Monday 22 Nov, re-launch 2021, HHN day 54: Provisioning and leaks into the anchor windlass.
Monday started relaxed after yesterday’s excitement. For once, we actually go shopping in the middle of the day, during what has previously been precious daylight working hours. This shopping is again picking up on-line orders which Oana has made. Man, I tell you, for me this is the way to provision the boat. Oana orders and we just drive and pick up – no marching up and down the aisles for hours and hours. And, above all, she has managed to catch every possible deal going. We estimate the savings to be around 30%. And considering we are spending more than $2,000, that is significant.
In the evening, we chat about stowage and the subject of the cupboard in fore cabin comes up. Oana says she won’t stow anything there because it leaks. Well, true enough, there is the occasional drip from the anchor windlass, but not in any amounts to get it to the top of my to-do lists. Oana insists otherwise, that it’s more than just a few leaks.
Frankly I’ve had enough of fixing leaks! On the other hand, this is the only remaining one that we have not addressed. So, a bit reluctantly (because I’m now heading into relaxed mode) I decide to get the windlass off and re-bed it on deck – adding new sealant. Not a straightforward job because the electric windlass motor below decks it is awkward to remove. But at least it’s something I can do in the evening and in the warmth of the cabin.
Hence tools gather, doors are removed from the cupboard, and in I go. When I say “in” it’s actually more like half-in half-out in a very uncomfortable position while I disconnect the multitude of wires and power lines connected to the motor. Just why does it need so many, I really don’t know. You would think it would just have a positive and negatie cable. But no, there are 4 power cables and 2 control wires. And then the 4 nuts that need to be undone to release it from the windlass above deck are in such a position that only 1/6 of a spanner turn at a time is achievable.
With cables, wires, and nuts off, the motor should simply slide down the windlass shaft. But no. It is solidly stuck to the underside of the deck and whatever human force I give it, it just will not budge! The first alarm bells start to ring.
After a glass of wine, I get back to it with a clear head 😊. And manage to force it off the ceiling using leverage. Finally, it comes down but a large chunk of the alloy is left stuck to the ceiling. And inside the top we find it packed with salt crystals. This has been more that a 1-drip-a-day leak. And here we are again with small tell-tail signs of a bigger problem. Just like the lower rudder bearing where there were tiny beads of salt around one small screw – only to find massive water invasion and corrosion when the bearing was removed.
It seems the water had been invading the whole gearbox and motor. And worse, with the motor tilted, oil is seeping out the end. The only place this can come from is the gear box. So clearly seals are gone there too. Pfff. This windlass is likely the only piece of equipment I have not touched in the last 18 months of re-fit. And here we are, about to leave and we don’t have a method to anchor ☹
But, as luck (and planning) would have it, we have a complete and brand-new spare windlass stowed in the bilge. I had found it on sale at the Hallberg Rassy Open Yard weekend 3 years ago, at half price. Could not resist that deal to have a spare of this vital piece of equipment on board. So it had been buried in the bilge for 3 years and now it is coming out for its big debut! I decide not to mess around with the old one. It will surely need new parts and at least new seals. I will simply install the spare and rebuild this damaged one in my own time. That will be tomorrow’s job.