Windlass Woes

We have spent the past two days problem-solving the windlass issue. It was complicated by the fact that there was no access to the bolts that attach the windlass to the boat. It can’t be taken apart without removing it, and it can’t be removed without undoing the bolts that attach it to the boat. However, there was no way to access to the bolts. Hanse apparently installed the windlass in the anchor locker—which is all one piece with the deck—prior to attaching the deck to the hull. There is a molded “ box “ in the v berth that covers the underside of the anchor locker. George cut a hole in that box—thanks to Marla and Tommy who loaned us their oscillating multitool.

Another problem is that the US distributor of the windlass, Quick USA, is in the process of moving their headquarters from MD to FL which seems to be impacting their communications. No one in technical support is returning George’s calls. The parent company is located in Italy and one person, Fabrizio, there has communicated with George by email. He said he thought the problem was the windlass motor. He initially discouraged George from doing the work himself, but after George explained our situation, Fabrizio said, “while installation is not straightforward for a layperson, someone with good manual skills should still be able to manage it.” George says, “we’ll see.”

This afternoon we used the windlass one more time to raise the anchor but it quit altogether before the anchor was up. George finished raising the anchor by hand. We are now on a mooring ball and plan to be here for a week or so. We will have to play it by ear after that.

We did have a bit of fun yesterday. We joined Jean, Michael, Dee and Ron for a late lunch at the Rusty Anchor. It is located by the pool at the swanky February Point resort. Good food with good friends.