The Maxwell windlass on our 1991 P42 has served us well. Strong and reliable. To keep things running smoothly, as the windlass spools the rode in and over first the drum and then the gypsy I always pay the rope and chain rode into the locker by hand over hand. That way I make sure neither bunches up under the drum and causes the system to jam.

One time when I was anchored in Ganges Harbor a southerly gale blew in. I decided to move over to the dock for protection, but in doing so the chain bunched up and jammed the gypsy causing the breaker to pop. I found out later it takes quite a bit of pressure to reset the breaker. With enough pressure you will hear and feel a distinctive pop when it resets. To get enough pressure I place my thumb over the reset button then use my palm of the other hand onto my thumb.