Rescue Boat Winch Type 04-04 E/ES
The Palfinger Marine Safety Rescue Boat Winch Type 04-04 E/ES is an electric‑driven davit system for launching and recovering a rescue boat or liferaft, featuring an integrated release hook with manual emergency backup.
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Common issues
- Wire rope corrosion, broken wires, or birdcaging from improper spooling
- Brake system wear or slippage - a critical safety function on this winch
- Limit switch failure allowing over-travel or over-hoist
- Gearbox oil leakage or contamination
- Electric motor or control system faults (contactors, overload relays)
- Manual emergency lowering mechanism seizure from lack of use or lubrication
- Sheave or drum wear/misalignment causing wire rope damage
Inspection checklist
- Visual inspection of wire rope for broken wires, corrosion, kinks and birdcaging along its full length
- Function test of the brake - verify it holds the load without slip
- Test upper/lower limit switches for correct cut-out
- Check gearbox oil level and condition
- Test manual emergency lowering/hand-crank operation
- Inspect sheaves and drum for wear and correct wire rope spooling
- Function test of remote and local controls
- Structural mounting/foundation bolt check for tightness and corrosion
- Winch/davit load test at the interval and load specified by class/flag state
Service intervals
| Weekly/monthly operational test | per the SOLAS LSA maintenance schedule and manufacturer instructions |
| Wire rope inspection | at each davit inspection; renewal typically every 4-5 years or condition-based - confirm against maker/class requirement |
| Gearbox oil change | per maker manual, typically annually or per running hours |
| Annual thorough examination | annually, by a competent person per the SOLAS LSA Code |
| Winch/davit dynamic load test | 5-yearly at proof load per SOLAS/flag-state requirement - confirm exact interval and load with class |
Typical wear limits
| Wire rope broken wires | discard criteria are set by the rope's own standard and the maker manual (commonly a set number of broken wires within a given lay length) - confirm the exact figure there rather than applying a single generic number |
| Brake lining wear | renew at the maker's minimum thickness or wear indicator - condition-based, no safe generic figure to quote |
Ranges are typical for this design class. Always confirm against the manufacturer documentation for your serial number.
Critical spares
- Wire rope of the correct diameter, construction and length for this davit
- Brake lining/friction material
- Limit switch assembly
- Gearbox seals
- Contactor/control relay set
- Gear oil to the specified grade
Safety
- Suspended load hazard - never work under a raised boat/winch without mechanical stops or chocks engaged
- Never rely solely on the electric motor to hold a suspended load - the brake is the safety-critical element
- Wire rope under tension presents a crush/whip hazard if it fails
- The manual lowering device can run away if the brake is not functioning - follow the maker's controlled lowering procedure
- Electrical hazards from motor and control gear in a wet deck environment
Class survey
Lifeboat/rescue boat davits and winches are SOLAS LSA Code items requiring annual thorough examination by a competent person and 5-yearly dynamic load testing at proof load, per SOLAS III and the manufacturer's maintenance manual. Class/flag state will want records of the annual service, load test certificates, and wire rope renewal history; missing current load test certification is a common detention item.
Components & Design
Component data being added…
Technical Data
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Common failures & inspection points
Service & Maintenance
Engine test weekly (min. 5 min). Release hook maintenance annually by approved service (SOLAS MSC.402(96)). GRP hull inspection at docking. 5-year basic survey.
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