We are in the process to acquire a NS22 and have the opportunity for an almost new Lewmar V700 windlass.
Any advice about the feasibility to install this particular model in a NS22 is most welcome.
Thanks
Ed&Gil Schreiber
In the process to buy a NS22
Lunenburg NS
Hi Ed -
I spoke to you on the phone about buying an NS 22 and I’m pleased for you that you’ve found one. That windlass looks lovely and it LOOKS like it will fit on the foredeck of the boat without any real problems, spacewise. I claim NO real knowledge of all of this as my boat did not have a windlass mounted. There is plenty of room for rode in that frontal compartment and I THINK/FEEL/ASSUME that the foredeck is thick enough to handle the installation. So that you know, the core in this foredeck triangular area is fir ply, not balsa. The ply core is strong and fir ply (as Hinterhoeller knew) would not decompose or lose much strength even if it was soaked through and through. It was a good choice. The deck does have a slight sideways camber - it’s not flat, so you have to mount the windlass on some kind of “pad” for it to lie solidly.
Once again, I THINK it will work out well. Let’s see what some other NS 22 sailors (who DO have windlasses) have to say.
Before I forget, some wise skippers have cut a hole for an inspection port in the immediate area of where the windlass will will go. This does involve a hole in the foredeck but, in my humble opinion, will not weaken the structure. The reason for an inspection hole is not “to inspect” - it is to allow you to get your hand down there to tighten up the whole assembly, etc.
Working from down below, there is no way that anyone over the age of 8 can “get in there”. Take a good and sober look at the entire area from down below. Frankly, I think that this may represent the biggest challenge to the installation. Don’t buy that windlass unless you are certain that you can install it.
Best of luck.
Ernie A. in Toronto
Thanks Ernest, your inputs and comments are always enjoyable and much appreciated.
Years ago, I installed a manual windlass on our previous boat - a 36’ steel Junk Rigged schooner.
As a new member to INA and prospective N22 owners, we are new to the Nonsuch boats and community and appreciate any advice and comments.
Looking forward to these from those, who have done an electrical windlass installation on their N22 or N26.
Thanks Ed
Ed&Gil Shreiber
In the process to buy a NS22
Lunenburg NS
Thanks, Ed, for the kind words.
There is a WORLD of difference ( the size, the ergonomics, the sheer amount of space, etc.) between the wee little NS 22 and the massive huge NS 26. OK - a touch of exxageration but, basicly, it’s like chalk and cheese in terms of access and room to move. Looking at the NS 26 won’t help you much in planning this installation on an NS 22.
Ernie A. in Toronto
Thanks Ernie - very important advice.
So please, if there is someone in this group with the expertise of installing a windlass on a NS22 let me know.
Thanks Ed
GilnEd Shreiber
Prospective NS22 owners
Lunenburg NS
No experience installing a windlass on a 22 but I did install one on a 26. I managed, just, with the mast in place. If the boat goes on the hard each winter with the mast taken down, that would be the time to do the install.
On the 26 I installed it without an inspection port. I did the cut outs and drill the holes in the deck. I sealed the core with epoxy, put caulking down and then the pad. I then put the windlass in place. I the went below for the challenging part. I was able to climb in to the locker leading to the mast. By mashing my face into the mast I was able to reach around the mast and slip the backing plate over the windlass studs. Fortunately the backer stayed in place when I let it go. I then reached in and started the nuts. I used self locking nuts so did not have to deal with lock washers. Once the nuts were started I could reach in with a ratchet and deep socket. All of this was done blind.
So as Ernie says first see if you can fit in the locker and reach around the mast. If you can fit in the locker but not reach behind the mast you will have to install the windlass with the mast out or go the route of an inspection port. Depending on the size of your elbows you will likely need a 5” or “ inch port. My elbows will not fit through a 4” port.
My windlass was the Lewmar pro model horizontal style so the motor is above deck. The V series has the motor hanging straight down so I think you can install it with the motor attached so the install should be similar to mine. If the motor has to be attached after the windlass is in place I think you will need to install with the mast out.
Hope all goes well with the install.
Mark Powers
Good points, Mark. There is no room for a cat to install this device on an NS 22 with the mast in place, let alone a child.. I would definitely pull the mast the next time that the boat goes on the hard for the winter. This will also give you the chance to thoroughly examine the mast, the rigging, etc. Also, ideally, you want to pull the mast every winter and not store the boat with the mast up, sitting in its cradle. That is a very strong recommendation from the designer for every Nonsuch and most of us do it, if the boat is going to spend months on the hard.
With the mast out, I would carefully remove the inside forward door to the mast compartment and rode locker. Then, nothing will be in your way and, with a partner, either above or below, you should not need an inspection port. You’ll be able to get in there, sort of, and get the job done. And you won’t be in a huge rush to do it.
That’s my two cents, Ed.
Ernie A. in Toronto
Thanks Ernie and Mark for your valuable write up - I definitely will go for the ‘mast out‘ option.
What kind of chain lock would you use.
Cheers
Ed&Gil Schreiber
Looking for a N22
Lunenburg NS
My N26 came with a spinnaker. I have never seen pictures of a nonsuch with a spinnaker before. Anybody ever see one?
David,
I have only heard about them. I have not seen one, but I am looking for one for our 26. The light summer winds here in the Midwest would give me ample opportunity the try one out and learn the basics of Spinnaker handling. Does your 26 have a masthead sheave for a spinnaker halyard?
Tim in STL
White O’morn NS e26U #216
Harbor Point Yacht Club
West Alton, MO
Ps. We probably need someone to move this spinnaker conversation to a new thread. I don’t know how to do that.
very cool !!!
Mine came with an attachment to add onto the bow of the boat. Still in the basement of the man I bought the boat from. I will never use it, but wanted to see a picture.