lewmar horizon 600 windlass - not retracting

[Quint4]

My windlass has worked great all season. Last time out it would not retract the rode....getting power just will not "catch". All I have is the installation manual and it is vague. Is there an adjustment to the clutch mechanism? I guess I'll just take the darn thing apart and try to figure it out.

 

[searaycruisn]

Have you tried to tighten the main tension bolt to adjust the tension. Usually the windass comes with a manual handle to tighten the bolt at the top of the windless. It is a torques head bolt usually.

 

[Quint4]

I don't see any adjustment bolt, etc....I'll look at it again tomorrow.

 

[boatmailster]

full manual here
http://en.lewmar.com/support/PDF/horizon600_900.zip

 

[MLauman]

If you have the freefall model...

I had that happen to mine once (same windlass). IIRC, the problem was that the 'operating nut' backed off a little too far and could not 'grab' a thread. I was able to fix it by removing a side panel and pushing the nut toward the shaft while retrieving.

This problem happens if you hold the 'drop' switch too long. You should always let go of the switch as soon as you know the anchor is falling.

The manual for the freefall model is here: http://en.lewmar.com/support/PDF/windlass/Horizon_free_600-900.pdf

 

[Quint4]

Okay I fixed it ! Thanks to all who posted especially Mlauman.

I removed the cover I am pointing to ( bolt in center and allen screw directly below. I found the "operating nut" and hand tightened back against the spool....Fixed !! The manuals made no mention of this.