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OWNER'S MANUAL

Model options, electrical requirements, deck installation, clutch operation and maintenance for the Lofrans Marlin windlass (standard and low-profile versions).

DocumentLofrans Marlin Windlass Mounting, Operation & Maintenance
FormatPDF · 16 pages · 12.7 MB
LanguageEnglish
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Model OptionsElectricalInstallationOperationMaintenanceProducts
Lofrans Marlin Windlass — Mounting, Operation & Maintenance

Model Classification

Option Choices listed
Motor 400 Watt 12 Volt; 700 Watt 12 Volt
Chain Ø6 ISO – DIN 766 – Ø3/16" BBB; Ø7 ISO – Ø1/4" G40; Ø8 ISO – DIN 766 – Ø5/16" G40 – BBB
Rope Ø12 mm – 1/2"; Ø14 mm – 9/16"
Optional Free Fall version

The manual includes a form to record motor, chain, rope, purchase date and serial number. Lofrans asks for the full classification and serial number when you order spares.

Electric Plant

Motor Battery Cable section Circuit breaker
400 Watt 12 V 60 Ah 16 mm² / 4 AWG 35 A
700 Watt 12 V 100 Ah 25 mm² / 3 AWG 70 A
  • Increase cable section by 30–50% approx. when positive plus negative run exceeds 10 m (29').
  • Control wiring (thin line on the diagram): 1.5 mm² or 16 AWG approx.
  • Protect the remote controls with a 5 A breaker.
  • Install the breaker dry, accessible and visible; isolate windlass and remotes under way, re-arm when anchoring.
  • Fit the control box in a dry place and at least two remote controls.
  • Breaker data apply to Lofrans breakers only.

Layout

  • Tools: drill Ø9 mm (3/8"), 10 mm A/F and 13 mm A/F spanners, jig saw, power drill, silicone sealant.
  • Top part: drum (204), gipsy (206), base (237). Under deck: gearbox (228) and motor (233). The under-deck part can be set in any of four positions; keep the motor clear of the chain run and leave room for the handle (201).
  • Standard maximum deck thickness: 30 mm (1 3/16"); for thicker decks consult your dealer.
  • Thin decks need a backing pad (plywood, timber). Do not use a stainless backing pad (electrolysis).
  • Steel or aluminium boats: insulate top and under-deck parts from the deck with a non-conductive gasket.
  • Top and under-deck parts must be parallel; misalignment overloads the motor.

Mounting

  • Place it over the deepest part of the chain locker and drill using the deck template.
  • Separate the parts by loosening the nuts (227) on the studs (225); seal the base bottom and around the studs with silicone.
  • The chain must run parallel to the deck and wrap the gipsy about 180°.
  • Leave at least 400 mm (16") between the underside of the deck and the top of the heaped chain.
  • Join the parts with the main-shaft key (224) in the gearbox keyway and tighten the stud nuts.
  • Test with UP. If it runs the wrong way, swap M1 and M2 at the control box. Re-check the nuts after use.

The motor tolerates spray but can be irreparably damaged if submerged.

Operation

Clutch

  • Standard: gipsy driven by the main shaft (211) through clutch items 205 and 207. Tighten the clutch nut (202) clockwise with the handle to engage; turn anticlockwise to release.
  • Low profile: main shaft (213), clutch items 212 and 207. Tighten the gipsy cap (212) counter-clockwise to engage; loosen toward the arrows marked LOOSE to release.

Anchoring

  • Raising: engine running, clutch engaged, handle removed, press UP. Watch the anchor over the last metres. Do not pull the boat up to the anchor.
  • If the breaker trips, wait some minutes before trying again; if it trips again, make the chain fast and break the anchor out with the engine.
  • Lowering: release the clutch for a fast drop and control it with the gipsy cap; normally lower with DOWN.
  • Once anchored, put the load on a chain stopper or make the chain fast to a cleat.
  • Drum: chain made fast on the stopper, clutch released, two turns clockwise, press UP; re-engage the clutch afterwards.
  • Under way: breaker OFF, chain stopper on.

Maintenance

  • Before any work, switch off at the main switch and take the chain off the gipsy.
  • At least monthly, wash off the salt layer on the casing with fresh water, especially in hidden spots.
  • At least every six months, strip the gipsy. Standard: with the handle unscrew 202, remove 204 and 205, unscrew 234, remove 235 and 236, extract 206. Low profile: unscrew 212, then 234, 235, 236 and extract 206.
  • Clean and check the parts, spray with CRC 3097 "Long Life" or WD40, look for electrolysis and grease the main shaft thread.
  • After a long lay-up the motor may run slowly: check and clean the brushes, replace if needed.
  • At least once a year, lift the windlass off the deck to clean the salt from under the base.
  • Gearbox: SAE 90 long-life oil. An oil leak means the seals must be replaced (a complete seal set is available).
  • Start and end of season: check motor and control box, clean them and grease the terminals.

Need a part that isn't listed? Ask us to source it and quote the part number from the PDF.

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