Muir Storm VR/VRC/VFF 600 Vertical Windlass — Owner's Manual
OWNER'S MANUAL
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Installation, deck template, wiring, operation, servicing, rope/chain splice, troubleshooting and the full parts lists for the Muir Storm VR600, VRC600 (capstan) and VFF600 (free fall) vertical windlasses.
DocumentMuir Storm VR/VRC/VFF 600 Vertical Windlass Owner's Manual
FormatPDF · 24 pages · 3.5 MB
LanguageEnglish
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The Three Versions
| Model | What it is |
|---|---|
| VR600 | Gypsy only. Optional gypsy locking pawl on the chain cover to lock the gypsy at anchor or with the anchor stowed. |
| VRC600 | Gypsy plus bronze capstan; the capstan can run independently of the gypsy with the clutch released. |
| VFF600 | Free fall: the down switch releases the clutch and drops the anchor from the helm; the up switch re-tightens it. |
Chain runs onto the starboard side of the gypsy, wraps 180° and drops through the chain pipe. Rope/chain rodes use the Rope Chain Management System (RCMS) finger.
Installation
- Locate the windlass centrally fore and aft with a clear chain lead to the bow roller and room to swing the clutch handle.
- Gypsy centre height must be in line with the chain lead from the bow roller; use a shaped mounting block on a cambered or angled deck.
- Light or foam-sandwich decks: fit a plywood stiffener at least 16 mm (5/8") thick under the deck, with large washers.
- Aluminium or steel hulls: insulate the windlass and the under-deck bolts, nuts and washers with a non-conductive gasket.
- Minimum fall from underside of deck to top of the stowed rode: 300 mm. Aim the chain at the centre of the locker.
- If the chain must be redirected, fit a pipe at least 2 times the chain diameter, as vertical as possible.
- The gearbox and motor can be set in one of 8 positions.
Quick Fit Adaptor
- Mount the windlass on deck with the supplied deck bolts.
- From below, slide the motor/gearbox onto the shaft with key and keyway aligned; push until the retaining clip locks in the groove.
- Grease shaft, key and hub (marine grease or anti-seize) before fitting.
- Loctite 222 or equivalent on the retaining bolt, then fit washers and bolt to the shaft end.
- To remove: bottom bolt and washers out, pull the retaining clip, slide the motor/gearbox down.
- Protect the motor/gear drive with anti-corrosion film or grease tape. Fit a chain pipe extension if the motor sits below the chain hole.
Deck Template (VR/VRC/VFF 600)
The second PDF is the 1:1 A4 deck template, drawing 600A-DTEMP. Print it at 100% (no "fit to page") and check the 0–100 mm scale bar before you cut: the drawing itself says verify scale before using it as a template.
- 4 holes Ø12 on PCD 87 for the studs.
- Cut-out Ø63.5 for the base.
- Ø20 hole for the Auto Anchor sensor, where fitted.
- Rope/chain cut-out: make it exactly the shape shown to prevent snagging, with a belled-out bottom (section A-A).
- The template shows the chain centre line and the bow direction.
Electrical
Rules
- A circuit breaker must be fitted to keep the warranty; it is not an isolating switch.
- Fit an isolating switch close to the battery or switches.
- VFF600: an isolation switch AND a circuit breaker are required so the rode cannot pay out if the winch is reversed by accident.
- Deck switches to port, starboard or behind the windlass, where you can see the anchor come aboard.
- Install the solenoid upright, out of sea water, close to the motor.
- Terminals: hold the bottom nut with a second spanner while tightening the top nut; do not over-tighten.
Cable Size
| Battery to motor | Cable | Cable Ø |
|---|---|---|
| 7 m (23') | 25 mm² / 4 AWG | 8 mm (5/16") |
| 9 – 17 m (30' – 55') | 70 mm² / 1/0 AWG | 12 – 15 mm (7/16" – 19/32") |
VR600 / VRC600
- Free-fall by hand: clutch handle in the bi-square, turn anti-clockwise to release; tighten clockwise to brake.
- Retrieve: tighten the clutch clockwise and remove the handle first. If the anchor is buried, motor forward after hardening up.
- At anchor: chain stopper, nylon/chain bridle or snubber. Never use the windlass as a mooring bollard.
- Capstan (VRC): secure the rode, release the clutch, then run the capstan on the motor.
- Mark the chain at 2 and 5 metre (6.5' & 16.5') intervals and go slowly for the last few metres.
VFF600 Free Fall
- Down switch releases the clutch and the gypsy free-wheels.
- Up switch tightens the clutch and takes up slack: only once anchor and rode are on the bottom, never during free fall.
- To power down without free fall, loosen the grub screw and rotate the striker pawl 180 degrees.
- The VFF clutch has a left-hand thread: clockwise releases, anticlockwise tightens.
- Grease the striker pawl on the chain pipe cover periodically.
Servicing
Routine
- Rinse with fresh water after every trip.
- Strip yearly and grease all moving parts with a marine grease such as Duckhams Keenol or Castrol LMX; more often on workboats and charter boats. No soap-based grease.
- The geardrive is sealed with long-life synthetic oil that needs no change for its life.
- Treat corrosion and paint chips; clean the motor terminals.
- Soak nylon rope in fresh water with fabric softener every 3 months.
Strip the Gypsy (VR / VRC)
- Tools: clutch handle, 3 mm and 6 mm Allen keys, marine grease.
- Remove two screws and the chain cover, then the peeler.
- Unscrew the clutch nut fully; remove the capstan and shaft key (VRC) or the D washer (VR).
- Hold the peeler arm out and lift off the gypsy.
- Locking-pawl VR600: first remove the side screw, pawl, spring and ball bearing.
- Reassemble in reverse; grease shaft, gypsy, drive cone (and capstan).
| When | Do this |
|---|---|
| 6 months after installation | Check all bolts are tight; check grease tape / anti-corrosion film on motor and geardrive |
| 12 months, 2 years, 3 years | Remove chain wheel, clean cones, fully grease and lubricate |
| 4 years | Full winch service |
RCMS finger: if nylon line slips, remove the chain cover, loosen the grub screw on the side of the base, turn the screwdriver anti-clockwise to tension the spring and re-tighten the grub screw while holding it.
Rope to Chain Splice
- Seize the rope 400 mm (16") from the end and unlay the strands.
- Put 20 mm (3/4") of heat-shrink sleeve through the last link; pass one strand through from one side and two from the other.
- Pull all three tight and shrink the sleeve (hairdryer, fan heater or boiling water).
- Back splice two full tucks, pare the strands by 1/3, two more tucks, pare another 1/3, finish with two tucks.
Muir windlasses are designed to run on 3-strand nylon line. If the rope jams, slacken the clutch; do not keep running the windlass with the line slipping in the gypsy.
Electrical
- Battery circuit breaker set and isolating switch on.
- Battery charged to 12 or 24 volts as relevant.
- Foot switch plunger contacting; solenoid contacting (clicking may mean low voltage, a faulty solenoid or a loose wire).
- Wiring between controls, solenoid and motor intact.
- Motor still dead: check the motor brushes for wear or sticking.
Mechanical
- Clutch above the gypsy tightened with the handle.
- Line slips: increase the finger spring tension (RCMS).
- Check the drive key on the main shaft to gearbox output.
- Check the drive key between gearbox and motor input.
Spare Parts
Part numbers exactly as printed on the Muir exploded views. Item numbers refer to each drawing. Quote the windlass serial number when ordering.
Storm VR600 (drawing K08-STRMVR0600)
| Muir part no. | Item | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| P07-CLN316VR00600A | 1 | Clutch nut SS316 VR600A | Ask us to source it → |
| P23-316031.8019.104 | 2 | SS304 'D' washer VR600 - 1 1/4 × 3/4 × 5 mm | Ask us to source it → |
| K06-SFTVR00600A | 3 | Shaft assembly VR600A | Ask us to source it → |
| R41-ORG03503201.6 | 4 | 'O' ring seal BS 026 | Ask us to source it → |
| R42-SEA044031.86.4 | 5 | Seal 30 × 45 × 7 (TC12491) | Ask us to source it → |
| P22-BSE31600600A | 6 | Base SS316 VR/C600A | Ask us to source it → |
| S45-30406.00016 | 7 | Screw SHCS SS304 6 mm × 16 mm | Ask us to source it → |
| S45-30406.00020 | 8 | Screw SHCS SS304 6 mm × 20 mm | Ask us to source it → |
| R51-DU222532 | 9 | Base bush DU suit SS VR/C 600 base | Ask us to source it → |
| S20-30408.00 | 10 | Nut hex SS304 8 mm | Ask us to source it → |
| S76-30408.00 | 11 | Washer spring SS304 8 mm | Ask us to source it → |
| S75-30408.00017 | 12 | Washer flat SS304 8 mm × 17.0 mm × 1.2 mm | Ask us to source it → |
| P24-STD3040600A | 13 | Stud SS304 VR/C600A | Ask us to source it → |
| P05-PLR3160600 | 14 | Peeler SS316 VR/C600, VFF600 | Ask us to source it → |
| P05-CCV3160600S | 15 | Chain cover SS316 VR/C600A | Ask us to source it → |
| S45-30406.00025 | 16 | Screw SHCS SS304 6 mm × 25 mm | Ask us to source it → |
| R40-FGR3160600A | 17 | Finger SS316 VR/C600A | Ask us to source it → |
| S36-SPR304FGRATL | 18 | Spring finger Atlantics | Ask us to source it → |
| S35-30406.0006 | 19 | Screw grub 304 M6 × 6 mm | Ask us to source it → |
| P15-PIN30419.05X27 | 20 | Pin - finger Atlantics | Ask us to source it → |
| F90-HANNYL0600 | 21 | Handle nylon clutch 600 | Ask us to source it → |
| P22-BSE31600600AB | 22 | Base insulate gasket for VR/C 600 | Ask us to source it → |
| S75-31608.00024 | 23 | Washer flat SS316 8 mm 24 mm OD | Ask us to source it → |
| S76-31608.00 | 24 | Washer spring SS316 8 mm | Ask us to source it → |
| S13-30408.00020 | 25 | Bolt hex hd SS304 8 mm × 20 mm | Ask us to source it → |
| P21-NOV032.0019.102 | 26 | Washer Novasteen 32 mm × 19 mm × 2 mm | Ask us to source it → |
| R50-QADP3160600AT | 27 | Adaptor "Quick Fit" VR/C/VFF 600 - base side | Ask us to source it → |
| R50-QADP3160600AB | 28 | Adaptor "Quick Fit" VR/C/VFF 600 - gearbox side | Ask us to source it → |
| R50-QADP3160600AC | 29 | Adaptor "Quick Fit" VR/C/VFF 600 - retaining clip | Ask us to source it → |
VRC600: parts that differ from the VR600 (drawing 18 in the PDF)
| Muir part no. | Item | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| P07-CLNBRZVRC00600A | 1 | Clutch nut bronze VRC600A | Ask us to source it → |
| P04-CAPBRZ00600A | 2 | Capstan bronze VRC600A | Ask us to source it → |
| K06-SFTVRC00600A | 3 | Shaft assembly VRC600A | Ask us to source it → |
| P05-CCV3160600A | 15 | Chain cover SS316 VR/C600A | Ask us to source it → |
| S13-31608.00020 | 25 | Bolt hex hd SS316 8 mm × 20 mm | Ask us to source it → |
VR600 with locking pawl: extra parts (drawing K08-STRMVR0600L)
| Muir part no. | Item | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| P05-CCV3160600AL | 15 | Chain cover SS316 VR/C600A locking pawl | Ask us to source it → |
| S44-31606.0025 | 16 | Screw SHCS CSK 316 06 mm × 25 mm | Ask us to source it → |
| P13-316LOCV0600 | 24 | Locking pawl VR/C600A | Ask us to source it → |
| S36-SPR304PWLEAS | 25 | Spring pawl Easyweigh VR/C2500 | Ask us to source it → |
| R45-BRGBALL05.55 | 26 | Ball bearing 5.55 mm stainless steel | Ask us to source it → |
VFF600 Freefall (drawing K08-FREVFF0600)
| Muir part no. | Item | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| P07-CLNBRZVFF600A1 | 1 | Clutch nut bronze VFF600A spring mod | Ask us to source it → |
| P21-NYL100.0032.003 | 2 | Washer Nylacast 96 × 32 × 3 mm | Ask us to source it → |
| K06-SFTVFF600A | 3 | Shaft assembly VFF600A | Ask us to source it → |
| R41-ORG03503201.6 | 4 | 'O' ring seal (BS026) VR/C/VFF600 base | Ask us to source it → |
| R42-SEA044031.86.4 | 5 | Seal 45 × 30 × 7 (TC12491) VR/C/FF600 | Ask us to source it → |
| P22-BSE31600600A | 6 | Base SS316 VR/C600A | Ask us to source it → |
| S45-30406.00016 | 7 | Screw SHCS SS304 6 mm × 16 mm | Ask us to source it → |
| S45-30406.00020 | 8 | Screw SHCS SS304 6 mm × 20 mm | Ask us to source it → |
| R51-DU222532 | 9 | Base bush DU suit SS VR/C 600 base | Ask us to source it → |
| S20-30408.00 | 10 | Nut hex SS304 8 mm | Ask us to source it → |
| S76-30408.00 | 11 | Washer spring SS304 8 mm | Ask us to source it → |
| S75-30408.00017 | 12 | Washer flat SS304 8 mm × 17.0 mm × 1.2 mm | Ask us to source it → |
| P24-STD3040600A | 13 | Stud SS304 VR/C600A M8 76 mm | Ask us to source it → |
| P05-PLR3160600 | 14 | Peeler 316 VR/C600 spoon type | Ask us to source it → |
| P05-CCV3160600FF | 15 | Chain cover SS316 VFF600A | Ask us to source it → |
| P13-PWL303VFF600A | 16 | Declutch pawl VFF600A free fall | Ask us to source it → |
| P15-PIN30404.76X025 | 17 | Pin SS304 3/16" × 25 mm | Ask us to source it → |
| S45-30406.00025 | 18 | Screw SHCS SS304 6 mm × 25 mm | Ask us to source it → |
| R40-FGR3160600A | 19 | Finger SS316 VR/C600A & H600 | Ask us to source it → |
| S36-SPR304FGRATL | 20 | Spring finger Atlantics | Ask us to source it → |
| S35-30406.0006 | 21 | Screw grub 304 6 mm × 6 mm | Ask us to source it → |
| P15-PIN30419.05X27 | 22 | Pin - finger Atlantics 3/4" × 27 mm | Ask us to source it → |
| P22-BSE31600600AB | 23 | Base insulate gasket for VR/C 600 | Ask us to source it → |
| S36-SPR304VFF600B | 24 | Spring plunger VFF600 Atlantics spg mod | Ask us to source it → |
| P15-PINAB209.52025B | 25 | Pin - plunger VFF600A | Ask us to source it → |
| R41-ORG00900502.0 | 26 | O' ring 9 × ID5 × 2 mm VFF600 plunger | Ask us to source it → |
| S33-30406.00012 | 27 | Screw CSK SL MT 304 6 mm × 12 mm | Ask us to source it → |
| P21-304020.0007.005 | 28 | Washer 304 OD20 × ID7 × 5 mm VFF600 | Ask us to source it → |
| F90-HANNYL0600 | 29 | Handle nylon clutch 600 | Ask us to source it → |
| S75-30408.00024 | 30 | Washer flat SS304 M8 × 24 mm | Ask us to source it → |
| S13-30408.00020 | 31 | Bolt hex hd SS304 8 mm × 20 mm | Ask us to source it → |
| R50-QADP3160600AT | 32 | Adaptor "Quick Fit" VR/C/VFF 600 - base side | Ask us to source it → |
| R50-QADP3160600AB | 33 | Adaptor "Quick Fit" VR/C/VFF 600 - gearbox side | Ask us to source it → |
| R50-QADP3160600AC | 34 | Adaptor "Quick Fit" VR/C/VFF 600 - retaining clip | Ask us to source it → |
Warranty
- 3 years for the first owner, effective once the warranty registration is received.
- 1 year for vessels in charter or hire.
- Limited to twelve months for electric motors, controls, hydraulic pumps, weather seals and charter/commercial use.
This document covers the Muir models named above, as printed in the PDF. The Muir windlasses we stock today are listed below; motor ratings and parts can differ between generations, so check the model plate and ask us before ordering spares.
Need a part that isn't listed? Ask us to source it and quote the part number from the PDF.
Products in this Manual
-
Muir Windlass - Storm SS600, Low Profile, 1/4"HT Gypsy, 12V, 800W
MUI-M600L12-14H
$1,820.00 USDList Price: $2,165.00 USDUnit price /Unavailable -
Muir Windlass - Storm SSC600, Capstan, 1/4"HT Gypsy
MUI-M600C12-14H
$2,590.00 USDList Price: $3,085.13 USDUnit price /Unavailable
