windlass question
 

Any preference on the windlass you guys install on a 23 Sceptre. I've heard that a Horizon 400 is just OK - actually I know I guy who has been bitching about his.

I'd rather not have a windlass ( just another thing to maintain ). However, getting to the bow to re-anchor, adjust, etc. will get to be a pain very quickly.

Your experience appreciated...

Re: windlass question
 

Sprint 600.....this one seems to be best.

[ April 09, 2003, 04:14 PM: Message edited by: NJfishman ]

Re: windlass question
 

I don't think many guys have (or want) a windlass. On the CC's it's not such a big deal, but I agree on the cuddy cabins it's a huge pain! I bought a Quick above deck months ago from Boat US when they were on sale, but like most things have'nt got around to installing it yet. I'm going to buy a pivoting anchor roller also to replace the standard one I have now. Don't think the anchor will drop without it. I'll post again if I ever get it installed!

Re: windlass question
 

We sell and install Good, Lewmar , and Powerwinch. As to the one I like the best is the horizon 600. THe downfall of this winch is the plastic Flemming. This is the weakest part of the lewmar winches. Lewmar purchased S.Lawrance. so its the same winch. Good is your best out there. THe problem with these winches is you need a large anchor locker. The motor sits below deck and the anchor line will foul very easy in it if the locker is not large. The powerwinch we just started selling and installing about 1 year ago. THere is no plastic on this winch and they have been holding up very well for us. We have had anchor dropping issues with this winch even with the drop pulpit. If I was installing one on my boat I would choose the Lewmar Horizon 600. I saw a Quick winch the other day. The owner of Quick use own S. Lawrance so I am told its the same as the Lewmar winches but there is no plastic if I recall. ANd its a nice looking winch also. Tom please let us know how the install goes and how it holds up.

Re: windlass question
 

ABL,
Just something to think about as an alternative to a windlass - on our Sceptre we run a dock line from the spring cleat to the bow cleat on one side and attach the anchor line to that by running the dock line through the thimble. When you want to deploy the anchor you merely attach the anchor line (we have a line already cut to the length in which we're anchoring and have it stored in a plastic bin) to the dock line and let it out from inside the cockpit. Either drift back or back down to set the anchor. When you want to retrieve it, motor forward until you can grab the line (no too far or you'll foul the prop) and haul the anchor in. When you head for the dock, pull the dock line tight so it's not hanging too low, cleat it off, and you're good to go. This is a good way of anchoring in areas that may be choppy or have a lot of boat traffic. As you probably know, the bow on a Sceptre is a precarious place to be in a 3' chop, with or without the raised bow rail.

Re: windlass question
 

Scott,

I understand your anchoring method ( good description because I have never heard of that method ). It's just not the way I want to go.

Sometimes I anchor and miss the exact spot when fishing due to wind, tide etc. So, I will re-anchor. Doing this on my present boat, a 20' walkaround is a breeze.

However, the Tsunami is a different story. I will miss the walk around feature. It's about the only thing I will miss.

I've never wanted a windlass, but I know it will be really handy. So, I want to get a good one ( no pun intended ) and be done with it.

So, the Horizon or Sprint 600 ? I'll have to wait for the prices to come down. I still have a V8 motor and drive to buy ( not top mention a girlfriend that is waiting for a 'rock' )

Re: windlass question
 

We all use the Sprint because it is a lower profile. We haven't had any problems so far.

[ April 11, 2003, 02:52 PM: Message edited by: NJfishman ]

Re: windlass question
 

that's one long winded explanation of what's called a "snatch line" pick up when using an anchor ball...I'm just sayin...

Re: windlass question
 

THX - NJ Fisherman.

Do you have a Sceptre as well ? Does the Sprint 600 motor take-up much room below ? How's the install ? Do you have a bow pulpit too ?

PS - The ball method is a great way, but sometimes people will anchor so close, whether fishing or just beaching that it could be a P.I.T.A. to use all the time. For off-shore, or deep water anchoring, there is no better way !

Thx,

Alan

Re: windlass question
 

The Horizon is easier to install. The Sprint takes up just as much room as the Good Brands. If NJ is having no problem with the line fouling then you should be ok. The question is do you want to spend the extra money for a lower profile. 675 for the Horizon vrs the 799 for the sprint.

Re: windlass question
 

Jeff,
Excuse me for not knowing the correct term, I'm just trying to help him out by offering a suggestion.

Re: windlass question
 

The install is fairly easy I would imagine from the diagrams that the Horizon has more of the winch on the deck so I guess the Sprint would have more under the deck thus being a lower profile. I have not had any problems with the line binding up nor have I heard of any inherant problems with that.

No I have a CC and we put a Pivoting Bow Roller on the box which is designed for use with the windlass. Just hit the switch and down it goes.

Re: windlass question
 

Over the weekend, I looked at a bunch of windlass's. My initial and standing reaction is: where do these guys get off charging so much $$$ for these things ?!

Once past the sticker shock, I looked at the different windlass's. Does anyone prefer the free-fall versions ? They are a lot of $$$, but free falling seems to be the way to go ? Any opinions here ?

Also, any recommendations as to who sells these things the cheapest ?

Re: windlass question
 

Free fall is the way to go. And not sure about the cheepest. We use Port Supply which is the wholesale division of West Marine. Try online there may be some website that offers them at a discount.

Re: windlass question
 

Thx NJ Fisherman. I'll check out Port Supply.

Keep me tuned into when the bass start biting there - a sure indication for me.

-Alan

Re: windlass question
 

I HAVE A 23 SEPTRE INSTALLED A POWERWINCH 8 MONTHS AGO. HAS FREE FALL AND I HAVE BEEN MOSTLY PLEASED. SOME TIMES IT NEEDS PRESSURE ON THE LINE TO WINCH UP. EASY TO INSTALL. GET THE BIGGEST ONE YOU CAN AFFORD. I HAVE 3 FRIENDS THAT ALSO HAVE ONE , SOME MINOR PROBLEMS BUT SURE BEATS PULLING THE ANCHOR. I HAVE USED THE BALL METHOD AND I DO NOT LIKE HAVING THE ANCHOR IN THE COCKPIT. COMMERCAIL FISHERS IN THE GULF USE THE BALL METHOD AND JUST TOW THE ANCHOR ON THE BALL. THERE IS A WINCH ADVERTISED IN THE FLORIDA SPORTSMAN THAT USES A DRUM TO WIND THE ROPE-CHAIN. THIS IS A ANIMAL AND CAN USE ANY SIZE ROPE-CHAIN, BUT IT VERY BIG ON YOUR DECK AND HAS NO FREE FALL.

MADMAX

Re: windlass question
 

I tried Port supply, cannot gain access w/out a a tax ID or something like that. I went to West Marine and talked to a guy there. You basically can save $100 via Port.

West Marine also recommends the Horizon 500. Anyone w/ experience w/ this winch ? No matter how you slice it, it's a hell of a lot of $$$ to pay to lift an anchor in the shallow H2O I boat in !!! But, being on the deck all the time would get pretty played out too !

Re: windlass question
 

abl,

Port Supply wants $795 for the Sprint 600. You have to have an account.

Otto