What to check, how often, and how to take action to keep your windlass running efficiently over time.

A windlass that fails at the wrong moment isn't just an inconvenience—it's a safety issue. Yet windlass maintenance is one of the most neglected tasks on board: people often only remember to check it when it stops working.

The good news is that the Italwinch windlasses are designed to last over time, even in demanding marine environments. With regular routine maintenance and a few annual checkups, it’s possible to prevent almost all of the most common breakdowns.

In this guide, you will find routine and non-routine maintenance procedures for horizontal and vertical anchor winches, based on the official technical guidelines from MZ Electronic.

Routine Maintenance — Periodic Tasks

On a regular basis (after each use or outing)

• Rinse the winch with fresh water — this removes salts and marine deposits that accelerate corrosion
• Check all exposed electrical connections—replace any that are corroded, clean them, and protect them with dielectric grease
• Check the storage compartment drain again—to prevent water from pooling in the engine area
• Check the motor housing for any signs of corrosion
• Check the rope-to-chain connection for wear
• Check the condition of the drive sprocket grooves — apply a light coat of grease to the shaft and clutch cones
• Tighten the winch mounting nuts—after the first few uses and then at least twice per season

Every six months

• Remove the capstan and the barbotin from the main shaft
• Inspect all gaskets and replace them if necessary
• Check that there are no signs of damage on any component
• Clean the parts and lubricate the shaft with marine grease
• Check that the mounting nuts on the gearbox, the deck section, and the motor are tight
• Check that the motor and gearbox show no signs of corrosion

Annually

• Check the condition of the electrical cables and replace any that are damaged
• Disassemble all components of the deck winch, wash them, and lubricate them with grease
• If there are signs of corrosion on the motor housing: clean it, remove the rust, and paint it with oil-based paint
• Remove the rear motor cover and clean the brushes by blowing on them with a hand pump

The gearbox transfers torque from the engine to the sprocket. Proper maintenance ensures consistent performance and prevents premature wear.

Gearbox Lubrication — Which Oil to Use

Use only lubricants of the same type as indicated on the lubrication label. Never mix synthetic oils from different brands.

Oil change interval

In these cases, taking prompt action prevents further damage and higher repair costs.