Muir VFF 1050 User manual

T H E W O R L D P O W E R I N A N C H O R I N G S Y S T E M S
www.muir.com.au 1
WINDLASS SERIAL NUMBER:
VFF 1050/2200
VERTICAL WINDLASS

T H E W O R L D P O W E R I N A N C H O R I N G S Y S T E M S
Head office:
100 Browns Road,
Kingston Tasmania,
Australia 7050
Tel Int: [phone]
Fax Int: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.muir.com.au
WINDLASS
SERIAL NUMBER
© 2005 Muir Engineering Pty Ltd. Muir reserves the right to alter specifications without
notice. All rights reserved.
While all due care and attention has been taken in the preparation of this manual no
responsibility shall be taken for errors or omissions

T H E W O R L D P O W E R I N A N C H O R I N G S Y S T E M S
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Contents
Introduction page 3
Important Information
Safety
Installation page4
Depth of chain locker page 5
Handy hints page 6
Electrical information page 6
Circuit breaker
Deck switch
Isolating switch
Batteries
Rotation
Solenoid Installation
Wiringlayout
Operation page8
Servicing page9
Trouble Shooting page 11
Drawings page 12
DeckTemplate
Wiring Diagram for 12V DC three wire 1000W/1200 motor
Exploded View of VFF 1050 Freefall Atlantic
Exploded View of VFF 2200 Freefall Atlantic
Warranty and Warranty Registration Card page 17

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INTRODUCTION
Thank you, for purchasing a Muir Windlass. Muir go to great lengths to develop anchoring
systems that not only meet all your performance and safety requirements, but at the same
time designed with a style and finish that enhances the aesthetics of your vessel. With
Muir’s commitment to quality and use of superior materials and processes we know you
will be pleased with your investment. Rest assured that through the correct installation,
operation and maintenance your new Muir Windlass will give you years of reliable
performance.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
To avoid damage to the gear drive, windlass or vessel when bringing the anchor up hard,
it is a preferred practice to mark the chain at approximately 5-meter intervals from the
anchor, to alert the operator to the anchor position. Alternatively an Auto Anchor can be
used.
Under no circumstances should the windlass be operated if it is stalled or overloaded.
If anchor retrieval is impaired by high wind, heavy seas or the anchor is snagged, ease the
load by either motoring or sailing slowly forward into the wind. If the anchor gets caught
unloading the winch is recommend. The rope or chain should be cleared off and the
anchor driven out by the engine otherwise the gearbox or shaft can be damaged
SAFE OPERATION
•Ensure that hands, feet, hair and clothing are kept clear of the windlass when in
operation.
•Ensure no one is swimming nearby as anchor is lowered or retrieved.
•Keep hands well clear of capstan, gypsy, chain and line.
•The windlass should never be used for lifting people aloft.
•Do not use a windlass as a bollard for mooring, towing or being towed.
•The clutch must be tightened when windlass is in use. When vessel is at anchor a snubber
line or chain lock must be used to protect the winch from excessive loads.
While underway the clutch nut must be tightened and the anchor chain secured with a devil
claw, snubber line or chain lock to prevent accidental release of the anchor
CONFIGURATION WITH ANCHOR DROPPED
Snubber line

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INSTALLATION
Figure(i) Locate the windlass centrally fore and aft. Check that the
chain leads unhindered to the anchor roller. The chain leads onto the
starboard side of the gypsy for a CCW, and portside of the gypsy for a
CW (see templates page 12 & 13), wraps around 180° and falls below
deck through the chain pipe (hawser). Ensure there is sufficient room
around the windlass to allow full rotation of the windlass manual/clutch
handle (if supplied).
Figure (ii) The centre height of the gypsy must be in the same plane as
the chain lead from the bow roller. If the deck is angled (fore & aft) or
curved (port to starboard) a suitably shaped mounting block will be
required to spread the load evenly over the deck surface and mount
the windlass base on a level and even footing.
Figure (iii) Place the shaped mounting block (if required) onto the
deck. Using the layout template supplied, mark the mounting centres
and drill the holes, (Refer template). When cutting out the chainpipe
hole care needs to be taken to match the template accrately, if
material is left in the hole rope jams may occur.
Figure (iv) Apply a marine grade sealant to the base plate and
mounting block (if required) and carefully tighten the nuts & washers
onto the threaded studs under the deck. Remove excess sealer.
For Aluminium or Steel hull vessels, it is important to insulate the windlass
with a non-conductive gasket to avoid corrosion. This also applies
below deck with the mounting bolts, nuts and washers.
Where the deck construction is light or of foam sandwich construction,
a plywood stiffener of at least 16mm (5/8") should be fitted to the
underside of the deck to spread the load and to prevent the bolts from
pulling through the deck. Large diameter washers on the underside of
the stiffener will assist to spread the load.
Figure (v)
1. Mount the windlass from above as shown.
2. From below, place washers and nuts on each stud and tighten each
nut progressivly in a rotation.
Figure (vi)
3. Locate adaptor and align holes.
4. Fasten using cap screws provided with loctite.
Figure (vii)
5. Grease shaft and key, slide geardrive onto shaft ensuring key is
aligned. Rotate gearbox to prefered mounting position and secure with
bolts provided.
6. Locate gearbox and bolt through adaptor.
7. Place washers and bolt in the end of the shaft and tighten / Fit
circlip.
fig i
fig ii
fig iii
fig v
fig vi
fig vii
fig iv

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DEPTH OF THE CHAIN LOCKER
Measuring the vertical distance (minimum fall) underside of the deck and the top of the
completely stored and heaped anchor rode in the locker will assist in determining the
installation to suit your vessel. Refer to the fall depth diagrams to the left, and the options
detailed below. It is also recommended that the chain be directed to the centre of the
chain locker. (See also water protection diagram page 11)
Vertical Windlass: The running gear, gypsy and
capstan are positioned above the deck with the
motor and gear drive below. Vertical windlasses
operate at best with greater anchor rode fall than
the horizontal windlass and a minimum fall of 300mm
from top of stacked anchor rode is recommended.
This is particularly important if using nylon line, which
does not fold and stack as well as chain. Vertical
windlasses minimise deck intrusion and the modern
curved lines of the Muir windlass enhance the look
of any vessel. A vertical windlass provides the
advantages of a I 80-degree wrap of the anchor
rode around the gypsy.
Horizontal Windlass: Fully enclosed, above deck, this
style is usually preferred where locker space is limited
or additional fall is required. The motor and gear
drive is fully enclosed in the housing with nothing
protruding below deck. The horizontal windlass
operates with optimum anchor rode fall of at least
300mm from the top of the stacked anchor rode,
and due to the horizontal orientation of the gypsy
higher above the deck there is additional fall
provided. These units are ideally suited for vessels
with less locker space.
Vertical Windlass Model Horizontal Windlass Model Minimum Fall
(Dist. Top of Pile)
VR/C 600, VFF 600 HR600 – 700, HFF 600 - 700 300 mm
VR/C 850 – 2200, VFF1050 - 2200 HR1200 450 mm
VR/C 2500 – 3500 HR2500 - 3500 650 mm
VR/C 4000 HR4000 - 4200 800 mm
MINIM
U
M FALL
MINIM
U
M FALL

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HANDY HINTS
It is a common error to locate the windlass too far forward, or too close to the bulk head, where there
is insufficient room for chain and anchor stowing. The chain fall should be positioned in the centre of
the chain locker to maximise the fall of the chain. If the chain falls alongside a bulkhead or onto the
stem it will pyramid and jam.
If the windlass requires positioning such that chain falls into an undesirable position, a metal tube can
be fitted under the hawser to redirect the chain to a preferred position. This pipe should be at least 2
times the diameter of the chain. It should also be as vertical as possible. Position the windlass in the
best location with the chain hawser facing forward.
Ensure sufficient room to run electric cables to the windlass. Follow the installation instructions,
including underdeck stiffening, deck camber, alignment, mounting blocks and sealing procedures.
The gearbox and motor can be located in one of 8 positions.
ELECTRICAL
See Wiring Diagrams for wiring instructions.
Circuit breaker (must be fitted to ensure warranty)
If the windlass is overloaded or stalled the circuit breaker will automatically cut power to the windlass
and protect the wiring and motor. The circuit breaker should not be used as an isolating switch.
Deck Switches are best located out to either port or starboard or directly behind the windlass in a
position where it can be easily reached with your foot or knee, preferably where you can view the
anchor and chain coming aboard.
Isolating Switch. This should be fitted in an accessible position for safety, ideally close to the battery
or switches. The isolating switch is not a circuit breaker.
Batteries are best located as close to the windlass as possible. Larger cables will reduce the
voltage drop to the motor and the heat generated when running the windlass. Small diameter
cables drop voltage considerably. Use the following table as a guide to your required wire size:
Distance from battery to motor (m) Cable Size
(mm2) AWG Cable Diameter
(mm)
7 (23’) 25 3 8 (5/16”)
9 – 17 (30’ – 55’) 50 1/0 10 (3/8”)
Rotation:Windlasses may be wired for single or dual direction, using single or dual deck switches for
raising or lowering. Alternatively a remote control solenoid package with Toggle Switch, Hand Pendant
or Auto Anchors are available.
WINCH MODEL MOTOR SIZE MOTOR TYPE
VR/C 850 600 W 2 POLE
VR/C 1250 1000 W 3 POLE
VR/C 2200 1200 W 3 POLE
3 POLE
SOLENOID
Solenoid Installation
We recommend that the solenoid is installed in an
upright position, where it has minimal exposure to
sea water and in close proximity to the electric
motor of the windlass.
For wiring information, please refer to the
appropriate wiring diagram listed in the table
below.
This way up
2/4 POLE
SOLENOID

T H E W O R L D P O W E R I N A N C H O R I N G S Y S T E M S
Pleasure Warranty 15.2.08 www.muir.com.au
Warranty
Limited for period of Three years (First Owner)
We warrant each new product manufactured by us to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of
3 years (first Owner).
This warranty shall become effective only upon receipt of a completed warranty registration, which shall identify the
product so registered by serial number. This warranty shall remain in effect for a period of three (3) years from the date of
purchase. For vessels in charter or hire the warranty is one (1) year due to various operators and overloading which may
occur.
Conditions
While this warranty applies to defects in material and workmanship, it does not apply to:
• Normal worn parts or to damage caused by neglect, lack of maintenance, accident or improper service/installation
or service by persons other than an authorised Muir representative.
• Muir shall not be responsible for failures due to products being used in applications that they are not intended for, or
exceed the products performance specifications.
• For warranty claim, defective product must be returned to Muir for inspection.
• Muir will not be responsible for freight charges, removal or installation labour on warranty claims.
• Damage due to unsatisfactory storage or use of equipment prior to installation in the approved/intended manner.
Exclusions
Warranty is limited to twelve months for:
• Electric motors / controls / equipment
• Hydraulic pumps / controls /valves
• Weather seals
• Use on charter/hire/commercial boats
All incidental and/or consequential damages are excluded from this warranty. Warranties of merchantability and fitness
are excluded from this warranty. Implied warranties are limited to the life of this warranty. Some countries do not allow
limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so
the above may not apply to you.
We reserve the right to improve the design or materials used on any product without assuming any obligation to modify
any product previously manufactured or used.
Liability
Muir Engineering liability under this warranty shall be to the exclusion of all other warranties or liabilities (to the extent
permitted by law). In particular (but without limitation):
Muir Engineering shall not be liable for:
Any indirect or consequential loss including (without limitation) any loss of anticipated profits, damage to reputation or
goodwill, loss of expected future business, damages, costs or expenses payable to any third party or any other indirect
losses. Any damage to yachts or equipment. Death or personal Injury (unless caused by Muir Engineering negligence).
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WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD
Return To
MUIR ENGINEERING PTY. LTD.
100 Browns Rd, Kingston
Tasmania, Australia, 7050
Customer / Company Name: Winch Model:
Contact (if Company): Serial Number:
Address: Purchase Date:
dd / mm / yyyy
Purchased From:
Phone / Email: Invoice Number / Receipt Number / Proof of Purchase:

NOTE:
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3
2
5
6
4
5
2
3
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
BATTERY
CIRCUIT BREAKER
SOLENOID/CONTROL BOX
DECK SWITCHES
REMOTE SWITCH
BATTERY
CIRCUIT BREAKER
SOLENOID/CONTROL BOX
DECK SWITCHES
AUTO ANCHOR
AUTO ANCHOR SENSOR
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
1
1
3
1
2
4
BATTERY
CIRCUIT BREAKER
SOLENOID/CONTROL BOX
REMOTE SWITCH
1.
2.
3.
4.
REMOTE SWITCH LAYOUT
REMOTE / DECK SWITCH LAYOUT
AUTO ANCHOR LAYOUT
4
NOTE: ALL Free Fall models must include an isolating switch.
NOT TO BE USED AS WIRING DIAGRAM
WIRING LAYOUT

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS:
The concept of the Free Fall windlass is to deploy and freefall an anchor
remotely from the helm station.
1) Engaging the down switch or reversing the windlass automatically releases the
clutch allowing the chain gypsy to free wheel thus dropping the anchor.
2) Engaging the up switch of the windlass will automatically tighten the clutch
allowing the winch to take up any slack in the anchor rode. This must be done
only when the anchor and all of the rode has touched the bottom and not whilst
in freefall.
3) Release the up switch when sufficient slack in the anchor rode has been taken
up.
4) To retrieve the anchor, operate the windlass in the up direction. It is also
recommended that the vessel is motored into the wind / towards the anchor to
minimise excessive load on the windlass. (The anchor should be raised vertically)
5) If necessary the windlass can be powered down without freefall, this can be
done by releasing the grub screw and rotating the striker pawl 180 degrees.
(see Maintenance and servicing 2a, Page 9).
6) The clutch can also be operated manually using the above method. The clutch
has a left hand thread, so to release the clutch turn the handle in a clockwise
direction and to tighten turn the handle in an anticlockwise direction.
7) For efficient operation of the windlass periodically apply grease to the striker
pawl located on top of the chain pipe cover.
8) The Rope Chain Management System Nylon Finger (P/N. R40-FGRPVC0850A)
applies pressure to the line and splice and must be tightly tensioned onto the
gypsy without line fitted. This is done by releasing the grub screw (P/N. S35-
30406.35006) and adjusting the finger pin (P/N. P15-PIN30419.05X27) by
tightening anticlockwise.
IMPORTANT
IT IS MANDATORY TO INSTALL AN ISOLATION SWITCH TO THE FREEFALL
WINDLASSES TO SWITCH OFF THE WINCH WHEN NOT IN USE. This is to
prevent the rope and chain from paying out if the winch is accidentally
reversed

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WATER PROTECTION DIAGRAM
Trouble Shooting
ELECTRICAL
1. Check the battery circuit breaker and ensure the isolating switch is on.
2. Check battery is charged up to 12 or 24 volts.
3. Check that the foot switch plunger is contacting
4. Check remote control solenoid is contacting, if this is clicking the problem may be low
voltage a faulty solenoid or a wire not properly connected or tightened.
5. Check wiring between controls, solenoid and motor are in tact.
6. If the motor will not turn after checking the above points check that the motor bushes
are not worn or sticking.
MECHANICAL
If the windlass running gear will not turn or operate check the following
1. Check the drive key between the gearbox and motor input.
2. Check the drive key on main shaft to gearbox output.
3. Check that the clutch above the chain gypsy is tightened to the chain gypsy drive
using the manual handle supplied.
4. If the line slips check the tension on the finger and increase spring tension.
HYDRAULIC MOTOR
Refer any problems with your hydraulic motor to a Muir service agent or Muir Hobart.
FREEFALL MECHANISM
1. Check that the freefall plunger and spring can move freely.
2. Ensure that the declutcher pawl is in the correct position and that the grub screws
holding this in place are tightened.
NOTE:
It is important to thoroughly lubricate
all mating surfaces with a grease
suitable for marine applications.
Corrosion protection should be
applied to the external surfaces of
the motor, gearbox and adaptor
and also in any areas that water may
lie.
Recommended products for anti
corrosion protection are Techtyl
under body anti corrosion film and
Denso grease tape.
If it is necessary to install the motor
below the chain access hole then
a chain pipe extension is required.
Wires and motor
clamp to bottom
where
p
ossible
Chain Pipe Extension

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K
H
G
J
N
I
L
M
VFF 1050/2200 Free Fall windlass
5. Removing clutch cap (P/N. P07-CLNBRZVFF1050).Place
Muir clutch handle (P/N. F90-HANHDPE200)into (G) bi-
square and then turn clockwise (left hand thread) to
remove.
6. Removing PVC finger (P/N. R40-FGRPVC0850A). Place
1/8" Allen key into (H) grub screws (P/N. S35-
30406.35BSW006) and then turn anti clockwise to
release. Now the Finger, Finger Pin (P/N. P15-
PIN30419.05X27) & spring (P/N. S36-SPR304FGRATL) can be
removed.
Re-assembly: To tension the Finger, place Flat Bladed
screwdriver into (I) slot of Pin, then turn anti clockwise
¼ turn & hold. Then tighten (H) Grub screw.
7. Removing gypsy (P/N. P10-A0600*), peeler (P/N. P05-
PLRBRZ0600) & stripper (P/N. P19-STR3040600A). Place
Phillips head screwdrivers into (K) CSK screws (P/N. S33-
30407.94019) and then turns anti clockwise to remove.
These parts can now be slid of the main shaft (J).
NOTE: We recommend the use of Lithium/Teflon
based grease.
•Before re-assembly, grease the exposed Main
Shaft/cone (L) & Gypsy bore (M).
•The Windlass Base Plate (P22-BSEBRZ1050F) can be
greased via grease nipple located (N) at the rear of
the base.
•The Motor/gear drive assembly should be
protected with anti-corrosion film or grease tape.
Rope Care
Muir Windlasses are designed to run on 3-strand nylon line
(supplied by Muir) which has been specially treated with
fabric softener to prevent it from hardening up. It is
recommended to soak your rope in fresh water every 3
months with fabric softener. Other types of lines may go
stiff and jam.
In case of a rope jam; stop the winch and slacken off the
windlass clutch to free the jammed line. When retrieving
the anchor rode do not continue to run the windlass if the
anchor or chain/rope is jammed as line slippage in the
gypsy will cause damage.

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A
B
D
C
E
VFF 1050/2200 Free Fall windlass
Maintenance and Servicing
1. Tools required
(i) Muir clutch handle (P/N. F90-HANHDPE200)
(ii) Phillips Head screw driver
(iii) Flat blade screw driver
(iv) 6mm Allen key
(v) 1/4" Allen key
(vi) 1/8" Allen key
(vii) 3/16" Pin punch
(viii) VFF 1050/2200 exploded view Dwg. K08-
FREVFF1050 or 2200
2a. Removing declutching pawl (P/N. P13-
PWL303VFF1050). Place 1/8" Allen key into (A) grub
screw and then turn anticlock wise to release. (this
operation also used to enable the power down
function, see operating instraction 5).
2b. Removing 3/16" roll pin (S93-PIN04.76025). Place 4mm
(3/16") pin punch into point (B) and then tap carefully
with a hammer to remove.
3. Removing chain cover (P/N. P05-CCVBRZ1050F). Place
1/4" Allen key into (C) & (D) socket head cap screw
(P/N. S45-30407.94032) and then turn anticlock wise to
remove. Now the chain cover can be removed.
4. Removing clutch nut retaining screw (P/N. S44-
31610.00030). Place 6mm Allen key into (E) CSK socket
head screw (P/N. S44-31610.00030) and then turn
anticlock wise to remove.