Manual operation of windlass
If you lose power to your windlass, start the engine and give it some revs, to
make sure you have not just got a low battery voltage. Then make sure the
windlass breaker with the anchor icon is in the ‘on’ position on the 12 volt
panel. If there is still no power, check the location of the windlass fuse in this
manual, and replace it with the spare in your navigation table. If you still
have no power, you can operate the windlass manually.
To drop the anchor, insert the windlass handle into the central lock on the
top of the windlass and loosen the gypsy. This loosens the windlass’s grip on
the chain and allows the chain and anchor to free fall.
Remove the safety line or safety pin, and push the anchor over the bow,
keeping hands and feet clear. Control the rate of fall by tightening or
loosening the lock.
When you have paid out sufficient chain – 5 to 8 times the water depth,
tighten up the central lock to stop any more chain from being released.
Increase revs to 1500 rpm, to set the anchor. If you drag, pay out more
chain, and re-try 1500 rpm in reverse. When the anchor is set, fit the
snubbing line, and cleat it off, then release more of the chain, as described
above, until the load is taken up on the snubbing line.
To raise the anchor, put the handle in the outside lock of the windlass and
begin turning. However it is sometimes quicker if you pull the anchor up by
hand. Whether raising the anchor by hand or with the remote control the
helmsperson should always motor gently forward in the direction of the chain
to assist the windlass/person in pulling up the anchor. you are fit and
strong, it is possible to heave an anchor aboard, even on a 55 footer!
Central lock for releasing
the chain and dropping
the anchor
Outside lock for manually
raising the anchor
Windlass handle
