Lewmar Windlass Guide

Can a Gypsy Only Deck Unit be converted to Gypsy Capstan Unit?

Yes, it is possible to convert any of the H2/3, Concept / Ocean 1/2/3 and V2/3/4/5 range deck units to, or from a Gypsy Capstan. The deck unit will have to be removed from the deck in order to change the main drive shaft.

Can I change the size of the chain on my boat?

Yes, Lewmar make a range of different size gypsies that will handle a wide range of good quality, calibrated chain. Check the rope/chain chart in the windlass section of the catalogue or your windlass manual for the correct rope/chain and gypsy match.

Can I use a combination rope chain rode on my boat?

Yes, All of Lewmar’s High volume ranges of products take rope and chain in the gypsy. The gypsy’s are design to take a range of chains and ropes without the need to remove the rope or chain from the gypsy during recovery. This means you can use a spliced rode effortlessly, reducing both weight and cost of the rode. Check the rope/chain chart in the windlass section of the catalogue or your windlass manual for the correct rope/chain and gypsy match.

What type of rope can be used on a combined rope/chain anchor rode?

Lewmar recommends a premium quality, windlass grade, medium lay, 3-strand nylon rope or a premium multi-plait nylon anchor rode. There are many different rode applications based upon windlass, anchor size, rode length and the anchor locker's depth and volume. For a list of recommended rode choices for your Lewmar windlass please see "Choosing an Anchor Rode"

Why do I need a drum on my windlass?

Lewmar’s range of windlasses allows the drum to be operated separately from the gypsy (independent warping). Once the primary rode is secured, the clutch nut can be slackened off ½ a turn. Now when the windlass is operated, only the drum will turn. This means that you can use the drum when docking or for a secondary rope only rode.

Can I drop the anchor without having to power it down?

Yes, all Lewmar windlasses have a manual free fall function as standard. To free fall the anchor, you simply manually undo the top nut half a turn. This releases the gypsy allowing it to free wheel. You can control the speed or stop the descent by re-tightening the top nut. Some of the larger windlasses with brake bands fitted work slightly differently. Please consult the manual for free fall operation.

Can I get the anchor up if I lose power?

Most Lewmar windlasses have a manual recovery option however the method varies across the product ranges. Some Lewmar windlasses have built in manual recovery and others require an emergency manual recovery kit. Please consult your windlass manual for clarification.

Can I fit a chain counter to my windlass?

Yes. V700, V1/2/3/4 /5 & H2/3, come with magnet and sensor fitted as standard. In most cases older Lewmar windlasses are pre-drilled to take magnets and sensors. Lewmar have a range of chain counters for use with our windlasses, please see "Chain counters"

Can I fit a chain counter to my Pro-series?

It is not and easy job to fit an internal sensor to the Pro-Series / Fish windlass but it is easy enough to fit an external sensor up under the gypsy.

Can I use a wireless remote with my windlass?

Yes. Lewmar have recently added a 3 button windlass & 5 button windlass / thruster wireless remote to its range. These can be used on any windlass / thruster that is operated via a solenoid. The wireless remote is simply wired in parallel with the standard switch.

What if my windlass does not have a solenoid, can I still use a wireless remote?

Yes. But you would have to purchase and fit a solenoid & rocker switch. Some of the small Lewmar / Simpson & Lawrence products are supplier without a solenoid. These units have the windlass power switched directly through a high current toggle switch. The high current toggle switch should be removed and replaced with a solenoid & rocker switch. The wireless remote can then be wired to the solenoid in parallel with the rocker switch. We have created a kit that includes a solenoid (0052531), rocker switch (68000593) and instruction sheet. Kit part number is 66000652

Should I use a chain stopper when anchoring?

Yes. Lewmar recommends that when mooring, the rode is attached to a suitable strong point. If using a rope / chain rode then the rope should be tied off to a cleat or suitable strong point. If using a chain only rode then a chain stopper should be used. If the load is left on the windlass during mooring, shock loads could lead to damage of rode or the windlass. With rope rodes left under load in the gypsy the rope can get jammed into the gypsy causing damage to the stripper & rode when next operated. There is also a risk that the clutch nut could come loose causing the boat to slip its mooring. For our range of chain stoppers, please see "Chain stoppers"

Some of the Lewmar windlasses have fall-safe. How do I use it, why do I need it?

Fall safe is a safety feature we have added to our new products. It is used in two ways. When the anchor is stowed, Fall-safe should be engaged to stop accidental deployment of the anchor. For windlasses not fitted with Fall-safe, an anchor safety strap or similar should be used. Fall-safe pawl should also be engaged during manual recovery to act as a ratchet.