Choose the right Windlass for Your Anchor

mja110952@sbcglobal.net (Mike Adams) — Wed, 01 Feb 2006 12:09:00 +0000

Some practicle advise on how to choose the right anchor windlass for your boat.

There are a number of important criteria to be considered in selecting the correct anchor winch. These include the vessel size, displacement, windage, anchor size and rode selection. Practicalities such as locker space and depth of fall for the rode also play a part in deciding which windlass is ideal for you.
1. How long is my boat?

Determine the general size of windlass to be used for your boat length and displacement.
For example, if you have a 33ft/ 10m boat, a 600lb/ 270kg pull windlass (Sprint 600) would typically be selected. Adjust the windlass size if necessary, based on your answers to questions two and three below.
2. How long is the anchor rode you wish to use and will it fit into your locker?

Begin by examining the depth of the anchor locker to determine the amount of 'fall' available. The fall is the vertical distance between the top of the anchor locker and the top of the anchor rode when it is completely stored inside the locker. This measurement is important in determining whether your boat will be best suited for a vertical or horizontal windlass.
Horizont al Windlass

The Horizontal windlass is a no-nonsense design widely used by boaters requiring optimum performance from their anchoring system. Boaters who frequently anchor, especially in deep water, require a no hassle self-tailing system. The horizontal windlass offers the best performance with small or unusual locker designs. As the anchor rode enters the gypsy it makes a 90º turn and feeds directly into the anchor locker. a minimum fall of 12"/ 30cm is recommended.

Vertical windlasses

Vertical windlasses provide aesthetic value and offer the added security of the anchor rode making a 180º wrap around the gypsy. The inherent design of the vertical windlass requires at least 12"/ 30cm of fall.

This is to allow gravity to properly self-tail the anchor rode through a 90º vertical turn into the anchor locker. Additionally, nylon line is lightweight and a short fall in a vertical windlass system might prevent the rode from feeding properly into the locker.

3. How much pulling power should my windlass have?

Having selected the vertical or horizontal windlass sized for your boat length and displacement, the correct windlass pulling power for your needs must be determined using the following

Lewmar Windlass
Lewmar's windlass website with lots of helpful information on selection of a windlass and product information.

Maxwell Website
Lots of information and a windlass selection guide.

Topic Tags: anchor windlass, lewmar windlass, maxwell windlass, powerwinch windlass, quick windlass, simpson lawrence windlass, Windlass

Boat Anchor | Anchor Windlass

Choose the right Windlass for Your Anchor