Electric winch instead of anchor hoist

[atepoint2001]

Can you use an electric winch to set and retrieve your anchor?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Wont have enough spool capability

 

[tpenfield]

Probably not enough spool capacity, so that is why a windlass. Sort of depends on the boat and anchoring needs. Tell us more, if you like.

 

[atepoint2001]

I have a 16' Tracker with 20 lb anchor. I currently have a Trac Fisherman 25 but it doesn't seem like it has sufficient power to lift my anchor. I want to replace it it and electric winches are half the price. I also like the fact that they free spool so you can get the anchor down faster.

 

[dingbat]

I have a 16' Tracker with 20 lb anchor.

I would go about it a bit different and change the anchor instead of the winch.

Why are you using a #20 anchor on a 16 ft. boat?

The #17 I use on a 22ft., #5,500 boat is more than enough under far worst conditions than your boat would ever see.

 

[alldodge]

Can you use an electric winch to set and retrieve your anchor?

Only if you anchor in shallow water

 

[Scott Danforth]

your using the wrong anchor if your using a 20# anchor on a 16' boat.

the anchor on my 24' boat is a 13# danforth. on my old 16' boat it was a 7# danforth.

 

[jsparks747]

I personally would rather have the windlass than have an electric winch. I would agree with everyone else though, your anchor is too big. I use a 3.5 lb Danforth anchor with 3 feet of 1/4 inch chain on my 15 foot tiderunner and it is plenty. It matters more on how the anchor digs into the bottom than the weight of the anchor. I would rather have a 3.5 pound Danforth anchor than a 20 pound a pyramid anchor. Sure the pyramid would hold, but having something that grabs on is more important.