Maxwell CAPSTAN 8000 Series, Manual

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9
3.0
USING THE CAPSTAN
3.1 PERSONAL SAFETY WARNINGS

As with all load carrying equipment, the
consequences of heavy overload, neglect or
misuse may be unexpected failure and exposure
of crew and/or vessel to risk. Operate the
capstan with extreme care at all times.

Before testing the capstan for the first time,
check that all the wiring has been done correctly.

When using the capstan at all times practice
good seamanship and adhere to the following
rules in order to avoid any likelihood of injury.

For DC powered capstans, run the engine whilst
using the capstan. This is not only a safety
precaution but also helps minimise the drain on
the batteries.

Do not use capstan as a bollard or mooring
point. When at the dock, always tie off directly to
a bollard or sampson post.

At all times keep hands, feet, loose clothing,
cordage, your hair and other people on board
WELL CLEAR.

When the capstan is not in use, make sure the
power supply is isolated, making an accidental
operation thereby impossible.

The circuit breaker/isolator (DC powered
capstans only) provides high current protection
for the main supply cables as well as the means
to isolate the circuit.
!
Use only clockwise rotation for handling
3-ply twisted rope, otherwise problems may
occur in laying the rope.
!
If using the capstan for hauling an anchor
line, make sure the other end of the line is
securely fastened to the boat.
3.2 OPERATING THE CAPSTAN

Turn “on” the breaker/isolator for main power
supply and the isolator for footswitches.

Wrap several turns of line around the drum.
Make sure the drum is operated in the same
direction as the line is wrapped around it.

Whilst pulling on the tail of the line, press the
footswitch. The capstan will start rotating.
Increasing and decreasing the load (tension) on
the tail will control the amount of slip and
therefore the speed at which the line will be
hauled in.

The grip can be increased by adding extra turns
of line around the drum. Do not put too many
turns around it; this could result in line not being
able to slip even if the tail is loose.

Whilst docking, wind and tide can impose
sudden and excessive line tension. It is
recommended to allow slipping to occur at the
drum. This will protect the capstan, docking lines
and vessel from damage.

After hauling the rope, it should be transferred to
a bollard to relieve the load from the capstan
.

To operate a dual speed capstan at higher
speed, both “slow” and “fast” footswitch should
be pressed.

When finished, turn off the isolator switch.
!
As a safety feature the contacts on
footswitches are non-latching and the capstan
will continue to operate up or down only while
the switch is physically held in the engaged
position.
!
Maxwell recommends all warping operations
be controlled by the footswitch. This makes it a
one-person operation and offers better control
of the capstan in case of emergency.
!
Take care not to allow “riding turns”. This is
caused by the loaded line climbing on top of
lower loaded coils on the drum. A riding turn
can only be removed by paying the line out to
the point where the riding turn is created.