Heads up on Lewmar Pro-Fish windlass!

lobsta1 · Post by **lobsta1** » Tue Sep 22, 2009 8:01 pm

Saw this on the boatered.com site. I'm pretty sure Ron has this model on Scout. Al Posted - Sep 20 2009 : 19:30:54 Show Profile Email Poster Reply with Quote No I'm not bashing the windlass, but mine failed last night without any warning. Fortunately I managed to get the hook up manually (it reminded me why I bought the windlass in the first place). Anyway on disassembly this morning I found the windlass full of muddy water. How'd it get there I have no clue, but I suspect it found it's way in through the shaft seals or possibly the gearbox cover seal. The aluminum end-plate on the motor was badly corroded and while the motor ran, it had come loose and the gear-train wouldn't engage. Most of the bearings appeared to be shot as well. I'll know in a day or so but I expect repairs may cost more than a new windlass. Anyway, my take on it is that the problem was caused by the water in the gearbox. How it got in there is moot, but the fact is it STAYED in the gearbox, ruining the bearings and corroding the motor housing. Whether I repair or replace the unit, I plan to drill about a 1/4" hole in the bottom to let any water drain out, and hopefully avoid a replay... So, if any of you HAVE a windlass of this type it might be worth your while to loosen a few screws and check for water, before it gets expensive. It had a heavy grease-type lubricant which was still there, but the box was also full of water. Quite a mess. Willie

RJC2628 · Post by **RJC2628** » Thu Sep 24, 2009 12:15 pm

I do indeed have this unit. I will certainly investigate this finding. How old is the windlass?

lobsta1 · Post by **lobsta1** » Thu Sep 24, 2009 3:49 pm

Ron, Somebody else asked him the same ???? He replied that it was only two years old. He also said that the warranty specifically does not cover corrosion. Al

Brian Davin · Post by **Brian Davin** » Wed Oct 07, 2009 9:31 am

In case anyone is looking for a Windlass, I was at Defender a couple of weeks ago and they have some great buys. Apparently they had purchased a number of windlass (and anchor rode?) sets up (Maxwell) for a boat manufacturer, who subsequently cancelled the order. They had great prices, call to confirm details.

captgene · Post by **captgene** » Thu Oct 08, 2009 8:38 am

They do. The Maxwell 800 $699...That is the cheapest I've seen it anywhere. I ordered it with the 8 plait and 30 ft of chain, With shipping, it was almost $1K. Gene Dugan Boca Raton, Fl. "Nauti Marie" 1989 33 FBC 2007 8.1 Crusaders

Brian Davin · Post by **Brian Davin** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 5:43 am

Gene, The Maxwell 800 is running on sale even further right now for $599 with the Annapolis Boat Show Savings! Were you able to catch that pricing???

gskill · Post by **gskill** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 1:52 am

Gene as you know I have the same set up. Give me a call and stop by if you want to check out my installation. I'll be in town for a couple of weeks.

captgene · Post by **captgene** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 11:45 am

George, I did look at yours last year and I liked it over the Profish 1000. I couldn't find the Maxwell priced where I needed it to be. Now I have. Brian...I have the order saved in my Defender bucket. I'm going to look and see if I can get the additional $100 off! Thanks for the tip! Gene Dugan Boca Raton, Fl. "Nauti Marie" 1989 33 FBC 2007 8.1 Crusaders