47 Hammond Street
Hamilton   Victoria   3300
(03) 5571 2115 bob@precisionmarine.net.au

Winch Information

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Product Description

Answers to queries:

Important information
Bollard/cleat/chain stopper
Please be reminded that the windlass is an anchor retrieval device and NOT a load bearing device. It is not designed to take the force of the boat’s drag. Thus we strongly recommend that once anchored, the rope be tied off to a bollard or cleat. If you are using an all chain set-up, a chain stopper should be installed between the bow roller and windlass. This is imperative for the Breeze 710 series or when running more than 15m of chain.

*SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT*
Inexperienced persons or children MUST NOT operate the windlass. South Pacific takes is not liable for any loss or damage to property or persons as a result of improper operation.
Re: Transition from previous series to PRO series
We will still stock spare parts for the previous series should you require them. However when ordering spare parts it is vital that you specify which series it is for as the parts used (both internal and external) are somewhat different.

FAQs – Common queries
What is an anchor windlass?
Basically it’s a device installed at the bow of the boat to lift and drop the anchor. The rope and chain is fed through the chain wheel and winds down into the anchor well.
Relief for your back and hands…no more heavy lifting!
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How thick should the deck be to fit a South Pacific windlass?
This depends on what the material of the deck is:
For aluminium, it needs to be at least 5mm in thickness and for fibreglass it needs to be at least 7mm in thickness. If the thickness is less than that, we recommend reinforcing the deck by attaching plywood or a metal plate under the deck, which will spray the force.
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Can I install a South Pacific winch on top of the hatch?
Yes! The hatch is a popular and simple installation spot for the windlass. We recommend attaching plywood under the hatch so to spray the force.
NOTE! Please be reminded that the windlass is an anchor retrieval device and NOT a load bearing device. Both the windlass and hatch are not designed to take the force of the boat’s drag. Thus we strongly recommend that once anchored, the rope be tied off to a bollard or cleat. If you are using an all chain set-up, a chain stopper should be installed between the bow roller and windlass.
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How do I maintain a South Pacific windlass?
Regular and proper care of the windlass will ensure long-lasting, excellent performance. There are two simple ways to maintain the windlass:
• Wash off the salt water and any impurities with fresh water after each use
• Periodically check the electric joiners and the silicon sealant.
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Do I need a bow roller?
Yes! A bow roller is an essential part of your set-up. Please ensure that you select and install a suitable bow roller to support your anchor, chain and rope.
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What is the difference between spur gears and worm gears?
There are two types of gears used in windlasses. For most of our windlasses we use spur gears. Spur gears (a.k.a a straight cut gear) achieves greater efficiency (92% ~ 98%) as compared to worm gears (50% ~ 88%).
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Can I use more than one control unit?
Yes! Our windlasses and capstans come standard with one control unit, this is a direct control system. However if you wish to use more than one control unit, it’s a simple matter of changing your set up to an indirect control system.
To do this you will need a remote control box (reverse solenoid) and the optional control units.
There is a choice of:
• Up/down switch (SW-031)
• Hand held switch (HH-005)
• Foot switch (FS-200)
You can attach as many switches as you like.
NB: The direct control system and indirect control system cannot exist concurrently.
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Do I need a bollard?
A bollard or snubbing device should be installed between the bow roller and the windlass as the rope should be tied on the bollard while laying anchor or securing the anchor in the fully raised position.
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Do South Pacific Anchor Winches take both rope & chain?
All models suit rope & chain combinations.
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Can I use all-chain?
All South Pacific Winches except the 710series. If running all-chain - it is essential to install a chain stopper - this takes additional pressure off the windlass. It is recommended if running more than 15m of chain.
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How much storage space do you need underneath the deck?
Make sure the anchor well or the chain locker is deep enough to store the chain and rope. The minimum depth is 40cm(11/3 ft) to store about 30 metres(100ft) of rope. If the anchor well is not deep enough the rope will build up very quickly and block the entry. Note: for the VS series - as some parts are below deck, allow slightly more space to accommodate for the motor and gear box.
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Nylon
To obtain maximum holding power of your anchor, the warp or rope part of the rode should always be 3 strand medium laid Nylon ( be careful of soft laid nylon) this is because of its great strength and stretch. Silver (Staple fibre polyester), polypropylene and polyethylene ropes is not recommended because they have very little elasticity. The lower tensile strength of these ropes, (in case of Silver, about 50% that of Nylon) can be overcome by using a larger diameter size, but there is no way they can absorb all the impact loads like nylon does.
Anchor and mooring lines are subject to impact loads superimposed on static tensile loads by waves and wind gusts. The ability to absorb sudden shocks not only adds to the holding power of the rope but also reduces the end loads imparted on the anchor and on mooring cleats.
Bent shanks are a common problem with most anchors when they are properly embedded in the seabed. The "rubber band" effect of nylon takes out most of these impact forces and instead of the shank bending, the anchor pulling out, or the deck cleats breaking away the nylon anchor rode just stretches. Has excellent resistance to abrasion, rot, mildew, oil, grease, gasoline, acids and most chemicals.

Different rode materials affect the holding power of the anchor, due to the elasticity or rigidity of the material. All chain is too rigid when taut, all nylon needs ground chain to avoid abrasion. Ground chain and Nylon is best.

The scope of rode is the next thing that helps determine the holding power of an anchor. A scope of 3:1, i.e. three times the depth of water for the total length of line is okay for most boats anchored in winds up to 5-6 knots (Force 3) or as a "lunch pick". A scope of 5:1 is desirable for winds around 25 knots but in a 60 knot gale a scope of 7:1 may be desirable. So, if you are anchored in a 26 ft. Cavalier with 56 square metres of windage and you have out a 25 lb Danforth or a 35 lb Plough with 6 metres of 8 mm chain on a sandy bottom, you still may not be able to hold against a 60 knot wind, if you only have a scope of 3:1 paid out. But with a 7:1 and good nylon, you should be as safe as a bell.

Polypropylene
Because polypropylene rope floats, it’s handy to have around for multiple purposes such as tow lines and dinghy applications. Made of synthetic fibers, polypropylene is about half as strong as nylon but is considerably less resistant to the sun’s UV rays.

Remember medium laid nylon rope with about 6mts. of short link chain is the most suitable for your anchor winch.

Details:

When you deal with Precision Marine you get personalized service where you can email or phone us direct before purchase and speak to someone who knows.

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