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Hunter OEM Parts
General Marine Parts
Maxwell Windlass
posted 12-12-2021 by Terry Cox
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Our 1991 model year came with a Maxwell windlass that has performed wonderfully over the years of anchoring hundreds of times in PNW waters. Up until recently I knew little about it, such as model, nomenclature, service manual, etc.
In an effort to learn more about the unit I reached out to Maxwell, now owned by Vetus. After several messages and pictures, they concluded it was a Maxwell/Nillson brand model VW700 version 2. The Maxwell Nillson name is etched on the face of the clutch plate, which is the knurled ring next to the drum. The clutch plate is used to release or engage the drum/gypsy.
I have requested a PDF of a service manual, but due to the vintage, unlikely. But if one shows up, I will let you know.
In an effort to learn more about the unit I reached out to Maxwell, now owned by Vetus. After several messages and pictures, they concluded it was a Maxwell/Nillson brand model VW700 version 2. The Maxwell Nillson name is etched on the face of the clutch plate, which is the knurled ring next to the drum. The clutch plate is used to release or engage the drum/gypsy.
I have requested a PDF of a service manual, but due to the vintage, unlikely. But if one shows up, I will let you know.
Click for larger view
The drive mechanism is below deck with a removable access panel in the forward berth. Here you can see the motor and gear box. A very strong machine that easily handles our forty pound Danforth, fifty feet of chain and a twenty pound kellet.
My main motivation was to find out whether the flat head machine screw that secures the drum/gypsy and clutch plate to the drive shaft was right or left hand thread. I have had some difficulty removing that machine screw and I wanted to make sure of its type.
My main motivation was to find out whether the flat head machine screw that secures the drum/gypsy and clutch plate to the drive shaft was right or left hand thread. I have had some difficulty removing that machine screw and I wanted to make sure of its type.
Click for larger view
This picture shows the flange that attaches to the FRP housing located in the anchor well, well protected from the elements. This model operates in one direction; up only, with a foot switch located in the anchor well next to the drive hub.
The clutch plate has two holes for a wrench to apply force to either tighten or loosen the mechanism. Our boat came without one, so I fabricated a replacement out of a SS bar and bolts. You can see the handle I made elsewhere in another article.
There are two Zerc fittings located on the flange that attaches to the FRP housing. Those need periodic greasing to lubricate the drive shaft bearing. These fittings also need to have rubber caps to protect them from debris.
The clutch plate has two holes for a wrench to apply force to either tighten or loosen the mechanism. Our boat came without one, so I fabricated a replacement out of a SS bar and bolts. You can see the handle I made elsewhere in another article.
There are two Zerc fittings located on the flange that attaches to the FRP housing. Those need periodic greasing to lubricate the drive shaft bearing. These fittings also need to have rubber caps to protect them from debris.