The wheel on an anchor windlass that is designed to pull on the chain is indeed called a gypsy. On many windlasses, there is also a drum much like a sheet winch that is intended for line only; that is called a capstan. On a vertical shaft windlass, like I have on Imzadi, the capstan is above the gypsy, and both are driven by the same shaft.
Many, but not all, gypsies are intended for both chain and nylon rode. The spacing between the cogs (Teeth?) in the gypsy corresponds to the overall length of one link in the anchor chain. The spacing between the upper and lower flanges of the gypsy are designed for a specific diameter of line. On my windlass there is some adjustment to allow for slight differences in the diameter of the rode that exists between old vs new 3-strand and between 3-strand and 12-plait nylon rodes. I have a 900 watt vertical windlass with capstan designed for ½ (12mm) rode and ¼ HT chain. (you would think ¼ HT would be the same as 6mm G4, but its not. ¼ HT is pretty much identical to 7mm G4. And HT/G4 chain is a different size and strength than either BB or proof coil chain.) It gets confusing, so make sure you know the size gypsy you have and match it to the rode you are using. My primary anchor is a 20kg Bruce with 65ft of ¼ HT and 250 ft of ½ 3-strand. The second anchor on the bow (which used to be the primary) is a 35 lb CQR with 65 ft of ¼ HT and 200 ft of ½ nylon. Im a great believer in big anchors, until it is time to pull them up off the bottom. Since I turned 60 I dont know how many times Ive been pulling the 35 CQR off the bottom and said to myself Youre getting too old for this sh**! And around here it is typical to anchor in 10 ft or less much shallower depth than I will likely see when cruising. Hence the windlass. The selection of a windlass with capstan was so I could use the same windlass to manage two anchor rodes when I need to deploy both anchors for rough weather. Rick Brass Washington, NC From: cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of Martin DeYoung Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2012 5:06 PM To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Subject: Re: Stus-List (now anchoring/windlass) I may have the exact name incorrect but the lower part of the vertical shaft windless can grip rope rode (size does matter) then as the transition to chain happens it fits into the larger spaces on the same rotating gypsy. The Lewmar model Ocean #2 also has a rope/line only section that looks and operates like a power winch (more like a traditional gypsy). Martin _____ From: cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of Richard Walter Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2012 1:55 PM To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Subject: Re: Stus-List (now anchoring/windlass) "capable gypsy?" (remember, I'm a neophyte here) --- On Wed, 8/29/12, Martin DeYoung <mdeyo...@deyoungmfg.com> wrote: From: Martin DeYoung <mdeyo...@deyoungmfg.com> Subject: Re: Stus-List (now anchoring/windlass) To: "cnc-list@cnc-list.com" <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> Date: Wednesday, August 29, 2012, 4:47 PM >> Would a windlass be a welcome addition to our anchoring arsenal? As one ages or needs to re-anchor three times within 2 hours the windless starts to make sense. >> What about the chain/rope connection? I use a rope to chain splice and the Lewmar rope/chain capable gypsy. The splice is well documented in finer knot books and is easy to do when not in a rush. I add heat shrink tubing around the three strands where they contact the galvanized chain to reduce chafe. Inspect often, renew the splice regular enough to sleep well. Martin Calypso 1971 C&C 43 Seattle _____ From: cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of Richard Walter Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2012 1:25 PM To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Subject: Stus-List (now anchoring/windlass) Greetings, I admit I am completely ignorant when it comes to windlasses. INDIGO (1978 36-footer) has a double bow roller, but we only fly a single anchor. We carry a Danforth anchor on 33 feet of chain to braided rope rode. Like a schlub, I just set it and pull it up by hand. My questions: Would a windlass be a welcome addition to our anchoring arsenal? What about the chain/rope connection? Can a windlass accommodate two anchors on the bow roller? Brand/model recommendation(s)? (We are partial to Lewmar for our winches) What else do I need to consider? Thank you, Richard --- On Wed, 8/29/12, Richard Walter <sailind...@yahoo.com> wrote: From: Richard Walter <sailind...@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: Stus-List Martha's Vineyard Cruise next week (now anchoring) To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Date: Wednesday, August 29, 2012, 3:54 PM I agree with Colin, I have anchored comfortably at Vineyard Haven (and other places). I agree too that anchoring is the way to go. When I anchor, I feel smarter and more sailor-ly. Heck, I paid for the anchor, chain, and rode, I'm gonna use it. Also, every night anchoring saves us enough $$ for another dinner ashore! Richard -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ This List is provided by the C&C Photo Album http://www.cncphotoalbum.com CnC-List@cnc-list.com
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