[mondofromredondo]

I think I'm closing a deal on an almost new Lighthouse Windlass.

As I'm aware that PSC use to install these on some of their boats for some time I'm wondering about the setup. In particular the spacer that goes under the windlass over the deck. Any of you know how thick this spacer is in order to get the chain to have a good purchase on the gypsy?

My foredeck has a slight rise in the area where the current manual Hercules Windlass sits.

 

[jnewcomer]

We've had a 1501 on our C37 for about 15 years. The base of our windlass sits in a custom fitted thick rubber sealing gasket that was provided by Lighthouse. This then sits on the raised fiberglass windlass mounting area molded onto the deck. We did not need a spacer as the chain from the bow roller runs fair to the top of the gypsy and around the aft side of it and down into the chain locker. Our only problem has been chain castles building up in the chain locker which will solidly jam the gypsy is one isn't watchful. We knock these down by poking a long pry bar with a rubber hose on it into the locker.

Hope this is of some use.

John
s/v Pelagic
C37 Yawl (#22) 1980

 

[mondofromredondo]

Thanks for the reply John,

I did in fact purchase the lighthouse 1501. I contacted thumper at PSC and they make a spacer for the 1501 out of all glass. Perhaps I need to set the windlass on the deck before laying out the cash for the spacer. I'd guess the forepeak in a 37 isn't all that much different from a 34. Have you been happy with the 1501? I know its a big unit but overkill is better than underkill in my estimation. Anything u would have done differently? Are u using 2 deck mounted foot switches?

Thanks

 

[jnewcomer]

We have been very happy with the 1501. At the time it was the only stainless steel windlass we could find. These days there are other choices. A few things to keep in mind:

1. You didn't mention if you got the under deck, SS, backing plate. This is essential to spread the load. We've see the deck flex when anchored in a surge and suspect fastenings would fail if not for the backing plate.

2. I don't know why you would need the fiberglass adapter Thumper mentions but then the C34 may require it. I will include some pics to illustrate our installation.

3. Hopefully you got the special rubber mounting gasket with your used windlass (along with the backing plate). This is all we have between the windlass and the deck.

4. No, we don't have an up and down switch. We did not buy the reversing box but DID buy the remote control. As I was not single handing I didn't see the need to drop the anchor remotely. It would be a slow process and I think I would prefer to drop the anchor manually in any case.

5. Unless you have a battery forward somewhere you will need to run cables to the forepeak. Lighthouse sold us some 00 cable which we ran from the house bank under the settee through a Class T fuse then through a BlueSea 300A breaker by the forward bunk. The breaker is so we can turn power to the windlass on and off. We mounted the solenoid on a small board in the forepeak and ran the wires for the remote and the foot switch to it.

By the way, we lived aboard in King Harbor Marina from about 1995 to 2000 when we left for Mexico.

Let me know if you have any more questions. If there is anything to take off line you can send a PM to [email protected]

Regards,
John