Does Titan 5/16 ISO G43 chain fit a Lewmar Concept 1 with a 002 gypsy?

Yes, Titan 5/16" ISO G43 chain is an exact match for the Lewmar Concept 1 windlass fitted with the 002 gypsy. Lewmar specifically machined the 002 chainwheel to handle the 26.2mm pitch of standard 5/16" High Test (G4/G43) chain, which includes the Titan specification.

Gypsy and Chain Compatibility

The Lewmar Concept 1 is an older windlass typically installed on 30-foot to 40-foot boats. Gypsies for these units bear a three-digit stamp. The 002 stamp (part number 68000002) designates the chainwheel for 5/16" High Test chain. Titan 5/16" ISO G43 chain follows NACM specifications. It has an 8.7mm wire diameter and a 26.2mm inside pitch. The 002 gypsy pockets are cast specifically for this 26.2mm pitch. The Titan chain will bed down perfectly into the wheel. A lower-grade chain like 5/16" BBB has a shorter link. It will ride up and jam in this gypsy.

Checking the Gypsy for Wear

The Concept 1 dates from the 1990s or early 2000s. Your gypsy has likely seen over two decades of use. Dropping a new Titan chain onto a worn bronze chainwheel can cause skipping under heavy load. Gypsy pockets wear down over time. This widens the gap and allows links to slide forward. Before ordering 50 metres of chain, buy a 1-metre sample of the Titan 5/16" G43. Perform a wrap test.

• Wrap the sample chain 180 degrees around the gypsy.
• Pull hard on both hanging ends simultaneously.
• Look closely at the links sitting in the pockets. They should sit deep and flat.
• If the chain pulls away from the root of the gypsy or the links start riding up the sides of the pockets, your gypsy is worn out.

You must replace a heavily worn gypsy. Lewmar still produces the 002 chainwheel. It typically costs between £150 and £180.

Splicing Rope to Chain

For a mixed rode, the 002 gypsy handles 12mm to 14mm rope. Eight-plait nylon provides the smoothest transition through the tight deck pipe of the Concept 1. It resists hockling and falls cleanly into the locker. It avoids creating a stiff tower that jams the windlass. Splice the rope directly to the last link of the Titan chain. Do not use a thimble and shackle. These will not pass through the 002 gypsy. They will jam against the stripper arm and potentially bend it.