Set the clutch on a manual windlass

[Jim H]

Here's a simple question-- how does one set and use the clutch on a Lofrans Royal windlass, manual version--



I know it has to do with the following-- 'Clutch to release chain is operated by releasing the triple spiked side nut.'

Does that mean that the triple spiked nut pulls out and then moves forward or back, or that it simply turns forward or back? The unit is brand new, and on my first tries it seemed like the triple spiked side nut wasn't easily moving anywhere.

Thanks. We're planning a four day cruise for sometime next week, and this is one of the details to work out first.

[PBzeer]

I hate to be obvious, but if it's new, didn't it come with a manual? And if not, did you try their website for one?

[Jim H]

Originally Posted by PBzeer

I hate to be obvious, but if it's new, didn't it come with a manual? And if not, did you try their website for one?

The Italian website doesn't have the manual for this model, which may or may not be on the boat. (Previous owner was good about keeping manuals, but I don't recall if I've seen that one yet.)

I'm assuming it's a "step on" to loosen the nut sort of affair, but I'm looking to confirm before stepping...

[Capnblu]

As you turn the clutch nut, "triple spiked side nut", counterclockwise your anchor will fall, turn it clockwise to tighten and lock it.

[Jim H]

Originally Posted by Capnblu

As you turn the clutch nut, "triple spiked side nut", counterclockwise your anchor will fall, turn it clockwise to tighten and lock it.

Excellent. Thanks for the answer, Capnblu.

[Valiente]

Or you could simply secure the chain with a claw, and experiment in a way that won't take your fingers off!

[sailingdog]

Basically, the triple spoke piece is a giant nut. It may have been overtightened before the windlass was shipped...so may be difficult to work initially.

[billyruffn]

Jim H wrote:

"Here's a simple question-- how does one set and use the clutch on a Lofrans Royal windlass, manual version--"

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At the risk of teaching you how to suck eggs , I offer the following: Use of the clutch nut is descirbed above, but one thing that wasn't mentioned is the technique of using it in letting chain out. If you haven't used a windlass before (or chain rode), it's generally not a good idea to loosen up the clutch and let the chain run free. The method I use is to loosen the clutch enough for the chain to run to the bottom and then tighten it so that the rode runs slowly out as the boat drifts back. You control the rate of chain deployment with the amount of friction on the clutch.

[Valiente]

Perhaps the best analogy is that of the tension knob on a stationary bike, as most people have laid hands on that at least once in the last few decades.

I have a Lofrans Tigre, by the way, as yet uninstalled, so I have both manual and electric to mangle my fingers in the future.

[sailaway21]

Walking the chain out slowly, as billyruffin says, until your hook is on the bottom prevents ending up with a fouled ball of chain on the bottom and a useless anchor. Ships are able to use stud-link chain which is self-stowing or anti-fouling in it's performance. Boats are unable to make use of htis type of chain due to it's construction/size amd our chain is perfectly capable of forming a Gordian knot on the bottom.

Letting her run can also result in a loss of control causing interesting effects upon the chain locker where you do have the bitter end secured?