3260 windlass question

[VMSea]

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?

[Chris_in_Texas]

So this is the windless that is installed?

Kobra.JPG

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If so the handle goes on the right side on the three prong nut. It appears that its just a cheater tube that locks over the end of the prong on the nut.

I am sad to say that if it does fail you have to haul it up by hand. Attaching the handle to the nut will just loosen the gypsy and allow it to free fall. By doing that it won't be engaged to the hub motor anymore. Same for the newer horizontal windless that are on the newer boats. The handles aren't made for recovery just to loosen to get out a jam or to free fall the anchor.

[VMSea]

It's not the same one that you posted a pic of. However, I think your summary pretty well covers things. Next time I'm at the boat I'll take a picture and see if I can post it on here without throwing the computer out the window

[Kikaboo]

It's not the same one that you posted a pic of. However, I think your summary pretty well covers things. Next time I'm at the boat I'll take a picture and see if I can post it on here without throwing the computer out the window

It's easy to upload pics to this forum as long as you stay within 1024x768. If you have and iPhone download the image size app and set the output to 1024x768. Once you resize the jpg, it will upload.

[Regal3260]

This is the Lofrans Kobra 1000 windlass installed on our 3260.

Mark

[VMSea]

Looks very much like the one installed in my 3260. Have you had any problems with yours and if so how did you go about solving it? There doesn't seem to be any obvious emergency handle / slot combination. Is it a matter of loosening the wingnuts and hauling the anchor by hand?

[Chris_in_Texas]

Thats correct, its just a tube to loosen the bolt on the end, and then its all by hand.

[Regal3260]

Just to go back to your original post...is the windlass not working?
Sounds like it works. Are you're wondering what to do if it stops working.
The chain just sits in the gypsy, I would think you could just lift it off the gypsy to manually lower or raise the anchor.
I haven't had any issues with mine and all works well.

Mark

[VMSea]

Many thanks guys, really appreciate your replies. No problems so far and it worked fine when I ran it for the first time the other day. I just like to know as much as I can about the equipment on board and what had me scratching my head over the windlass was the fact that the paperwork/manual that came with it was somewhat different to what was actually sitting in the bow of the boat. I've discovered things go wrong when I assume things! Hence the questions
Once again thanks for taking the time to respond, much appreciated.

[PipeDreams]

Sorry to say I have never read the windlass manual, or I might have known this before now. I found a handle, in a small storage location, above the aft cabin closet, in a small slot with a toggle retainer, but I had no idea as to the handles purpose, until now. It must be the manual handle for the windlass. Have a look on your 3260 for the handle. I will read my manual. Thanks guys.

[Regal3260]

Pipe Dreams - Did you find it on the shelf above the aft cabin closet? We are away for the week, I'll have to take a look when we get back.

Mark