Got a Lofrans windlass?

[rb_stretch]

Definitely. I had to replace a Royal because it had seized completely.

[samwise]

Was that due to lack of use? We use ours a lot and so far it seems fine. I have made some inquiries about servicing and lubrication but was told that apart from taking off the gipsy and rope barrel assemblym, there isn't much you can do.

[snowleopard]

The clutch on the gypsy seized because I never release it and hadn't realised I should take it apart and re-grease every 3 months. The shaft seized into the gearbox because it had never been taken apart. In future I will remove both and re-grease regularly.

I finally got the clutch apart today. I drilled through the socket and poured diesel in so it could reach the threads, applied a lot of heat and used an air wrench. The nut was knackered as was the seal around it and it turned out the cone clutch was cracked. The final cost will be around £180.

Both the problems were the result of a bronze component being a tight fit on the stainless shaft and corrosion forming between the two.

[rb_stretch]

It was when I first bought my previous boat, so I suspect that the previous owner hadn't really used it.

[dylan]

I have a Leopard vertical. It's been on the boat for 6 years (year round use) and I've never had it serviced.It goes up and down as requested.

Am I about to get my NON comeuppance ??

[snowleopard]

Mine had been fine for 7 years. The trouble started when the motor stopped working and had to be removed from the boat for repair (corroded terminals).