windless-----simpson lawrence spirit

[henry robertson]

a few weeks ago i inquired about a replacement windless//but i now feel i should alert you to a windless problem you may have
simpson- lawrence windless was used on many albins 31 and below. the spirit models have the motor directly under the rope/anchor feed hole. many have a rubber or vinal sleve over the motor. the sleve has a drain hole in the bottom--problem-when motor is warm the salt water running down the sleve it is siphoned thru the hole. behind the hole are the motor brush holes-not very water tight. the mfg had a chute to feed rope/chain past the motor but poor quality plastic and bad seal lets water by.
the replacement motor was quoted ar over $500. if caught soon enough a starter rebuilder can fix--mine was doa.
there is no direct replacement windless that fits the hole so check yours out. recomend you remove sleeve over motor and coat motor with heavy anti corrosion goo or plastic dip. dump sleeve-- i got lucky--got windless to fit on e-bay for less than motor cost and modified to correct problem
happy harbors
henry

[jcollins]

Henry,
Thanks very much for the post. Sorry you had to learn it the hard way. This will be helpful for other owners. I'm moving this over to the maintenance forum.

Thanks again,