My Windlass Operation

Even though this windlass on a Hunter 33 jams every couple of feet, Hunter tells me that it is working properly. They are fully aware that they work this way, yet continue to sell this option on the boat. The jam occurs because of the shape and size of the anchor locker. They are aware of the design flaw and claim that the windlass works properly, it just needs "help." I am not aware of any operation that requires "help" to be considered working properly. Understand that I have sent this video to Hunter and they told me it is working as it should. Actually they told me that mine works better than most because the all chain rode. Please take that into consideration if you are looking to purchase a new Hunter. By the way, this is a 2009 vessel delivered working this way.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• hunter
• marine
• boat
• sailboat
• sail
• anchor
• windlass
• chain
• rode
• jam
• deck
• locker

[metalmullisha990]

Should have got a Plath Windlass. Ive seen them last 30 years before needing to be rebuilt. Yes plath windlasses are easily rebuild capable, unlike these dinky units here, and others like it on the market. Get a cheapo for 800$ thatll last 2 years, or one that will last 50 years.

[jonrad5]

@05Hunter41 exactly right dont use hands an anchor flake or crowbar no big deal, anything bigger than 30 foot - dont use hands!

[jonrad5]

you just need someone at the bow to flake the chain as it comes up - i had to do this on a superyacht theres no way we could bring it in without flaking the chain, it was a 96' Mangusta, dont matter the size of the boat..just means u need at least two poeple to bring it up, not the manufacturers fault.

[andygaras]

@Lexvold hey big shot, if they're selling it should work. plus since when is a 33ft boat tiny?

[51crabby]

get a stick and knock the chain aside as it comes aboard and it is solved.

[Lexvold]

Can't have it all. Tiny boat like this hardly needs a windlass and to have a vertical drop you lose a ton of space inside. Btw, you have enough chain for a 50 footer. It is not a 50 footer. Get a boat hook or a bigger boat and do not expect capacities of a big Bost on on a tiny one. Silly boy

[rhhph1]

The problem seems obvious. At least as view from the computer screen:-) I am sure the manual states that there has to be 12 inches or so of chain drop below the windlass. I am pretty sure this is simply an improper installation. I don't think any windlass can deal with chain backing behind it like that. On a hunter 33 there should be a way to have chain drop down into a below deck chain locker.

[05Hunter41]

I simply kick the chain aside before it backs up into the windlass. With chain it is rare to use more than 75 or 100 feet in 12 feet of water. so I only kick it about 5 times on each haul. Not a big deal...I would not use hands.

[TheLayla33]

us was exactly that problem it's strange that such a famous company makes such a big mistake.we added the board of "Okolon" in thickness of 1.5 centimeter under the winch and we solved the problem.