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Got a 4 year old Simpson Lawrence Horizon 400 that has performed great except for a problem that just cropped up. The last 2 times out when I raise the anchor and cinch it tight in the anchor roller the gypsy backs off about an inch when I let off the switch. It's just enough that the anchor rattles, and it's slack enough so it won't self launch the next use. Has anyone had the same problem, and am I looking at a part, a new motor or a new windlass, and if so what is most cost effective? Suggestions appreciated.
The 400 and 600 windlasses have several reduction gears in them so the high speed of the motor is reduced and the torque is increased. One or more of those gears is failing and when you turn the motor off, the gear train turns backwards from the slack. The gears are all replaceable, but they are more expensive than they should be. There is so much reduction in the system that the drag of the magnets in the motor will lock the gypsy through the gear train. They are not hard to take apart and you should not have any trouble finding the worn or slipping gear.
Thanks for the replies, I called Florida Rigging an authorized distributer and repair facility and they told me I need a compound gear and clutch berring $327 + shipping. New Lewmar Pro Sport 550 (unit only, no switch or breaker) with 150lb more pulling power and a steel gypsy, $429 + Shipping. No Brainer.
Hey that sounds a lot like when my Horizon 600 motor melted into a stinking mass. A new motor was 80 percent of the cost of a new windlass. They do continue to sell products, but I sure wish they'd take a realistic look at their "spares" pricing.
Checked out them Maxwells, nice but Wheeeew$$$, 24' boat in SW FL where 50' of water is deep, probably overkill. Anyway, if I stick with Lewmar I dont have to do any re-drilling and to be fair I probably caused the problem. Stuck the anchor on an artificial reef an yanked on it pretty hard with the boat to free it without tying it off on a cleat. Done it before a bunch of times but this time I guess did it, live and learn.
Horizon Windlass headache, ?? 
