Ideal Windlass

[zwjarosz]

As I posted on another thread re this - I also had really good service from Ideal but that was 4 years ago. Sadly, it sounds as if their service has gone downhill dramatically. It would be easy to blame the economy and the fact that they need to move more stuff faster as opposed to worrying as much about customers but NOT worrying about customers is the way to go totally out of business. That would be a real shame - they've been making windlasses at least since WW II and it would really be unfortunate if they went out of business. OTOH, it's happened to a lot of "famous" companies... [/

 

[Colwyn D]

My recent dealings with them were ok, maybe just lucky. Took just over a week to have the gearcase made and sent out.

http://www.samsmarine.com/forums/showthread.php?22758-Windlass-rebuild.&highlight=ideal+windlass

 

[dar636]

Hi all, just an update regarding Ideal as I am removing (or trying) to remove my windlass for what should be a simple DIY overhaul.

I have been unable to get my gearbox loose from the underside of the decking. Everything came off the topside as I had replaced the wildcat a couple of years ago but the gearbox is stuck solid. I called Shaefer Marine to talk to Jeff (?) and was told he had retired, but Joy asked me to send an email with details that she would get to the manager - so I did with attached pictures.

Fred Cook replied overnight and along with encouraging instructions included a service bulletin with removal instructions. I'll try those out this weekend and report, but just thought I'd throw some good news to the forum about Ideal/Shaefer's customer service.

I'd add the service bulletin but this forum won't accept it due to size. It is SB 2054.2, if anyone needs a copy send me a PM and I'll email it.