Maxwell-Nilsson VWC 700, VW 700 & HWC 700 Windlass — Instructions & Parts

Specifications (VWC / VW 700)

• VWC (all-chain primary rode): standard 12 volt, chrome, chainwheel, chainpipe (port), bronze clutches, emergency handle, dual direction, footswitches.
• VW (rope/chain combinations): standard 12 volt, chrome, chainwheel, chainstripper, bronze clutches, emergency handle, dual direction, footswitches.
• Optional: 24 volt, hydraulics, extra deck clearance, bronze finish (and remote controls on VWC). Necessary additional equipment: overload control, chainstopper.

VWC700 Installation

• The VWC700 has a clutch driven chainwheel, ratchet pawl, open chain pipe, emergency hand wind and an independent warping capstan – for all-chain systems only.
• It runs clockwise: lead the chain in a smooth line from the bow roller to the entry point at the front starboard side; it passes the stripper and drops through the chain pipe. Large PVC pipe can lead the chain to the locker; the chain must gravity feed.
• Location must be structurally adequate for anchor loads; metal back-up plates recommended. Deck surfaces flat, smooth and parallel; deck thickness allowed for is 2 inches (50mm).
• Footswitch about four feet from the windlass for tailing room, below-deck part dry. Overload control close to the windlass in a dry space; add a secondary breaker or fuse.

1. Strip the topworks: top screw and washer, clutch nut, capstan, key, upper clutch cone (grip the grease nipple), key, chainwheel; slacken the grub screw in the lower cone, remove the lower cone, its key, the split rings, the rubber seal, the deck plate (four countersunk screws) and the deck bolts.
2. Insert gearbox and motor from below with the clamp plate loose; sealant under the deck plate, lightly grease the shaft.
3. Slide the deck plate over the shaft, locate with the four countersunk screws, fit deck bolts and clamp up – do not tighten excessively, no power tools.
4. Grease the deck plate nipple and run the motor to check for binding or misalignment.
5. Slide the rubber seal down with lip downwards onto the deck plate boss, fit the lower clutch retainer clips and reassemble in reverse order, greasing clutch cone faces and the nipples in upper clutch cone and capstan.

Recommended Supply Line Conductor Size

• "d" = total conductor length from battery to winch; in the engine space use the gauge increase "X" or the insulation upgrade "Y". About 10% voltage drop.
• Control lines: size 16 for runs up to 50 feet, size 14 over 50 feet.
• A slow blow fuse at the power source is mandatory for U.S. Coast Guard, ABYC and BIA: 200 amps for 12 volt, 100 amps for 24 volt. The Maxwell-Nilsson overload protector is recommended – standard motors are short rated, not for continuous operation or stalled loads.

Maintenance

• The gearbox is sealed. At least twice per season strip the above-deck components to deck plate level and grease thoroughly with good marine grease, including all threads and keys.
• Several times per season give a few shots of grease to the nipples on the deck plate, capstan and upper clutch cone (remove the capstan for access).
• Repaint motor and gearbox regularly and check for corrosion under deck. For long storage, strip and grease lightly or spray with CRC.
• Never stand between windlass and bow roller or in the direction of load.

Parts Drawings

* = specify 'B' for bronze or 'C' for chrome when ordering. None of these Maxwell-Nilsson 700 parts are in our catalogue: ask us and we will source them by part number.