Windlass, Chain and Anchor:
Lofran Kobra 8MM/4612
operated with a detachable Remote 80452/8030.
There are two windlass control points:
1. A wired remote control unit that attaches to a socket in the chain locker. When not in use the hand contol is stored in the storage area behind the chart table.
The remote should not be left in the chain locker once the anchor has been set because weve discovered the damp and humid conditions quickly render it inoperable. Several have had to be replaced previously because of this. The current price is approximately €140.
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2. A two-way rocker switch control (Up/Down) is attached to the starboard side of the binnacle.
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Power switch to the windlass: is behind the companionway steps, between the domestic battery and engine battery selector switches.
Lofrans' Installation and Users Manual:
Link to the Lofrans' Website:
Description of the windlass from the Lofrans' website:
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The Lofrans Kobra is a neat, compact horizontal windlass with its gearbox in housing above deck and the reversing motor below. The Kobra has a 1000 watt motor in 12 volt.
Features:
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Anchor can be released electrically or manually.
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Rope drum can be used independently of gypsy.
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Supplied with handle and control box.
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Suitable for boats up to approx. 13m.
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Made in special seawater-resistant light alloy, polished and anodised or with additional protective white polyester coating.
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Manual operation available, for use in emergencies.
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D.C. electric motor:, 12 Volts, 1000 Watt.
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Gypsy marine bronze alloy for chain Ø 8-10mm
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Maximum pull: 1250Kg.
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Haulage speed: 25-35m/min (50kg).
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Current draw: 117 Amp
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Weight: 19Kg
(Notes from the old Ops notes.)
Lubricant: Duckhams Keenol or substitute Waterproof Grease.
Tin - Cockpit Locker
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The windlass suffers excess noise if dry. It is lubricated with a waterproof grease (Duckham Keenol or similar) which needs occasional checking (twice per year) for lubricant on the gears and for signs of emulsion caused by water ingress. The filler nut is also part of the gear assembly and the windlass must not be rotated when the filler nut is removed. The S/S filler nut threads are fine and easily cross thread in the aluminium body. A thread tap is on board.
Chain Pyramid: When recovering chain, a chain pyramid may build to reach the underside of the windlass mounting board and prevent the chain falling through the recovery hole. (This hasn't happened since the windlass platform was remade in 2020 and now sits higher in the chain locker.)
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(To replace the windlass would cost £850 - 2019 price).
Ground Tackle:
A Rocna 15Kg anchor is fitted with 60 meters of chain. (50m of chain fitted in 2016, 10m added in 2022)
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Calibration of the anchor chain is every 10mtrs with 4 cable ties:
10mtrs – red, 20mtrs – blue, 30mtrs - green, 40mtrs – yellow, 50mtrs – 5 Red, 60mtrs – 6 Black.
A smaller Danforth (approx. 20lb) proves an adequate stern anchor rigged inside the pushpit beside the back stay with a short length of heavy chain and braided line. It may be used to prevent swing in light summer weather or for stern anchoring bow to a wall with shallow sloping shoulders. A large Fisherman’s anchor is stowed in the saloon bilge. It could be useful on a rocky or weedy bottom. There is a strong canvas bag containing a weight of old chain in the saloon bilge which may be employed as an anchor buddy.
