Windy-Windlass

Introducing the Windy Windlass. This is quickly becoming the must-have device for all leisure boat operators on the canal network.

For decades, it’s been a struggle to turn the winding mechanism to raise the lock paddles. This is especially the case when the lock is full, with a large head of water pressure against the paddles.

The GO-Windlass partly tackles this problem with a ratchet mechanism, meaning that you wind the mechanism with a back-forward motion.

But this is where the Windy-Windlass goes a step further. All possible due to its planetary gearbox which serves to reduce the turning torque needed by a ratio of 1:3.3.

Here’s the technical bit. Turning effort (known at torque) is measured in Newton/Meters (or Foot Pounds if you’re in America). 1 KG is just under 10 Newtons. That keeps the maths simple.

In layman’s terms, for every KG of effort you apply to the handle, the Windy-Windlass increases this to 3.3KG’s of effort.

Put another way, if it takes 10kgs of effort with a standard windlass, with the Windy-Windlass you only need 3kgs effort.

With a smart device like this, you don’t want to be dropping it in the lock or canal. The manufacturer includes a handy Lanyard in the kit. You can loop the lanyard around the paddle shaft, or even through your belt, so if it slips our of your grip, you can quickly pull it back again.

The kit also comes with two square drive sockets. A 25mm one and a 28mm one.

The design concept comes from a tool used by roadside recovery services. In particular, those brave workers tasked with changing the wheel of a lorry on the side of a busy motorway. They need to complete the task as quickly as possible and with minimum effort. Their tool enables them to manually tighten the wheel nuts to the required torque, without the need of power tools.

Take a moment to think how many canal locks you open and close each week. The Windy Windlass will payback with no muscle strains, back injuries, frozen shoulder or tennis elbow sufferers.

Also available to hire from a leisure boat operator or chandlery near you.