Windlass rebuild
24 May 2013 | Shelter Bay Marina, Colon, Panama
The machinist in Episa SA at work.
The worm gear in our windlass succumbed to 30 years of work. Once I had the windlass appart it was clear that the gear had been worn down and pulling the anchor in Isla Linton was the last straw...
Went back to the manufacture who could supply the parts at great expense and deliver in 4 to 6 weeks... So I found this machine shop who could machine the gear. Down Via Espana a little further is another wonderful place called Dimar SA. They carry every possible bearing, hose, seal, cog, chain,lubricant... of course they had the new bearings and seals that I needed (for $26.33). The local bus runs up and down the Via for 25 cents a ride. If you need a place to stay, Via Argentina seems like a really cool safe neighborhood with restaurants and cafes.
To get from Shelterbay Marina to Panama City: the marina runs a free bus twice daily into Colon... last stop is the Terminal, where you can catch the express bus ($3.15 paid on the bus) to the Terminal in Panama City, which is at the Albrook Mall (which has every conceivable mall-like store). You can then ride the Via Espana for 25 cents. I saved some time by getting off the Express bus when it gets to the Transmista (sp) and taking a Taxi to Dimar or Episa ($2 to $5) depending on traffic.
Last night I cleaned and painted the windlass body and today I will assemble it.