Anchor Windlass

[FreeBeeTony]

Considering installing an Anchor Windlass this year.

Looking at the Lewmar ProFish 700..........has the auto-freefall option.

Anyone have any experience with these? Kinda $$$$.......~$660...........I can do the install.

Will also need a pulpit!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Anchor Windlass

Tony, I recommend a windless that will accept chain and line. You will need to remove the shackle between the chain and the line and splice the line directly to the chain, without a thimble.

You can use a SS anchor bracket, which you can bolt to the bow.

Sometimes with a windless, the anchor will slip due to bouncing on the waves. You might like to install a cleat either in the anchor locker or use the existing one, whatever is convenient.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Anchor Windlass

Sometimes with a windless, the anchor will slip due to bouncing on the waves. You might like to install a cleat either in the anchor locker or use the existing one, whatever is convenient.

Never, NEVER NEEEEVVVVEEEEERRRRR depend on your windless to hold anchor. That is a disaster waiting to happen, as is tying off your anchor to your windless. I’d also avoid tying off to the cleat sometimes attached to the top of a windless unless you absolutely KNOW for sure the windless is installed so that it can take a 10,000-lb yank without ripping out the bow of your boat.

There is much more to installing a windless than just bolting the thing to your bow. Lots of decisions to be made, considerations above and below deck. I suggest getting a book on anchoring and consider the info in that and apply it to your boating lifestyle to decide on the type of windless (or capstan), chain or rope or both, type of chain, type of anchor, etc. They all work together to keep your boat grounded.

I like ‘The Complete Book of Anchoring and Mooring’ by Earl R. Hinz but there are other good books on anchoring as well. Everything you need to know about choosing a windless or capstan is in there as well as installation considerations.

Good luck! Please let us know what you decide.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Anchor Windlass

18rabbit, I was not clear in my post. Of course it is necessary to cleat the anchor when it is deployed. However, I was referencing anchors slippage when they are not being used. That is, as you bounce along on your voyage, the anchor will slip out of the anchor bracket and start to bang into the hull.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Anchor Windlass

Oh...then never mind. Just forget what I said. 8)