Windlass Clutch Explained: How an Anchor Windlass Clutch Works

NauticEd's Anchoring Course - https://www.nauticed.org/sailing-courses/view/anchoring-a-sailboat?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=wNzLiw62qeU Check out IMTRA the windlass experts - https://www.imtra.com What is a windlass clutch, and is it anything like the clutch on a car? In this video, we explain how an anchor windlass clutch system works, what the clutch cones do, how the chain wheel or gypsy fits into the system, and why proper clutch tension matters when anchoring. A windlass clutch is designed to control how the chain wheel engages with the windlass shaft. The chain wheel, also called the gypsy, is typically not keyed directly to the shaft. Instead, it rides between two clutch cone surfaces. The clutch cones are keyed to the shaft, while the chain wheel is sandwiched between them. When the clutch nut or wing nut is tightened, it pushes the outer clutch cone against the chain wheel. The chain wheel is then pressed against the inner clutch cone, creating a sandwich effect. The inner and outer clutch cones are the “bread,” and the chain wheel is the “meat” in the sandwich. That pressure allows the windlass to lift the anchor and chain without slipping. But the clutch should not be overtightened. A moderately tightened clutch is usually all that is needed. It should be tight enough to lift the ground tackle off the seabed, but not so tight that the system loses its ability to slip under a shock load. A properly greased clutch cone system with the right clutch tension helps the windlass work smoothly, allows controlled freefall, and can help reduce shock-load damage to the windlass system. 00:00 - What is a windlass clutch? 00:49 - How a clutch on a windlass works 02:45 - How tight should a windlass clutch be?