T&T: Windlass problems

[C. Marin Faure]

In addition to the other suggestions for checking for current draw,  
loose or corroded terminals, etc., don't overlook the condition of  
the windlass itself.  If it is binding up inside for some reason this  
could cause enough additional current draw to trip the breaker.  I'm  
not familiar with the particular windlass you have so don't know if  
it has a gear train immersed in an oil bath as does our Lofrans  
Tigres.  But if you measure the actual current draw as others have  
suggested and you get an abnormally high figure, one cause could be  
purely mechanical due to a lube problem, an alignment problem, a worn  
bearing or bushing problem, and so forth.

____________________
C. Marin Faure
GB36-403 "La Perouse"
Bellingham, Washington