Lofrans Kobra

[Shuggy]

My 12 volt Lofrans Kobra (approx 1998 vintage) died on me this summer during our cruise and in the interests of family harmony I fitted a new one in week 2. I took the old one home and discovered the following:

> Seawater had corroded the motor case
> The oil seal had failed, partially filling the motor with gearbox oil
> Two of the brushes were worn out

I have done the following:

> Removed the motor
> Removed all corrosion from the motor case with a welding hammer and wire brush.
> Dismantled the motor completely (commutator, shaft, stator magnets) and cleaned everything with contact cleaner
> Had 4 high copper brushes manufactured to the Lofrans spec by Nova in East Kilbride (£109)
> Painted the motor case with Hammerite
> Test run the motor

I've fitted a new oil seal between the windlass and motor.

It has a 10mm ISO gypsy, which I fitted in 2010 to replace the 8mm one I inherited it with. It will come complete with a handle and the contactor box. There are no controls - you would need to supply your own remote or foot switches.

My new one cost me £1,120 from Ardfern and I think a new replacement motor is about £300-400, so I'm looking for £400 for the refurbished complete unit. Otherwise I'll just keep the motor as a spare given what I've spent on it.

I'm in Crieff Perthshire; boat is in Ardfern - so can arrange pick-up or drop off near either of those places or in the Scottish Central Belt generally. As it's heavy and full of oil it's not something I want to courier although if you're desperate I can pack it into a crate and send it at your additional cost to anywhere in the UK.

If you want to pick it up from Crieff I can demonstrate it working (I also have a video of it running)

Is anyone interested?

Cheers,
Hugh

[DaveS]

Hi, I'm potentially interested, but I'd need to do some checking on the boat first. Could you confirm a couple of things?

1. Am I correct in thinking it's bi-directional, i.e. power down as well as power up?
2. Could you tell me the diameter and depth of the motor housing that drops through a hole in the mounting plate?

Dave S.

[Shuggy]

Hi Dave

Best thing to do - I think - is to go here: https://www.lofrans.com/library

Where there are full drawings so you’re not relying on my dodgy measurements.

Kind regards,
Hugh

[DaveS]

Hi, Hugh

Thanks for that, I'll look it up.

You didn't answer my question on reversibility: I assume from the 3 terminal relay that it is, but it would be nice to have it confirmed.

Dave S.

[Shuggy]

Sorry Dave - yes, it’s reversible. Power down and power up.

Cheers,
Hugh

[Shuggy]

Dave

Utterly rubbish test run video here...

https://youtu.be/Q880QrBZ8V0

There’s no oil in the gearbox, hence the noisier than usual operation.

Cheers,
Hugh