2 Anchor/Windlass Questions: Mainship 400

[ssurabus]

Hi,

I've got 2 questions for the group:

1) Do anchor rollers actually roll?
When I watch the chain/rode come over the roller it just slides over with no rotation of the roller. I've seen others do the same. What is the proper behavior, and does it matter? It seems like it would be less strain on the windlass if it rotated. Do your rollers roll?

2) Lewmar Concept 1 Windlass
Does anyone have knowledge of the maximum anchor/chain weight that this winch can accommodate? The anchor that came with the boat is a Delta FastSet that by scale weights 37 pounds. Originally there as about 12' of chain attached to it. Years ago, I replaced the 12' of chain with 75' of chain, but never gave any consideration to the power of the windlass. It "works", but it always seem a bit underpowered to me. This is coming up now because I am considering replacing the Delta with a 44 pound Vulcan which is yet another increase in weight. I could reduce the chain to 50'. I anchor almost exclusively in about 20' of water or less so I'm not sure if that would be significant savings. Any input on this windlass in regards to suitable anchor/chain weight would be appreciated. I'm waiting to hear back from Lewmar - will post response if it ever comes.

I believe it is a 700W motor.

Thanks

 

[Bmarler]

Mine roll. But if there’s less friction of the chain going over the roller than there is in the roller axle interface the roll won’t spin. No big deal as long as it’s not wearing the roller unevenly.

 

[Comodave]

You would think that this would be an easy thing to look up. But apparently not…

 

[Dougcole]

I have a rocna 20 (44lb) on our 400 with 75’ of chain. Like you, I seldom anchor in more than 20’, usually less than 10’.
I agree the windlass motor seems a bit underpowered, but it works OK with
My setup. I replaced the windlass motor and had the gearbox rebuilt a few years back as the original motor burned up. It seems about the same strength as the original motor (when it was working properly).

I think you can go up some over the delta which is the anchor that came on our boat as well. I’m personally very happy with the Rocna.

 

[O C Diver]

The rollers on my dual anchoring system rolled very nicely. I believe they were poly as opposed to rubber. During my refit, I disassembled both and greased the shafts. Each fall at haulout, when I end for ended the chain, I would always spin the rollers, but don't ever remember regreasing the shafts.

Ted

 

[MacPhid]

One consideration is where the windlass is powered from. If from the house bank in the engine room, the voltage drop over that distance will have an impact on the amperage draw from the windlass motor. Lower voltage means higher current to run the motor, more heat, less power.
Our windlass is powered from the thruster bank located in the bow of the boat, two Group 31 batteries provide very low voltage drop to the windlass to maximize power.
Our bow roller (custom fabricated aluminum) rolls very well with the all chain rode and Vulcan 25kg anchor.

James

 

[Bacchus]

Howie,
Steve Cyr's Stella Blue website is a wealth of info for any MS owners but especially helpful for the 400 owners. Here is his page re anchor rollers.

Anchor Roller Wheels

Stella Blue is a Mainship 400 trawler. This site is devoted to information relating to this model trawler.

scyr.org

They do indeed rotate. I have had to replace mine on my 45HT as it split during retrieval one time.