Selecting a Windlass
#1. Choosing the Right Size Class Anchor Windlass
The important criteria for selecting the right windlass include:
- Boat size
- Ground tackle weight
Boat Size and Displacement
The size of your boat will play an important part in choosing the proper anchor windlass for your boat. SavvyBoater.com offers anchor windlasses for boats up to 65’ long. Boat size and displacement are a reasonable gauge of the size of windlass you will need. Boats with heavy displacement may need a correspondingly heavier anchor windlass pull capability to handle the heavier ground tackle.
Max Pull Capacity & Ground Tackle Weight
The best way to rate windlass performance is by the pull capability and the speed of anchor retrieval. The ideal maximum pulling capability should be 3 to 4 times the weight of your ground tackle. All windlasses will have a maximum pull rating.
Ground tackle consists of your anchor chain and anchor line. The weight of the ground tackle will dictate the proper windlass size/power for your boat. Choosing a windlass with a maximum pull of 3 to 4 times the weight of your ground tackle should be sufficient.
Accounting for less than ideal conditions and to ensure enough pulling power, 4 times the total weight of the ground tackle is recommended by SavvyBoater.com and used to calculate max ground tackle for each windlass.
| Calculation | Anchor + Chain + Rope = Ground Tackle
| Ground Tackle x 4 = Maximum Pull Needed
|
| Example | 60 lbs + 200 lbs = 180 lbs
| 180 x 4 = 720 lbs
|
#2. Vertical or Horizontal Windlass?
Both configurations of anchor windlasses will provide excellent anchoring assistance. Considerations for choosing which style will suit your boat best are: deck space, chain locker space and anchoring needs and flexibility.
Vertical Windlass Features
- Drive shaft oriented perpendicular to deck
- Motor and gear box situated below deck
- 180º rode wrap on gypsy
Horizontal Windlass Features
- Drive shaft oriented parallel to deck
- All parts mounted above deck
- 90º rode wrap on gypsy
Deck Space
Available deck space may play a part in determining which style anchor windlass will work best for you. Vertical windlasses require less space above deck and may work better if you have tight space or need the deck clear. Horizontal windlasses will take up more deck space as a result of the windlass being mounted entirely above deck.
Chain Locker Space
Having a chain locker with enough space for your rode is extremely important. When the rode feeds into the chain locker there should be enough room from the bottom of a vertical windlass’ motor or the deck with a horizontal windlass to allow for the rode to coil in a way that will keep it from tangling or knotting. The chain locker will need to be large enough to fit the rode and vertical windlass motor with out problem. Horizontal windlasses require less chain locker space and can be used with odd shaped chain lockers. Fall is the amount of space between the top of the stored rode pile and the windlass motor or deck.
Vertical windlass fall should be 12" minimum between motor and stored rode
Horizontal windlass fall should be 8" minimum between deck and Stored rode
Chain locker space may determine whether a horizontal or vertical windlass is suitable for your boat. Having enough room to store your rode is important for safety and proper operation of your anchor windlass.
Anchoring Needs and Flexibility
Horizontal windlasses will need to be mounted in a straight line with the bow roller and pull of the anchor. Vertical windlasses will offer slightly more flexibility in the angle of pull during anchor retrieval but only in conjunction with properly placed bow rollers.
#3. Rode Selection
Whether you are using all chain, or a chain and rope combination you will want to select a rode that is appropriate for your boat and anchoring situation. Many windlasses will offer fittings to handle different size rodes, but be sure the windlass you select will handle the rode you plan to use. Automatic rope/chain anchor windlasses require that a rope/chain rode be splice properly. The splice should be routinely checked and either, be replaced with a new rode or re-spliced by a professional if worn.
The gypsy and rode must be matched to handle the same size chain and rope. Chain selection is critical and must be the proper size for the gypsy. If you already have a rope/chain rode to use, then selecting the right size gypsy to fit the chain and rope will be important. There are many types of chain available but using the proper type and size are crucial for safe and proper windlass operation.
- Maxwell windlasses use short link chain
- Quick windlasses us HT/ACCO G4 and BBB - never proof coil (it is stated as G4 but link length is longer and will not work)
The rode you intend to use will need to fit into your chain locker far enough to leave enough room between the vertical windlass motor or deck to ensure there are not problems when the rode leaves or enters the chain locker
Windlass Safety & Security Tips
-
DC electric anchor windlasses require circuit breakers/isolators to protect cables in case your windlass is overloaded
- Chain stoppers and chain snubbers are highly recommended for safe anchoring and to protect windlass from strain
- Never anchor off of windlass or pull boat up to anchor spot with windlass
- Do not subject windlass to strain of your boat riding at anchor
Having excess lifting capability is better than not enough, and may be needed in case of bad weather conditions
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