FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Identifying your windlass.
To identify your IDEAL Windlass first look for our nameplate. This plate is
located on the gear case of your windlass and tells you the Model and Serial
numbers of the windlass. If your windlass is vertical the gear box and motor
are below deck. If it is horizontal your unit is all above deck.
Other
ways of identification include, knowing the size and brand of boat, the
diameter of the deck plate and number of deck bolts (if vertical) or if
horizontal whether the motor is exposed or enclosed in the gear case.
Can I get parts for my old IDEAL windlass?
Can my old IDEAL windlass be rebuilt?
IDEAL will rebuild any of its equipment. Nearly all old windlasses sent to
IDEAL can be rebuilt and this is a cost effective alternative to purchasing
a new unit. We frequently rebuild windlasses from the 1940's and 1950's.
See some amazing examples!!!
To have your windlass rebuilt:
- Remove it from the boat.
- Send it to to the address below with a note inside the box
including your name, address and phone number and what you would like
done.
- We will call you with an estimate before proceeding.
- Repairs generally take 1-2 weeks.
Re-chroming of above deck parts is also available.
What kind of oil and how much?
All IDEAL windlasses use 90WT. gear oil.
Horizontal windlasses have a pipe plug in the front cover of the gear
box. Oil should be to the level of the plug.
Vertical units have a pipe plug on the side of the gear box. Oil should
be to the level of the plug.
The entire gear box is not filled with oil. It is just an oil bath.
Oil should be changed every 2-3 years
My chain wildcat is slipping. What do I do?
Typically the clutch simply needs to be tightened. This is accomplished by
either turning the wheel on your horizontal model or by using the capstan
wrench to tighten the capstan cap. There are three styles of capstan wrench;
a spanner wrench, a "Faspin" type rod or a large bronze socket into which a
flat bar is inserted. Place this wrench into the capstan cap (top of the
windlass) and turn clockwise.If your wildcat continues to slip you may
need to replace the friction disc(s).
Can my rope only capstan be converted to chain?
All IDEAL line only windlasses can be converted to have a chain wildcat.
The windlass needs to be removed from the boat, disassembled and
reassembled with a new main shaft and several other new components.
Can my single direction windlass be reversed?
Most 12 volt windlasses have a reversing motor. All that is needed are
additional controls. To determine if your motor is reversible, check to see
if there is an additional terminal that is not being used. If you have a
two terminal motor you will need to purchase a Reversing Kit which
contains an additional foot switch and a reversing solenoid assembly.
Read more Here!!!
Windlasses that run on A/C power can be reversed by purchasing a reversing
controller and additional foot switch.
Older model BHW and most horizontal windlasses cannot be reversed without
changing the gearing
What size chain does my windlass take?
The chain size and type is very specific to the different wildcats. All
models are available for many different chain sizes and types. The fit of
the chain to the wildcat is critical. Our wildcats have a number cast into
them that identifies what size and type chain your wildcat will accept. To
find this number look in the flat spaces between the ribs in the wildcat.
This is the area where the chain rides. Measure the diameter of your
wildcat and refer to the chart below for identification. If you cannot find
a number or if it is not listed below, please call the factory.
401-1884-2550
| Chain Size and Type |
5" dia. |
7" dia. |
8"dia. |
| 1/4 BBB |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| 1/4 High Test |
5 |
17 |
18 |
| 1/4 Proof Coil |
3A |
2 |
2 |
| 1/4 Accoloy |
5 |
9 |
18 |
| 5/16 BBB |
2 |
16 |
2 |
| 5/16 High Test |
2 |
2 |
-- |
| 5/16 Proof Coil |
4A |
5 |
3 |
| 5/16 Accoloy |
-- |
-- |
-- |
| 3/8 BBB |
8 |
3 |
3 |
| 3/8 High Test |
13 |
6 |
4 |
| 3/8 Proof Coil |
13 |
6 |
4 |
| 3/8 Accoloy |
-- |
7 |
-- |
| 1/2 BBB |
-- |
-- |
5 |
| 1/2 High Test |
-- |
-- |
30 |
| 1/2 Proof Coil |
-- |
-- |
10 |
| 1/2 Accoloy |
-- |
-- |
10 |
Is my 12 volt motor a standard starter motor? Can it be
rebuilt?
The 12 volt motor on your windlass is not a standard starter motor. It has
been modified for use with your anchor windlass.
Many times these motors
can be rebuilt. Call for info
401-884-2550 or email.
Can the voltage of my windlass be changed?
| Voltages of existing IDEAL windlasses Sizes 2 and
above can be changed. Size 2 windlasses are offered in DC voltages
of 12, 24, and 32. Sizes 3-11 are available in AC voltages of 115,
208, 230/1/60, 208,230,460/3/60 and 208,230,380/3/50. When changing
voltages solenoids or controllers must also be changed.
Call the
factory at 401-884-2550 for more information |
Can my windlass be operated remotely?
If you are using an all chain rode or a rope-to-chain rode (used on a
windlass built to automatically pull rope and chain) your windlass can be
operated from a remote station. A remote panel can be installed in the
bridge or cockpit of your boat or a hand held remote with a deck plug-in can
be used.
Call IDEAL for more information. 401-884-2550.
Can my windlass be converted to handle a
rope-to-chain rode?
If your windlass is a horizontal model Size 1 or 2, or a CWM it can be
retrofitted with a combination gypsy. A new chain stripper/hawse pipe is
also required. Verticals cannot be converted.
Read more here!!!
See "Identifying your
Windlass" and call the factory. 401-884-2550.
IDEAL Windlass Company 5810 Post Rd. * PO Box 430 East
Greenwich, RI 02818 USA
TEL: 401.884.2550 * FAX: 401.884.1260