T&T: Galley Maid BBHW windlass question

[Jim Gano via Trawlers-and-Trawlering]

I have a 1983 vintage Galley Maid BBHW windlass that has never been used with chain in the gypsy (don't ask why).  I am getting ready to install chain so I am giving the windlass a complete check out.
With foot push buttons at the bow or with remote switch on the flybridge pressed, the windlass motor turns just fine (well sometimes the down switch does nothing but give a "clunk sound" at the relay and the motor does not turn; I am sure I need to clean the relay contact).  But that is not my real issue.
As I said, I plan to install chain and am checking out how to quickly "drop" the anchor without using the windlass motor (that is, free wheel the gypsy).  The Galley Maid manual says "Release tension of wildcat by loosening the large nut.... This will allow the wildcat to turn thus pulling out the chain."  I have taken the nut completely off and the vertical gypsy/drum assembly does not turn at all. 

Any ideas what is wrong?  Is the vertical rode drum on top of the gypsy and the gypsy one complete assembly or are they two separate pieces of bronze? Jim Gano
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[Rudy and Jill via Trawlers-and-Trawlering]

Worked on a windlass a few weeks ago with the same problem. This windlass had not been serviced for so long that the grease on the drive shaft had hardened to the point where the cones would not turn. Had to use considerable force, once I was certain that no fasteners were involved, to pry the cones off. Repeated spraying with a penetrating solvent might have worked, but it would have taken days and even then I'm doubtful that the spray would have reached the dried grease. Once disassembled, I could see where the spray that I used, didn't even reach the shaft. Once off, cleaned up and re-assembled, every thing worked as it should. Sounds like your problem may be the same.

Rudy and Jill
Jacksonville, Fl
Briney Bug- a 34 foot sail-assisted trawler
850-832-7748
. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

[Jim Gano via Trawlers-and-Trawlering]

I determined that the rode drum (capstan?) does separate from the chain gypsy and that there is some "clutch material" between them.   I was able to get the "frozen clutch material" separated from the the gypsy and drum by a few millimeters with a putty knife.  But for the life of me, I cannot get the drum to come off the shaft leaving the gypsy behind.  Does the drum slide on or screw on to the shaft?  I do not want to break something.
Also, I have searched all over the Internet and I find no diagrams of the internals of the drum and gypsy..

Anyone got a diagram or knowledge how to remove the drum?
 Jim Gano

[Chris Byer via Trawlers-and-Trawlering]

Galley Maid is till in business after over 30 years.
http://galleymaid.com/
Give them a call at:
(863) 467-6070
Or, email them at:
galle...@yahoo.com
Chris Byer
Cathedral City, CA

[Mel Kowal via Trawlers-and-Trawlering]

The upper drum slides on to the shaft. There is a spring under it
which would normally cause it to pop up when the large nut is
unscrewed. Rich, for some reason your drum is frozen. Perhaps soaking
down the shaft and then a rubber mallet would do the trick. How about
heat as a last resort? Do call Galley Maid for additional assistance,
they are very helpful.
Mel
GB-809

[Milt Baker via Trawlers-and-Trawlering]

Jim,

I was also going to recommend that you contact Galley Maid. When I had one
of their bullet-proot head systems in a previous boat, a terrific GB42, I
called them from time to time for tech support and always received good
counsel. The guy I talked with, named Jimmy, has passed on now but I'm
sure one of his trainees can help you sort out your problem.

As with all things Groco, it may be to your advantage to have a
manufacturer rebuild rather than doing the job yourself. Everything I've
ever had Groco and Galley Maid rebuild comes back looking (and operating)
like it's brand new!

YMMV,

Milt Baker
Nordhavn 47 Bluewater

Chris wrote:

Galley Maid is till in business after over 30 years.
http://galleymaid.com/
Give them a call at:
(863) 467-6070
Or, email them at:
galle...@yahoo.com