Fitting a Lofrans Royal manual windlass

[Sabre27Admin]

seasidebob
United Kingdom
22 Posts

Posted - 11/03/2016 : 20:55:19
Hi. The previous owner said my boat was previously fitted with a Lofrans Royal manual windlass which had been removed and blanked off (see photo). I removed the blank today and that appears to be true although I have not taken down the head lining to inspect the underside of the deck. Has anyone had experience of fitting one of these? Can it be fitted so that the chain runs out of the locker through the stainless steel guide, round the windlass and then over the bow roller or does the chain have to drop vertically into a locker? The Lofrans instalaltion instructions and template appear contradictory. Also, should a plywood pad be fitted on the underside of the deck to spread the load? All advice gratefully received, Bob

Link to picture on flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/8819520@N ... l-sabre27/
Edited by - seasidebob on 11/03/2016 22:46:07
yerffoeg
United Kingdom
48 Posts

Posted - 05/04/2016 : 23:50:36
Hi Bob,

We enjoy anchoring. I fitted a Lofrans Royal over 10 years ago, and it has been a great asset (and has prevented injury to my dodgy back).

The boat originally came with a curved chainpipe. I could not see how this would be compatible with the Lofrans, so I removed it and glassed over the hole. I came across an old second-hand straight bronze chainpipe, which I fitted so that the chain falls vertically into the locker, as recommended in the fitting instructions. I also fitted a chain stopper between the windlass and the bow fitting.

http://www.force4.co.uk/force-4-5-16-ch ... wQ9VTH-Ums

This set up has always worked successfully.

Fitting the Lofrans was reasonably straightforward (no more than the usual amount of cursing). I used a hefty bit of ply for internal backing.

Don't forget that the anchor chain needs to be specifically sized for the teeth on the Lofrans windlass: it will not take any old 8 mm chain.

Geoff

seasidebob
United Kingdom
22 Posts

Posted - 06/04/2016 : 00:33:12
Many thanks Geoff, most useful