The windlass requires some maintenance both to ensure safe use, but also to extend the life of the windlass.

Things to check every season:

• Remove the anchor strap from the drum of the windlass and allow the strap to air out over the winter (prevents moisture and possible mold on the strap).
• Lubricate the lead screw of the windlass with marine grease (see page 5 of the Anchormatic EW-500 manual).
• Clean the windlass from dirt and make sure that all warning stickers are intact and visible.
• Lubricate the clutch of the windlass by spraying thin oil through the hole in the center of the red manual release knob (this is especially important if the windlass is mounted outboard).

Things to check every five years:

• Open the side plates of the windlass and inspect all moving parts. Lubricate the two chains on either side of the winch with thin oil.
• Check that the brake band is tight. (You can find this out by turning the red manual release knob when the windlass has no load. The red knob should be slow to turn but you should be able to turn it by hand (about 1/4 turn). If it is very easy to turn the red knob, tighten the dome nut on the front of the windlass. Tighten the nut half a turn at a time until it is difficult to turn the red knob.

The anchor strap usually needs to be replaced after about 10-15 years but may need to be replaced earlier if anchoring is often done on a rough bottom, with stones and the like that can increase wear. If you see that the strap is worn or damaged, it can affect the function of the entire windlass, so it is important that you replace it. Buy spare part straps from Anchormatic to guarantee good function.