Simpson Lawrence Horizon 600 Windlass
Operation
and Maintenance
Guide
The Simpson Lawrence Horizon 600 Windlass installed on your boat is an automatic
rope/chain
anchor windlass.
The unit is operated with a toggle switch located at your helm station. This toggle operates the windlass in both
the up and down direction. The following is a brief discussion on the use of the windlass;
however, this is an
important piece of equipment and the instruction manual should be carefully read.
Anchoring
1-
Before anchoring, the retaining clip that is attached to your chain should be released to allow free running of
the anchor rode.
2-
Release the anchor and rode by pressing on the toggle switch. Allow the line to run out to an appropriate
length for the depth of water where you are anchoring.
Pausing periodically
will allow your boat to drift back,
both setting the anchor, and allowing the slack to come out of your anchor rode. It is recommended
that the
up switch be operated briefly to engage the internal clutch mechanism.
3-
When your anchor is secure, and you have let out the proper amount of scope you should tie off your rode to
a cleat. This provides a safe holding point for the boat. Although the windlass
may hold the boat, it is always
best to tie your rode off for long periods of time, preventing excess strain on the windlass.
Anchor
Retrieval
1-
When you are ready to pull up your anchor, untie your rode, to allow the windlass to retrieve the anchor rode.
2-
Although the windlass is designed to pull more than the weight of the anchor and rode, it is best to assist it by
using your engines. The speed of your boat should be consistent with both wind and current, making sure that
you are not driving over the rode as the windlass
retrieves it.
3-
During anchor retrieval, the rode may begin to pile up beneath the windlass
motor. Obstructions
in the locker
can prevent the rode from sliding into the deepest part of the locker. The rode may jam the windlass, and
cause the windlass to stop if it piles up high enough. To prevent any complications
during the retrieval of your
anchor it is recommended
that the line be cleared from beneath the windlass approximately
every 50 feet.
4-
When it is time to break the anchor loose from the bottom, you should always use your engines to assist the
windlass.
5-
Care should be taken, when you reach the chain section of your rode, to slow your retrieval down to prevent
the anchor from overriding the anchor roller.
6-
When the anchor is up and safely in the anchor roller, replace the retaining clip to ensure safe operation of
your boat.
Other Tips
1-
To help in anchoring and retrieval, it is good to mark your rode with an oil based paint every 50 feet to allow a
visual guide to the amount of rode that is released.
It is also beneficial to mark the last few feet of the chain to
indicate when the anchor is about to enter the roller.
2-
If the unit jams, it can be cleared by operating in the opposite direction
releasing the kink in the rode or any
obstructions.
Sometimes it may be necessary to inspect the rope for kinks in order to prevent any jamming of
the windlass.
Maintenance
The windlass is designed to operate in the marine environment,
however, like any equipment
that is exposed to
salt water, it should be rinsed with fresh water. Rinsing the unit on a regular basis will prevent salt deposits, which
may lead to poor operation of the unit, or corrosion.
See your owners manual for more detailed maintenance
procedures.
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