Maxwell 2200 Windlass puzzle for y’all

[Flatswing]

So have been anchoring 3-4 times per week since we headed S. 3/52 ago. Yesterday pulled into Halls Pond Cay & dropped the hook, still a bit of roll so thought we would anchor closer in. Hit the up button - nothing! Hit the down button- heard the motor run but the Gypsy didn’t turn. Chain lock was off, Gypsy pawl lock free, breaker energized, same result with deck PH & FB switches. Hmmm.
Waddya think?

 

[Simi 60]

Loose clutch?

No motor noise on up could be broken stud/terminal in motor due to overtighten on install.
Had that happen on ours.

 

[sunchaser]

Last fall our M 2200 suffered a similar fate. It is about the same age as yours with I'd guess an identical circuitry as the DF vessels are about the same age. With the exception though we had no sign of motor rotation.

Fortunately we were in the marina (whew, re-marking the chain) so a good electrical guy was down within an hour and quickly deduced the issue. We got a new motor overnight and problem solved. The old motor was rebuilt and is now the spare. We also have a spare solenoid.

Have you double checked that motor is turning or is it just making noise? Also, have you checked oil level and or replaced the windlass seals recently? Any possibility of seized gears?

 

[C lectric]

Have you actually checked for proper voltage at the breaker, at the motor and the direction control relays?
Relays can fail, not supply voltage or supply poor voltage. Breakers can fail, loose connections can create enough resistance that a motor cannot do the work.

Of course it could be mechanical such as a failed clutch, gears. But be sure first that the electrical side is in good shape.

 

[Flatswing]

Ok here’s the answer: I was puzzled why one switch (up) was completely inoperative, while the other resulted in motor audibly turning but no winch movement p. Pulled out my DVM, but 1st thought- look in the anchor locker at the gearbox/motor. 1st pic shows why.
Turns out both mounting bolts had backed out , the drive motor fell off and the F2 (3-0) cable pulled out of the crimped lug. The ground cable had a tenuous connection- obviously just sufficient to fire the unloaded motor with the down switch. One bolt was hanging from the gearbox, forward bolt MIA. Metric so I didn’t have spare. Pulled 250’ of chain up on deck, still no bolt in the locker. Must have been missing for yrs but not visible on cursory inspection.

I was able to remount the motor, McGuiver a 5/16 bolt to give a little added support until I get a metric one, Fortunately I had 3-0 cable lugs, a big a** crimper and a grinder to modify them (motor terminals are very close together) on board to make a decent repair!

Anyway, all is well, windlass now quieter than it’s ever been, cruising really is about repairing your boat in exotic locations! Thought you might enjoy the mental gymnastics. Enjoy

 

[sunchaser]

Wow, that event is a first for me. Anyway, get your Maxwell book out and assess what PM items are worth doing. Good job

 

[Comodave]

The KISS Principle in action. Always check the simple things first although our minds want to go to the difficult and expensive things. Good fix!

 

[C lectric]

Sheesh, didn't expect that.
Nice going.

Likely too late but I would suggest the use of Loctite 222 Small Screw thread locker which is a light locker meant for small fasteners and/or low vibration applications.

It won't lock so strongly that the bolts break when you do need to remove them which can often happen with the 242, Blue, or worse the 262, Red.