What type of windlass gypsy is this?

[GaryK]

So, is this a chain only or chain/rope combo gypsy? Hope someone can tell from the picture.

It is on an old Simpson Lawrence 555 manual windlass acquired on eBay (needs some work) and there are no model number markings on it.

[wizbang 13]

That there is for chain. The rope drum is on the other side, no?
I do not see a chain ripper. Very important to have a strong ripper.

[GaryK]

That there is for chain. The rope drum is on the other side, no?
I do not see a chain ripper. Very important to have a strong ripper.

Thanks.
Yes, I know it is for chain. But the manual identifies two types of gypsies, one's chain only, the other takes chain/rope combination.
It has rope drum on other side. The ripper is there too, can see a tiny bit of it under the gypsy.

[Peerie Maa]

wizbang means that is for chain, and will not work with rope.

[Captain Intrepid]

That there is for chain. The rope drum is on the other side, no?
I do not see a chain ripper. Very important to have a strong ripper.

It's always fun to tell people you have a gypsy stripper or two adorning your bow.

[GaryK]

Cool, now I know.
Next, is to find out what size chain it takes...
(organised I am.. it was cheap!)

[Bobcat]

What's a chain ripper?

[kc8pql]

FYI, a combination chain/rope gypsy looks like this:

[wizbang 13]

the ripper, I guess "stripper" is better, peels the chain from the gypsy. Otherwise, gravity alone, especially when under tension, may not get the chain off. It will continue to go round n round. It is just a nog of metal protruding up in there, but it needs to be tough, if it bends a little , trouble.

[Jay Greer]

The "Gypsy" is the horizontal drum of a windlass that is used for the control of a rope fiber anchor rode. The chain handeling complement of it is called the "Wildcat".
Jay

[wizbang 13]

I guess wildcat is better

[tigerregis]

Good work, I'll take a wildcat gypsy stripper. Not into chains and rope,not my line.

[Harbormaster]

If you haven't already found these folks on line, they should be able to help you:

http://slspares.co.uk/parts.php?prod...r+555+Windlass

With pdfs:

http://slspares.co.uk/pdf/Website%20...s/Seatiger.pdf
http://slspares.co.uk/pdf/Website%20...y/Seatiger.pdf

Good Luck

[Captain Intrepid]

The "Gypsy" is the horizontal drum of a windlass that is used for the control of a rope fiber anchor rode. The chain handeling complement of it is called the "Wildcat".
Jay

If you want to be all technical about it. The gypsy can also be known as a warping drum or niggerhead, the second name also can be used for a deadman which is also called a pedestal fairlead. There's almost as many names for each piece of kit as there are sailors. :P



There's a stripper on a proper sized windlass. It's right between the cheeks and snugs that grab the chain.

[GaryK]

If you haven't already found these folks on line, they should be able to help you:

http://slspares.co.uk/parts.php?prod...r+555+Windlass

With pdfs:

http://slspares.co.uk/pdf/Website%20...s/Seatiger.pdf
http://slspares.co.uk/pdf/Website%20...y/Seatiger.pdf

Good Luck

I'm up to speed with all that. The unit does have a problem, the double action is not working. The gypsy rotates only on one stroke of the lever, not during the return stroke. One of the idler gears isn't engaging properly so the springs need replacing and/or needs the Retrofit kit D. Will find out when I strip the whole thing down.
If someone has had the same experience let me know.

[Peerie Maa]

The "Gypsy" is the horizontal drum of a windlass that is used for the control of a rope fiber anchor rode. The chain handeling complement of it is called the "Wildcat".
Jay

Only if you speak American. English speakers call it a cable lifter or gypsy.