Installation; Selection Of Position For The Windlass - Maxwell VWC 4000 Series Manual

2.0

INSTALLATION

2.1

SELECTION OF POSITION FOR THE WINDLASS

Windlasses of this size will often be installed in pairs,
giving an emergency backup in the event of
mechanical or electrical failure. In this case one of
the windlasses will normally be retrieving anchor
running clockwise and the other anticlockwise.
Position of the windlass should be selected together
with positions of hawse pipe and spurling pipe.
The deckplate should be installed pointing with its
narrower end in the direction of the incoming chain.
That allows the chain to have maximum engagement
with the chainwheel.
Allow the chain a straight run from the bow roller to
the chainwheel with no more than a 2° deviation from
horizontal (Picture 2.1).
The bow roller should have a vertical groove to suit
the profile of the chain. Its centre line should be
tangentional to the chainwheel (Picture 2.2). This will
align the chain so that it enters the chainwheel
without twisting.
When positioning the windlass, make sure that there
is room to swing the clutch lever, so that it will clear
the pulpit and life lines or bulwark.
The fitting of a chain stopper is essential to take the
load off the windlass while the vessel is at anchor. It
must be correctly aligned with the direction of chain
and installed at appropriate height to avoid the chain
rubbing over chain stopper body or pawl. Make sure
the chain stopper clears the anchor stock.
A tensioner device to tension the anchor into its
pocket is recommended. If the anchor is not snug in
the pocket, it could cause damage to the pocket in a
heavy seaway.
Ensure a minimum of 800mm (32") clearance
between the end of spurling pipe and the chain piled
up in the chain locker (Picture 2.3). This will assist
kinks, which may develop in outgoing chain, to shake
free.
The chain must gravity feed into the locker. If the
chainpipe cannot be positioned directly over the
locker, a heavy wall pipe can be used to direct the
chain to the required area. It is important that the
chain slips through the pipe easily; completely
unaided. Sharp corners should be avoided. It may be
necessary to provide the pipe with a bell mouth or to
bell mouth the entrance to the chainpipe from the
locker to assist the free flow of the chain from the
locker.
The chain locker must be of such a size and shape
that the chain will heap up and feed out naturally
without fouling.
If it can be arranged, the chain locker bulkhead
should pass between the chainpipe outlet in the
deckplate and the gearbox.
gearbox, motor and power lines dry and away from
flaying chain. Access for servicing from inside the
cabin area can usually be arranged through a locker.
Note that the gearbox can be indexed through a
number of different angles in relation to the windlass
deckplate (Picture 2.4). Be sure to select the most
convenient arrangement at installation and ensure
incoming chain well clears the gearbox, motor and
power supply lines.
This will keep the
6
!
Definition of rotation
Clockwise and anticlockwise rotation is
defined as viewed from above the windlass.
Most windlasses are used in one direction only.
Picture 2.1
Direction of chain entering the chain wheel.
Picture 2.2
Correct height of Chain Stopper.
Picture 2.3
Recommended free space in chain locker.