Weighing up windlasses

Practical: Buyers' Guide

Is your back aching just at the thought of pulling your anchor up? Kevin Green explores anchor windlass and winch options.

A good anchor winch or windlass is essential gear for most cruising sailors, allowing easy entry and exit from anchorages, while giving you peace of mind that it will never fail at critical times, such as when that sudden wind change puts you on a lee shore and you’ve got to get out of there at 3am in the morning.

A modern powered windlass can get you out of there, even if you’re single-handed, thanks to accessories such as electronic rode counters, remote controls and chainwheels that cope with rope and chain, and all done by the pressing of a few buttons.

Choosing the best windlass for your particular kind of cruising makes sense. Bigger is often better when you consider the difference in weight of the boat before and after all the voyage gear has been loaded, so factoring in the vessel’s loaded displacement rather than just length is a key factor in calculations, in addition to external influences such as windage. Other factors to keep in mind include retrieval speeds, with some systems coming with a dual speed, so check the details of particular models carefully.

Once you’ve established your ground tackle needs it will give you a rough guide about the size of winch needed. All the major brands such as Muir, Lewmar, Lofrans, Quick, Maxwell offer quick reference charts to guide buyers to the suitable windlass size but these are guides not gospel, so keep your thinking cap on.

Choices include the way the windlass hauls the rode (vertical or horizontal), power requirements, number of anchors deployed and the type of controls. Determining factors include available deck space, the distance (called ‘fall’) of the chain from the windlass and chain locker volume. Stern-mounted windlasses are a consideration for some cruisers where tight mooring situations are involved.

Retro-fitting

Retro-fitting a new windlass to replace an old one can often dictate the type of gear needed, the major choices being an above-deck horizontal model or a semi-below-deck vertical model. Nearly all modern cruising boats I’ve sail-tested have vertical windlasses because they are less obtrusive and can be more flexible — you can use double bow rollers easily with a single vertical windlass, for example. Also, a vertical windlass with a capstan fitted on top gives you even more flexibility. But convenience alone doesn’t make for a good cruising windlass and some popular models such as Lofran’s Seatiger are horizontal models with the added flexibility of manual override.

Avoiding the complexity of an electrical windlass by choosing a manual model such as Lewmar’s Anchorman is the choice of some cruising sailors. But as one sailor who opted for a powered windlass told me while researching this story: “there’d be no more days covered in mud, no more back pain and more time to sit back, relax and let the windlass do all of the work.” Can’t argue with that!

Ensuring enough power for the windlass is a major consideration, with cabling loads, battery capacity and controls all part of the equation. Adding to this mix are recent developments in windlasses accessories such as wireless controls, digital chain counters and even automatic anchoring systems, so planning your installation to take all this into account is essential.

Windlass types

The orientation of the chainwheel defines the two broad categories, which are vertical and horizontal windlasses. Both styles have advantages and disadvantages but the setup of the bow area is often the deciding factor.

A major advantage of vertical models is their added grip on the chain or rope, as the wrap on a vertical windlass is about 180 degrees, which means that the load the chain links are carrying on the chainwheel (also known as gypsy) is distributed over more than half of the chainwheel pockets. In a horizontal windlass the wrap is reduced to 90 degrees, reducing the load-carrying area to about one-third of the chainwheel. The more chain on the gypsy, the more the load will be distributed.

Variations on these styles include free-fall drum winches, such as the new model Muir launched in May.

These horizontal drum winches, models DFF08 and DFF10, are described as compact systems and designed to fit in small anchor wells.

Manual operation is a handy feature to consider — allowing you to insert a winch handle into the mechanism and pull the gear up. Fitting a longer handle increases the purchase, as well. Manual systems vary and some winches require a special handle to be inserted after the clutch top is removed. Several manufactures continue to build manual windlasses including Muir, Lewmar and Lofrans. Lofrans markets the Royal model, a double-action unit that pulls on forward and backward strokes and suits boats up to 12m and can pull 200kg.  

An important consideration is chain-to-chainwheel compatibility. Companies such as Maxwell even specify their own chain to ensure the correctly calibrated rode combination is used. “Non-calibrated chain can jam the gypsy and can damage the windlass,” the company’s Andy Stephens told me during a windlass demonstration.

Both metric and imperial chain are manufactured worldwide — yet another consideration when choosing a chainwheel. Ideally you should buy chain that has been manufactured and tested to a recognised standard — it will therefore be calibrated, allowing you to match it to your chainwheel.  

A popular feature of vertical windlasses is their low profile with the gearbox and electrical motor attached below the deck, inside the chain locker. But it is also one of the dampest places in the boat. Checking the waterproof or IP rating should be a consideration and a rating of IP67 ensures total waterproofing of the motor. Some brands offer optional waterproof motor casings, which is worth consideration when planning your installation.

Maintenance access is also a consideration and the above-deck horizontal models can generally be worked on more easily than verticals, which have their motors and gearboxes hidden in the dank depths of the chain locker. Some manufacturers such as Maxwell have introduced a system designed to be assembled or disassembled with a minimum of tools and fuss. This makes the system more user-friendly and a good variation on the right-angled motor setup.

Hybrid models with capstans are available with both horizontal and vertical models and give the versatility of working with rope rode, mooring lines and general hauling work.

Windlass technologies

Powering a windlass can be done by hydraulics and DC and AC electric motors but size doesn’t matter alone. As the experts will tell you, it’s the efficiency of the winch components — gearbox, motor and correct rode combination — that matters. Larger vessels with onboard generators can use AC-powered windlasses or hydraulic power. Hydraulic has the advantage of continuing to haul under heavy loading and suits larger vessels.

Checking under the hood, as it were, by looking at the windlass motor, is a wise idea. Like the car industry some components such as motors are used by several manufacturers but quality can vary. Ensuring spare parts availability, wherever you are in the world, is important so that those components, such as worn-out electrical brushes for example, can be procured.

Ensuring a high amphour battery is fitted is a consideration because heavy loads will be experienced and the use of a circuit-breaker to prevent overloads is obligatory for many brands. Fitting a separate battery anchor is a common practice but combining a powerful battery with appropriate engine revs usually ensures a smooth retrieval of the hook.

At the pointy end of the boat life can be tough, so windlass protection is an important consideration and external casings take a battering. High grades of stainless steel are a good idea, with Lewmar, for instance, using 316 grade, and for horizontal windlasses with exposed covers some manufacturers, such as the Italian Quick brand, insist on anodised alloy finishes for best protection, rather than epoxy coating. Windlass components can be built of various materials with some smaller models using plastic parts and larger models using bronzed chrome, aluminium as well as the more common stainless steel.

Electronic controls also suffer up at the bow with foot-operated buttons and wired remotes having to survive in very wet conditions, so regular maintenance with moisture removing sprays is advisable.

Key functionality includes free fall, brakes and clutch technology. Dual solenoids are another key component that facilities both incoming and outgoing operation, but does not come as standard on all models. The ability to control the outgoing chain, to avoid a pile on the seabed, can be managed with some kind of torque limiter, as fitted to South Pacific windlasses, for example. Stainless-steel release arms, as opposed to plastic also make sense when durability is being considered.

Windlass accessories

Add-ons to your basic windlass system can make life a lot easier. Relying on manual depth markings on chain can be reduced by fitting a digital counter located in the cosy confines of the cockpit and fitting wireless components even does away with the need for onerous cable runs through the bulkheads.

For example, Lewmar’s new remote unit, the 3-Button Windlass Remote Kit, can be connected to some existing windlasses or thruster control boxes or a solenoid. The receiver outputs are connected in parallel with the conventional controls, so that the radio control can act in addition to, but does not replace, the conventional control system provided with the boat.

Multi-use wired controls such as Maxwell’s new for 2010 AA340 series manage thrusters, deck wash, lights or a dual-speed windlass. Other handy features to look out for include LED lights integrated into them, as found on some Lofran gear — excellent for those hurried night anchorages.

Of course, automating the entire anchoring process is possible by deploying products such as the electronic black boxes from AutoAnchor. AutoAnchor works with popular brands including Muir, Maxwell, Lofrans and Lewmar. The AutoAnchor 500 Series has a one-touch automatic function to deploy or retrieve a preset length of anchor rode. This kind of technology uses digital chain counters, which work by a magnet/electrode combination on the gypsy, to manage the rode deployment and retrieval. AutoAnchor comes with a docking alarm, preset stopping point or automatic slowing feature designed to dock the anchor without mishap.

Using your windlass

Lewmar says windlasses used incorrectly could cause harm to equipment or crew and has these tips:

• Windlasses should be used with care and treated with respect.

• Keep limbs, fingers, clothing and hair clear of windlass and anchor rope/chain and anchor during operation.

• Ensure there are no swimmers or divers nearby when dropping anchor.

• When the windlass is not in use the anchor must be tied off onto a cleat or equivalent strong point to prevent damage to the boat.

• Windlass must not be used as the sole means of securing the anchor to the bow fitting especially under storm conditions. Anchors should be independently secured to prevent accidental release.

• A vessel lying at anchor must have its anchor rope/chain secured to a suitable independent strong point.

• Do not wrap chain around a capstan barrel or drum where fitted.

• A circuit-breaker/isolator should always be used with the windlass to protect the motor and cables from overheating and damage.

• Always switch off this windlass at the circuit-breaker/isolator when not in use.

• When anchoring, power rode out allowing the vessel to take up stern away preventing the rode tangling with anchor. Use this method for mooring stern first to a jetty.

• To aid recovery, under power, move vessel towards anchor but not over and beyond, as this can cause damage to topside.

• As anchor approaches the vessel use careful adjustments of controls to avoid damaging vessel.

• Scope: As a guide it is recommended that the depth of chain to rope is 7 to 1 at anchor.

Manual or electric?

The reasons to choose a manual anchor windlass are mainly two: It is the simplest installation as it is not necessary to carry out the electrical work, and the price.

The power used by the electric anchor windlass is not a real problem; modern boats have powerful enough batteries and the electric anchor windlass runs for few minutes only.

Safety, practicability and fast operations are the advantages of the electric anchor windlass. Today 95 out 100 anchor windlasses are electric.

Power options

Italian manufacturer Lofrans produces windlasses for all the major power sources and says DC motorization is the most popular for reliability.

“Maintenance is very limited and these types of electric motors are used for boats up to 90ftt length,” a spokesperson said.

“AC motorization is the choice for boats from 90 up to 120 feet length which have generators on board. AC motors offer a good torque, they require a simple installation and limited maintenance.

“Hydraulic motorisation gives the advantage of supplying a constant torque while the load changes. They are very popular on boats of larger than 120ft but require specific installation.”

Maintenance

Regular examination and maintenance of your anchor winch and capstan along with inspection of anchor, shackles, chain and rope are essential; especially when gear may have been stowed for some time.

Often, little time is given to checking and maintaining the anchor system, which can be frustrating when you’re on the water, or in the worst case, have serious consequences to the safety of those on board.

“Deciding on the right equipment is important when setting up or upgrading your boat and will go a long way to making sure you’ll have a long, trouble-free and serviceable life out of your equipment.” the Sales and Technical Manager for Muir Winches Australia, Peter Lilley, said.

“Always err on the side of safety. Take a step back and look at not only your boat and what is most suitable for the size, load weight and set-up needs, but ask yourself ‘Where will I do most of my boating? What depth of water?’ or ‘What sort of conditions will I face?’.”

Put To The Test - Annette Tuncel

Experienced circumnavigator Annette Tuncel tells of their windlass usage. “We use a Lofrans Tigres 1200-watt 12-volt windlass. This is a horizontal windlass with the gypsy on one side and a drum on the other. We’ve had this winch now for 10 years and haven’t had any trouble,” she said.

“The winch is electric but can also be operated manually using a separate handle. Our main anchor, a 45lb Spade, has 80m of 3/8” chain attached. The second anchor, a 35lb CQR, has 30m of 3/8 chain and about 80m of rope.

“For our set-up we run a heavy cable from our batteries set mid-ships to the anchor winch on the bow. The other option is a battery placed up in the bow near the anchor winch, but we decided against this.

“We always run the engine to use the anchor winch simply because the anchor winch consumes a lot of energy. If for some reason we can’t use the engine, then we can still operate the windlass manually using the handle but this brings up the chain more slowly.

“If we use the second anchor and need to recover both the rope and the chain then sometimes we pull the rope in using the drum on the anchor winch and then pull the chain in by hand or sometimes we just pull the rope in by hand also; it just depends on the situation. We rarely use the second anchor though. Here in Pulau Tioman on the east coast of Malaysia most times we are anchoring in 16-20 metres of water. The bottom comes up very steeply so anchoring in shallower water inshore would put us too close to shallow coral or the beach, especially now that thunderstorms are frequent.”

Windlass Components

The drawing (courtesy Muir) shows a typical layout for an electrical windlass installation. This vertical windlass also has a capstan on top and below decks in the chain locker the electrical motor and gearbox sit. The rode or anchor warp is fed through a bow roller and snubbed in place when anchored by the use of a chain stopper. There are two sets of controls, a deck switch operated by foot and stern controls. These controls could also include an automatic anchoring control box. A circuit-breaker protects the electric motor and the cables of the windlass from overload of current. It is installed on the power line near the battery and it trips automatically when the current is over the rated specific time/current curve.

BUYER'S GUIDE
What's out there and how much

Quick Genius and Mini Genius
The Italian-made Quick Genius and the smaller Mini Genius are horizontal windlasses for deck mounting, suitable for boats between 6-12m.
The entry-level Mini Genius is available in two models ranging in power from 150-250W and the Genius comes with 600W and 1000W motors. This range features a high watertight rating (IP66) and the larger model has freefall.
Price $1735 (Genius 600 model).
Available from www.bla.com.au and www.keoghsmarine.com.au, ph (07) 5529 2544.

South Pacific Pro Series
Australia-based South Pacific Industrial Pro Series horizontal windlasses are suitable for small to medium sized vessels 15-45ft (4.5-13.5m). The lineup has the Pro 710, 800 and 900 models. The smaller models are available with nylon or stainless-steel gypsies and can pull up 320kg (top of the range Pro 900 model).

Prices $499 (Pro 710), $899 (Pro 800) and $1349.95 (Pro 900).

Available from www.southpacific.com.au, ph (02) 96592889, or www.whitworths.com.au, ph (02) 9939 1055.

Lewmar V range

Lewmar is a major windlass manufacturer making a vast selection, ranging from small runabout winches to superyacht size. The newer V1 (pictured), V2 and V3 range are
suitable for a variety of cruising yachts. Ranging in power from the 700W V1 that
can pull 454kg to the 1000W V3, able to haul 1020kg, these vertical windlasses can have a capstan and are even available in upgraded waterproof casings — rated to IP68 for full submersion.

Price $1999 V1 (for kit including reverse solenoid).

Available from www.lewmar.com, www.whitworths.com.au, ph (02) 9939 1055, BIAS Boating Warehouses and other marine outlets.

Maxwell RC range

Maxwell’s range for smaller vessels includes the new RC 6 and RC 8 models. The RC6 is a vertical windlass for rope and chain and all-chain rodes. The in-line, vertical gearbox and motor is designed for quick installation by either the boat yard or owner. The RC 6 has a 500W motor and can pull a maximum of 300kg. The more powerful RC 8 can have a 1000W motor, pull 600kg, have an optional capstan and is suitable for yachts up to 45ft (14m).

Price $1299 (RC6), $1449 (RC8).
Available from many marine retailers as listed on www.maxwellmarine.com, ph 1800 816957.

South Pacific low-profile

This low-profile vertical windlass suits boats from 18ft to 28ft and can pull a 27lb anchor. It has a manual override and stainless gypsy and shaft with nylon casing.

Price $799.

Available from www.whitworths.com.au., ph (02) 9939 1055.

Lewmar Pro-Series

Lewmar's Pro-Series range of horizontal windlasses is aimed at boats up to 38ft (12m), particularly where space is a major issue. The range can pull between 250kg and 454kg. Motor power available is 150W, 500W and 700W. Prices on application.

Available from www.lewmar.com, www.whitworths.com.au, ph (02) 9939 1055, BIAS Boating Warehouses and other marine outlets.

Hutton HE1200

This Australian-made Hutton horizontal windlass product line has four units ranging in price from the HE1200 ($1838) pictured to the HE2000L ($2630). These are versatile windlasses with capstans and manual override, making ideal for a larger
cruising boat.

Available from www.arco-winches.com, ph (02) 9623 2448.

Hutton VE

Hutton make heavily built vertical windlasses with their top model, the VE 3000 able to pull 1314kg. Importantly for cruisers these models come with manual override, allowing winching by handle in event of a power loss.

Prices $1838-$2630.

Available from www.arco-winches.com, ph (02) 9623 2448.

Muir DFF08 and DFF10 drums

Drum-style winches are becoming increasingly popular, especially for smaller vessels lacking locker space. These new drum windlasses from Muir, the DFF08 and DFF10, come with 600W and 1000W motors. The smaller DFF08 has a drum capacity 120m of 6mm line and can pull 180kg. The DFF10 can hold 100 metres of 8mm line and pull 260kg and has a 12/24V capacity.

Price $2895 (DFF08) and $3299 (DFF10).

Available from www.muirmarine.com.au, ph (07) 3396 9988.

Maxwell horizontal range

Maxwell’s horizontal range includes the HRC6, HRC8 and HRC10. Top of the RC range, the horizontal HRC10 (pictured) came out in 2010 and can accommodate 52ft (16m) vessels. The models in the range, the HRC10-8 and HRC10-10, can pull 700kg and 850kg respectively and are powered by 1000W and 1200W motors. Features include a free-fall mechanism, manual operation and they accept chain/rope rode.

Prices from: $1449 (HRC6-6).

Available from many marine retailers as listed on www.maxwellmarine.com, ph 1800 816957.

Lofrans Tigres, Falkon and Royal

The Lofrans Tigres is a popular cruising windlass in horizontal configuration that has a 1200W motor with reversing. It also has an independent rope drum, has manual options of chain release and override. The motor is rated to IP66 waterproofing and can be powered by 12/24V. Maximum pulling weight is 1100kg. The more powerful Falkon can pull up to 1800kg in 24V power mode and comes with a 1700W motor. The manual Royal model is a well established favourite with cruising sailors choosing a non-electric option. It can pull 400kg and is chain only.

Prices $2970 (Tigres), $4400 (Falkon), POA (Royal).

Available from www.taylormarine.com.au ph (08) 9494 9393.

Lewmar selection

Launched late 2009, the big Lewmar V10 and V12 vertical models (centre back of picture) can be powered by 24V DC, 208V and 400V AC, or hydraulically. Capstan model shown but it is also available with gypsy only. Both metric and imperial chain gypsies are available, up 22mm stud kink. At extreme right of picture are two of Lewmar's horizontal range with the white H Series top of picture and white manual model at bottom of picture. A similar model, the popular Seatiger from Simpson Lawrence, is believed to have been revived by a Scottish company www.slspares.co.uk. POA.

Contact www.lewmar.com and www.slspares.co.uk. Also contact www.whitworths.com.au, ph (02) 9939 1055.

Lofrans X3

Lofrans’ X range of vertical windlasses is designed for yachts in size between 6-27m and comprise the X1,X2,X3 and X4. Drum/capstans are standard but low-profile versions are available without a capstan. A wide set of power options are available, from 500W to 3600W giving these winches a large pulling range from 630kg to 2500kg. Features of the range include sealed bearings and manual overrides with both chain and rope supported on the gypseys.

Price: $3850.00. (X3 model).

Available from www.taylormarine.com.au, ph (08) 9494 9393. Also available from www.winchsolutions.com.au

Anchorlift Dolphin

Norwegian-made Anchorlift provides a five-year warranty on both horizontal and vertical options and the range includes windlasses for boats from 30ft (9.1m) up to 80ft (24m) long. The range is named after popular sea life such as Stingray, Mako, Dolphin and Barracuda. The 1000W Dolphin model (base price $1420 without capstan —pictured) is ideal for boats 35-45 feet long and can pull a maximum of 750kg. Features of the Dolphin include a stainless-steel vertical shaft and high-speed drop of up to 40m (120ft) per minute. The range also has manual free fall with adjustable clutch and stainless steel parts in high grade 316 stainless. POA.

Contact www.southernseasmarine.com, ph (07) 5502 9666.

Who makes them
Anchorlift Australia
Coomera QLD
Ph (07) 55029666
www.southernseasmarine.com
and www.anchorlift.com

Hutton
The Australian Yacht Winch
(Sales) Pty. Ltd.
St Marys NSW
Ph (02) 9623 2448
www.arco-winches.com

Lewmar Australia
Newport NSW
Ph (02) 9979 1031
www.lewmar.com

Lofrans
Taylor Marine
Ph (08) 9494 9393
Henderson WAa
www.taylormarine.com.au
www.lofrans.it

Maxwell Marine Australia
Capalaba QLD
Ph (07) 3245 4755
www.maxwellmarine.com

Muir Australia Head office
Kingston TAS
Ph (03) 6211 8811
www.muir.com.au

Quick Windlasses
BLA
Brisbane QLD
Ph 1300 252 725 37

South Pacific Windlasses
24/7 Anella Avenue
Castle Hill NSW
PH (02) 96592889
www.southpacific.com.au