Sailing Zephyr · video

What this video covers

The crew of the 45-foot sailboat Zephyr, currently docked in New Bern, North Carolina, performs maintenance on a malfunctioning windlass that fails to deploy the anchor. The unit operates normally when retrieving chain but stalls repeatedly during descent. Upon disassembling the windlass, the crew discovers significant mud and calcified debris buildup inside the housing, likely caused by a degraded rubber seal. After cleaning the internal components, removing the hardened deposits, and applying fresh grease, the windlass regains full functionality. The crew plans to order and install a replacement rubber seal to prevent future contamination. Separately, the crew reflects on the support of the boating community, citing instances of assistance from fellow cruisers in Vero Beach, West Palm Beach, and the Bahamas. Regular maintenance and cleaning of mechanical deck equipment can resolve performance issues caused by environmental debris and seal failure.

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