stevenjen
Quit our jobs and bought a Westsail 32. Now what?
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Do you know chain size? Known issues?
The wildcat that came on it is huge, not sure what size though. They threw in another that is reportedly compatible with 5/16 and 3/8. Not sure how that works but I’ve seen the same info from a few sources. I haven’t even tried it with our chain yet but hopefully it’ll be together tomorrow and I’ll get to that soon.
It took on water and held it until just before those photos were taken. Someone packed it seriously full of grease. Really, really packed it. Not sure if that was before the water got in but I doubt it. The springs need to be changed which means everything has to come out. I finally got the last two stubborn shafts out today. Tomorrow I’ll clean everything up and try to make up some replacement springs. I’m hoping that’ll do it.
More on the windlass restoration: sl555
OK… Got you now. You bought it for $50 bucks. It’s not for sale. I’m not sure how much you know about these windlasses but they are the best manual windlass out there in my opinion, and many others. I’m not sure if you have this link but this guy in the UK has parts as well as retooling to start making them again. If you need specific parts you should get a hold of him… http://www.slspares.co.uk/
Good Luck! …and nice boat!
Hi,
I have a 555 with the same problem…can you recommend a workshop manual or repair facility in the Northwest?
Thanks,
Barry
I don’t know about a repair shop but you can get the manual here:
http://www.slspares.co.uk/Seatiger.pdf
There were a few changes over the years but that should get you going. It’s easy to make up a new set of springs if yours are gone. I haven’t found a source for bushings but I haven’t tried very hard. Of course you can always order parts from slspares but they’re pretty pricey.
How can one tell the size chain that is meant for the gypsy? I’ve looked for markings on my gypsy to no avail unless ROB 70 has meaning in that regard. The chain on my Peterson 44 is old 3/8″ link and it slips terribly on the gypsy when hauling the anchor, to the tune of 6 links up…3 links back. I actually have to have someone place their foot on top of the chain to make headway. Before I buy new chain I’d like to be sure that I’m getting the right size.
Jim,
Here is the Seatiger manual:
Seatiger Manual
It looks like the RCB70 gypsy accommodates American Hi-Test and BBB 3/8″ chain and European 10mm chain. Hope that helps.
I have the same windlass, I am looking to replace my chain and I have discovered that the chain is DIN 766 10mm chain. This is a European standard and not readily available at your local marine store. River Marine in Vancouver here can order it but it comes from the other side of Canada… I took some samples of 3/8 BBB and tried it but it does not fit.
Tony Kaul
Silkie C
Tony,
Do you have an RCB70 gypsy? Did you try 3/8 hi-test or just bbb? I think hi-test might be more desirable. Is there an advantage to bbb other than the higher strength versus proof coil?
Wow glad to find this thread. First time I have seen the 555 manual. I plan to copy it off and tuck it into the rib bays somewhere.
It shows a drawing of the chain stripper — but no dimensions. Does anyone have an intact stripper they could measure for me and give me a sense of its shape? I was planning to make one out of a 3/8″ ss bolt. Also the lock screw — what thread?
I am not a fan of ss and aluminium in contact with one another — any other suggestions except a nylon isolation bushing?
There is a great product called Tef Gel made by Bob Mergenthaler and sold in West Marine stores now I believe that we have used for years. We are in the marine awning and metal fabrication business in Florida. We have used this product on all of our aluminum frames with stainless fasteners and have yet had a problem removing the screws even after years of use.