Windlass woes (and eventual win)

Windlass motor with broken "up" stub (circled)

 

 

June 16, 2020:

Can't always be fun and games.... 

Windlass problems occur every once in a while (in case you are wondering, the windlass is the equipment we use to raise/lower the anchor). But our problem turned out to be terminal: our positive "up" terminal had sheared off, and this meant the end for the motor. 

Of course, it happened when we had a lot of chain out (230'). Fortunately, back in 2008, we purchased a "manual recovery kit" for the windlass. Unfortunately, it was very hard work for David to bring it all up. Nearing the end, he was sweating hard and taking multiple breather breaks. But up it came. 

We headed to the docks of Refuge Cove, where David removed the motor/gearbox assembly. It did not look good (as we said, it was "terminal"). At least it was easy to remove. 

Next morning, we started making calls. First call was to Ocean Pacific Marine in Campbell River. Using our part number, they said it looked like it would have to be ordered from England. Yikes! We started planning a fast return to our docks in Vancouver. But, 20 minutes later, they us called back, saying there was a new part number and indeed, there was a replacement in Victoria. It was Friday morning and they should be able to get it to Campbell River by Monday "11ish".

Only $2300.... 

After a couple of nights at the dock at Refuge Cove (where we sorted out our backup - - and much lighter -- anchor line), we headed over to Gowlland Harbour (very near Campbell River) to try anchoring without a windlass for a couple of nights. Turned out to be a great anchorage (tons of room with only 1 other boat). Later, using a winch on the mast, we had no problem getting our anchor (with lighter line) up. 

Monday morning, we headed over to the Discovery Marina in Campbell River, where Ocean Pacific Marine was conveniently located. By 1130am, the new windlass motor assembly had arrived. After some concern it was the wrong part (it may have been mislabled... but phone calls to distributor indicated it would only fit properly if it were correct), David installed it (in between torrents of rain). And it worked! 

Next morning, we headed back over to Cortes Island, to Hathayim/Von Donop Marine Park, a favourite of ours. 

A pricey part, but still a "win" since we could do our own repairs, and get back  cruising.