According to the windlass manual that came along with the boat (a 2002 3260) it's a Lofrans' Kobra windlass. However, the manual doesn't seem to match the windlass sitting in the bow of my boat. The Regal owner's manual has the following statement : Never use the windlass under power with the emergency handle inserted into the clutch nut or gypsy cap.
The previous owners have been excellent with all the original manuals (and equipment) that came with the boat (pretty impressive I have to say and I am very thankful) with the sole exception of this windlass. I haven't come across any emergency handle and even if I had done I haven't seen anywhere obvious on the windlass to insert/connect it. The unit looks very smooth / compact and solidly put together and 'screwed together' by two huge wingnuts placed either end of the unit (I've tried turning both by hand and they may as well have been welded in place). There are no slots or anything in the casing and the Lofrans manual with the expanded /exploded view of all the pieces includes the emergency handle and the place for it to go. Only, as I have said, that ain't the same one that's in my boat.
I'm worried about not having an alternative method of dropping, and more importantly, raising the anchor other than hauling it and the chain up myself in the event that the motor fails or something else fails. As far as I can tell the windlass looks very much like it's an original Regal factory fitted unit.
Any ideas?