Anchor chain sticks in windlass

dhornsey · #1 (**permalink**) 08-05-2008

When using my manual windlass to bring up the anchor, every now and then the chain will stick on the windlass instead of falling into the chain locker. It goes around for another lap, which obviously causes all sorts of problems.

The chain is in decent shape, but a small amount of rust, which I think it causing the problem. Any advice on how to smooth this out, short of buying new chain? Is there some way to clean anchor chain?

Thanks.

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 08-05-2008

Sounds like you're missing the chain stripper on the windlass. It would help if you said what make/model windlass you had. If the chain you have has visible rust that is causing it to get stuck in the gypsy, you should either re-galvanize the chain or replace it.

knothead · #3 (**permalink**) 08-05-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhornsey

When using my manual windlass to bring up the anchor, every now and then the chain will stick on the windlass instead of falling into the chain locker. It goes around for another lap, which obviously causes all sorts of problems.

The chain is in decent shape, but a small amount of rust, which I think it causing the problem. Any advice on how to smooth this out, short of buying new chain? Is there some way to clean anchor chain?

Thanks.

You don't need a silly chain stripper. Just get yourself a 5 gallon bucket of axle grease and rub it into the chain for it's entire length.
It will not only fall off the gypsy easier but it'll stop that rust you're seeing.
Make sure you don't get any on the anchor though. You want that to stick.

speciald · #4 (**permalink**) 08-05-2008

The fall from your halsepipe may not be long enough. Is the chain forming a pyramid under the pipe?

Pamlicotraveler · #5 (**permalink**) 08-05-2008

Is it a vertical or horizontal windlass? And if it's sticking after going into the chain locker it could be the dreaded pyramiding.

sailingdog · #6 (**permalink**) 08-05-2008

While the axle grease will make it easier for the chain to fall off the gypsy and also help keep it from rusting... it will also likely make a mess of your foredeck, and if any grease gets on the foredeck, make it slick as hell and dangerous... which I'm not a big fan of... It will also make it close to impossible for you to retrieve the chain manually if the windlass breaks or jams.

Quote:

Originally Posted by knothead

You don't need a silly chain stripper. Just get yourself a 5 gallon bucket of axle grease and rub it into the chain for it's entire length.
It will not only fall off the gypsy easier but it'll stop that rust you're seeing.
Make sure you don't get any on the anchor though. You want that to stick.

knothead · #7 (**permalink**) 08-05-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingdog

While the axle grease will make it easier for the chain to fall off the gypsy and also help keep it from rusting... it will also likely make a mess of your foredeck, and if any grease gets on the foredeck, make it slick as hell and dangerous... which I'm not a big fan of... It will also make it close to impossible for you to retrieve the chain manually if the windlass breaks or jams.

Dude, you did see the green smiley face with the big grin didn't you?

sailingdog · #8 (**permalink**) 08-05-2008

Yes, but some people, especially n00bs might not realize what sick and twisted sense of humor you have are until it too late.

Quote:

Originally Posted by knothead

Dude, you did see the green smiley face with the big grin didn't you?

dhornsey · #9 (**permalink**) 08-05-2008

I'm not sure of the brand of our windlass, but it looks pretty much like a 30 year old version of this:

The one difference is the little loop of bronze this one has that the rope/chain would fall through. We don't have that. I don't think piling in the chain locker is an issue, there are at least a couple of feet for it to fall. Maybe it's just time for some new chain? Thanks for the input.

Now how to clean off all this grease...