re: Fitting electric windlass

#9 2022-12-20 19:38:44

Re: Fitting electric windlass

#10 2022-12-20 23:15:13

Re: Fitting electric windlass

#11 2022-12-21 11:16:32

Re: Fitting electric windlass

#12 2024-01-15 21:13:47

Re: Fitting electric windlass

#13 2024-01-19 11:14:47

Re: Fitting electric windlass

#14 2024-01-20 02:49:25

Re: Fitting electric windlass

#15 2024-03-10 12:30:00

Re: Fitting electric windlass

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