T H E W O R L D P O W E R I N A N C H O R I N G S Y S T E M S
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS – VR600 and VRC600
Manually releasing chain:
To release the anchor rode, place the clutch handle into the clutch drive
Bi-square as shown in the diagram at the bottom of the page and turn
anti-clockwise
to release the
clutch brake. Let the anchor fall and control the run of the chain by tightening the clutch handle
clockwise
using the clutch mechanism as a brake.
Anchoring:
When laying at anchor use a chain stopper, nylon/chain bridle or snubber line to prevent
snatching and direct loading on the windlass main shaft. Never use the windlass as a mooring
bollard.
Retrieving chain:
Before operating the windlass tighten the clutch with the clutch handle in a
clockwise
direction, then remove the clutch handle. If the anchor is buried hard, motor forward to
pull it free after hardening up on the windlass. This will ease the load on the windlass.
Rope hauling on the capstan:
The capstan can be operated independently of the gypsy. Secure the
anchor rode, (with a chainlock, gypsy lock or snubber), then release the clutch. The capstan may
then be operated using the windlass motor.
Electric operation:
Releasing and retrieving the anchor rode is identical when operating an electric
windlass. Always keep well clear of the windlass when releasing or retrieving chain and anchor. Keep
fingers, hair and clothing well clear when the windlass is in operation.
Auto Anchor Launching:
If the anchor roller can be positioned so that the anchor falls as soon as the
windlass is reversed, the whole operation can then be carried out remotely. Remote switching
controls are self centering and stop the windlass when the switch is released. Mark the anchor end of
the chain at 2 and 5 metre (6.5’ & 16.5’) intervals to enable the operator to judge when the anchor is
almost up. Go slowly for the last few metres of retrieval by letting go of the switch, rather than waiting
for the anchor to fly up over the roller and bang tight, as this practice puts excessive load onto the
bow roller, windlass and foredeck, so should be avoided.
SERVICING
Rinsing all deck gear with fresh water after every excursion ensures that salt deposits and corrosion
are kept to a minimum. We recommend that windlasses affixed to pleasure craft are stripped yearly
and all moving parts cleaned and greased with a grease suitable for marine applications, (such as
Duckhams Keenol or Castrol LMX). In the case of workboats and charter vessels we suggest that this
maintenance is carried out more frequently.
Do not use soap based grease.
The geardrive is filled and sealed at factory with long life synthetic oil that does not require
replacement for the life of the geardrive.
Gradually loosen
to release the line
manually
Tighten to brake the
outgoing line
Fully tighten to retrieve
the anchor under power
VR/VRC/VFF 600 12/01/2015
muir.com.au
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