Policansky parts Cape Town based help needed

FRITZABU

Sealiner
I have now tried for 2 weeks to get this company on the phone , with no success . Emails are also returned as inbox is full

Can any Cape Town Sea liners, perhaps let me know what the problem is ?
 

jb2

Sealiner
Hi Fritzabu

The manufacturers of Policansky reels, Maxwell's Engineering seems to have been placed in liquidation.

I drove around to the premises in Airport Industria and the place was empty but for one car in the parking area and two security guards who would not let me in to knock on the door.
 

FRITZABU

Sealiner
Thanks jb2

Old Salt say he think they may have been taken over by hawkins engineering , but he is also still trying to find out.
 

jb2

Sealiner
FRITZABU wrote:
Thanks jb2

Old Salt say he think they may have been taken over by hawkins engineering , but he is also still trying to find out.

Interesting stuff.

The policansky remains a contradiction. It is at once both a museum piece and a brilliant feat of engineering.

I would put it in a class with the Land Rover Series III. The Colt 1911, The Parker Jotter pen, the Opinel pocket knife and other designs that are simple and effective and in some cases the designs are over a 100 years old.
 

daverip

New member
Does anyone have further news on ¨Poli¨ reels?

The one place that usually has them online, Sharnbrook tackle seems to
have an ominous sign for the future.

I own an old 2b, 4bs, and the newer 2010 and 2020 and enjoy them for
being something different.

Still, a time warp produced in a small factory is eventually going to in
real trouble when competing against mass produced global names.

Let´s hope it´s not the end.
 

jb2

Sealiner
Hi Daverip

I will try to find out. The best we can hope is that someone has bought the toolling and will set up production.

Policansky reels were not widely used here. My highly scientific survey of looking at the reels on the boats at the local launch site confirms that they were almost completely abandonned.

In stark contrast,  Australia's love affair with the Alvey has kept the company going. An Alvey is also a piece of simple robust equipment that is designed to keep going.
 

FRITZABU

Sealiner
Maxwell's engineering was placed in liquidation and has closed down completely .

Now we will find it very difficult to repair any Polly's
 

daverip

New member
Sad.
            Policansky was a large part of the early Australian sportfishing scene.

I actually mailed David at Sharnbrook tackle and he thinks the possible
new owners of the plant and equipment have no interest in fishing.

All we can do is see what happens I guess.

Cheers,
                  David.
 
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