Obsolescence is sometimes Good

The more parts that become obsolescent the more we get used to sourcing materials and making replacements. We are forced to learn more about our boat and develop our own parts. In this case the Lewmar 2000 windlass from 1990 required a new friction ring so the search for a suitable plastic to take the load bearing, that was easily machined and had low friction/excellent bearing qualities took us past nylon and delrin to a new material, Acetal. We have plenty spare for further bearing applications but cutting this at sea would be a challenge.

Advanced plastics from Bay Plastics who supply to any specified measurements.

Milling the ring on a rotary table with every other movement locked off to ensure accuracy.

The old friction ring was missing a third. The new white acetal ring sits within a grove on the rope gypsy.