We’re upgrading from a tired S-L Hyspeed 510 and weighing up the ABI (or Plath 7) versus the S-L 555 Seatiger). There seem to be quite a few of each on BCCs and W32s. The specs of the S-L 555 indicate it’s a fair bit gruntier than the ABI/Plath (max load 1100# versus 800#) and offers greater mechanical advantage (two speed versus one speed and retrieves one metre of 3/8 chain with two double strokes versus five double strokes for the ABI/Plath),
On a calm morning, it would seem that either unit would be fine. The question comes at 2 a.m. in a choppy anchorage when you are dragging and have to move and/or reset…or a kedging situation.
Any thoughts from experienced owner/users of these two units?
cheers
Geoff,
We changed from a SL 510 to the SL555 about 1995. We were lucky and picked up a used one (for $250!) from a cruiser in NZ who was going electric. The 555 is a great improvement on the 510. We usually use the low speed only to break out the anchor when the all chain rode is straight up and down–it always does the trick. I overhauled it–new bushings, o-rings and grease about 8 yrs ago–it had become a bit stiff. I also stripped the old paint off, etched-primed, epoxy-primed and painted the case.
I don’t have any first-hand knowlege of the ABI, but I think it’s a copy of the bronze Plath, which BCC’s made in the 80’s used. Sam recommended them and the Pardey’s were sort of agents, in 1981 at least. I’ve heard friends grumble that the Plath was so slow that they preferred to haul in the chain by hand.
We’ve crossed paths with Kigorangi several times–once in 1980-81 in Port Hardy, BC when we considered buying her, and once in Neah Bay in '88 (or was in '93?), as we were both head south down the west coast. Where is Kikorangi now?
Dan Shaula BCC 59 (1981)
Thanks for that. I’ll take that as a strong endorsement of the S-L and be interested to hear from anyone else as to their experience/appraisal of either unit (S-L555 or ABI/Plath).
Kikorangi is in Rhode Island undergoing some considerable renewal/upgrade work. We’re based in NZ most of the year, but return over the southern winter to New England, where we spent many years on the water mostly on a Shannon 37. The concept is to get Kikorangi back in shape and better outfitted, familiarize ourselves with her over several seasons, upskill, and then if the stars align properly, bring her back down here. Given her Maori name (sky blue or deep blue), our family’s Maori connection, and the fact that she’s already been down here and back from BC, we understood that this little boat and we were right for each other.
Now if I can get this windlass decision right…
cheers
However, the comment of speed is applicable. We haven’t actually used the boat since the new bowsprit and windlass (and rigging, chainplates, boomkin, hatches, blah blah), but I can tell from just hauling the anchor up off the bottom in our slip that the windlass leaves something to be desired for speed. But it is strong and works well, and has enough purchase to make the job very easy, which is what matters to me.
Most of the the time, I haul back by hand, using the windlass only when right above the anchor in fairly deep water. So when I need to use it to break something free, I appreciate its multiplication of my force, even if that means its a bit slow.
If I had had the option of a SL555 or ABI for the same price, I would have gone with the 555, assuming it were in good shape. But I got the ABI for a song, and it works for us.
On another note, how “tired” is your SL510? We’re restoring a second W32 now that came with a Plath windlass, which we haven’t installed yet (nor is it drilled for or anything). If your windlass works and is in OK shape, I’d be up for a trade.
I had a chance to pick up an old ABI multispeed. I took it apart to check it over. Found that it has a possibly tragic problem: It depends on a single SS spring to engage the gears. Spring breaks and no operation. Spoke to some one who had fixed one on a boat almost yearly. To get to the spring you have to capsize the unit and remove (not easy) a large thin plate and gasket. Filled with gear oil.
I don’t know if the Plath version is different. I have a single speed ABI and it works okay, but as someone mentioned, can be a bit slow. I usually just grab the handle lower down and work away.
I asked a veteran of a circumnavigation on Tethys, an Ingrid that is a sail training vessel for only women crews, if it was fast enough. She said, “if we were in a hurry we’d just grab the chain and haul it in by hand.”
It a real Plath doesn’t depend on the spring, that would be the preference, certainly.
Most SL555s I’ve seen have been loaded with corrosion.
Call RC Plath for specs. We have a single speed RC Plath windless. My wife does most of the anchor work. Our ground tackle is 125 ft 3/8 G4 chain and a 35lb CQR. It just takes time to haul the chain and win the anchor. If we ever need to leave an anchor immediately, I would attach a line with float to the end of the chain, cut the rode to chain connection and leave. We can always come back to recover the ground tackle.
Our boat was cruised for many years with the above combination and if it worked for the McKay’s it is good enough for us.
Call RC Plath for specs. We have a single speed RC Plath windless. My wife does most of the anchor work. Our ground tackle is 125 ft 3/8 G4 chain and a 35lb CQR. It just takes time to haul the chain and win the anchor. If we ever need to leave an anchor immediately, I would attach a line with float to the end of the chain, cut the rode to chain connection and leave. We can always come back to recover the ground tackle.
Our boat was cruised for many years with the above combination and if it worked for the McKay’s it is good enough for us.
IDUNA
P.S. ABI copied RC Plath’s designs and had them made overseas.