Lofrans Tigres Windlass, Service?

Has anyone ever serviced the lofrans tigres windlass? The dealer at the Annapolis MD Boatshow said all that is needed is to remove the chain gypsy, clean it, grease it and replace it. When asking about the oil, he said: "Did it leak out?" no, "Then don't worry about it!"

This windlass is a real workhorse (Thank you NORM P.) and I would buy one again, but it seems like there should be more I should do. Anyone ever service theirs?
Thanks.

Hayden image missing http://ipyoa.com/images/fbfiles/images/IMG_3584.JPG

Hi Hayden,

I am planing to replace my SL 700 with Lofrans Tigris after I rewiewed your postings. I have an IP 38. I need to connect with you to ask some advice about the instalation ect. You can contact me at [email protected] when you have time.

Look forward to hear from you.

Can Bulucu

Can:

Here are some photos of the install when I switched out the SL1000 for the Tigres. This has been a fantastic windlass, and I would buy this same unit again.

PHOTOS here:
www.ipyoa.com/component/simgallery/?view=album&aid=1752

I will email you directly...

Hayden

The Simpson-Lawrence Sprint 1500 vertical windlass on my IP-380 (2000) froze up and I will be pulling the motor today to assess options. Assume the problem is the motor, but I've not been able to locate information on servicing the gears/bearings which might be frozen due to lack of routine maintenance. Any suggestions on dealing with this problem would be appreciated.

If I go the route of a replacement, I assume a Imtra Tigres is still highly recommended. Are used, rebuilt Tigres available? Thanks.

Bob:

Your Simpson Lawrence 1500 windlass may need new brushes. This is not difficult to do. The motor comes right off and the case comes off to access the brushes and to blow out the carbon dust. If this is not the problem, then you might have a bent motor shaft, but I doubt that.

Yes, to me, the Lofrans Tigress is the best windlass ever made. It is fantastic.

As for SL brushes, of course they are proprietary designs by SL, so you will need to order a set of brushes from them at a very expensive price, like 150+$

Here is my photo essay of when I fixed my Simpson Lawrence 1000 by making my own set of brushes, after this ran for about a year, I bought the proper brushes and sold the windlass with the new brush kit.

www.ipyoa.com/component/simgallery/?view=album&aid=1752

Hayden

Hayden,
Thanks for the information and quick reply. I'm in the process of cleaning and lubricanting the windlass gears and bearings, and checking the motor. Especially appreciate the info on the brushes. Will send an update when finished so others can benefit from my experience. The IPYOA website is a fantastic resource.
Bob