Help Picking a Windlass
 

I'm tired of feeding my anchor rode throught the small hole on deck in to the locker on my Tsunami. I'm adding a windlass but thought I'd see what people here might already be using succesfully or if you have andy advice.

They all seem to be rated by pulling power and speed. Speed is obviously a matter of convenience but how much power do you think is needed for a 23' Tsunami. My feeling is that I would be fine with the smallest model from almost anyone. Do you think that's right?

What's the difference between manual and automatic freefall? Is freefall as important as I think it is?

Anyone have any experience using a vertical model on a Tsunami or Scepter. I prefer the look but am not sure about the room in the locker for it or if there as dependable. Is anyone using a vertical model succesfuly or unsuccesfully?

Re: Help Picking a Windlass
 

Not too familiar with them but as far as free fall vs manual here in WC Fla when trying to anchor on a precise rock pile free fall is needed. I you don't need to anchor on a specfic spot shouldn't be a big deal.
www.usavemarine.com have set up some boats down here with them and should offer decent pricing and advice on power, they have email on the site, as they may not list them.

Re: Help Picking a Windlass
 

I have a Lewmar Horizon 600 on my 23' Tsunami - it is awesome ! I highly recommend it. I actually like my whole set-up w/ regard to my anchor roller and windlass. The Free-fall option is over kill unless you fish in really deep water. I have never found it to be a problem in my area - the depths at which are at deepest 20-30'. However, if you wanted to anchor for offshore wreck fishing or other, maybe the FF would be nice - but if I were planning to do this type of fishing/anchoring, I would use a sh*t anchor anyway for fear of losing it to the reef.

Re: Help Picking a Windlass
 

Thanks for the input. Is the 600 vertical or horizontal?
If FF isn't really an issue I'm thinking of going vertical but I'm afraid it won't work well with the anchor locker. It sounds like a vertical windlass needs a deeper locker in order to have enough rope hanging before hitting the bottom to pull the incoming rode down (ie. you need the weight of the hanging rope to make the incoming rope come off the winch properly making the 90 deg turn down in to the locker.

Re: Help Picking a Windlass
 

Check out the info in the West Marine catologue. They have lots of info in the side bars.

Re: Help Picking a Windlass
 

It's vertical ( it sits flat and the chain/rope are pulled in in a vertical position ).

I have never had a problem w/ the rope getting into the locker correctly. It just does every time. There is plently of room. The only problem could be if you use too much rope/chain and it piles up too high in the rope locker and does not allow the incoming rope to come in - it could jam ( I experienced this while bareboating in the Caribbean on a 44' sailboat w/ all chain ). I have never had this happen on my SC - I have 200' of - I think it's 1/2" I'd have to check )

This system works great ! The anchor roller I used is a Windline ( I think a CAR 4 ) - it's the one that cantilevers. This model is not advertised a lot but Windline makes the best of that style. If you get it, let me know, I did a small, cheap retrofit that makes it work 100% perfectly.

If FF isn't really an issue I'm thinking of going vertical but I'm afraid it won't work well with the anchor locker. It sounds like a vertical windlass needs a deeper locker in order to have enough rope hanging before hitting the bottom to pull the incoming rode down (ie. you need the weight of the hanging rope to make the incoming rope come off the winch properly making the 90 deg turn down in to the locker.

Re: Help Picking a Windlass
 

Unfortunately, I always just stick catalogs in the recycling as soon as they arrive. I can't stand the way they seem to pile up and I spend less money when I'm not constantly looking at all the cool things I don't have. I'll check em out on line. I've looked at Lewmar's site but didn't find it all that informative

Re: Help Picking a Windlass
 

Here's what I meant by vertical
http://en.lewmar.com/products/index....=1&page_id=424

versus horizontal
http://en.lewmar.com/products/index....=1&page_id=431

The horizontal is a lot bigger on deck but throws the rode straight down. The vertical is a cleaner look but the rope comes out to the side so you need the weight of the falling rope to pull it down in to the locker making that 90 degree turn down.

Re: Help Picking a Windlass
 

Then I guess I have a horizontal ( which by the way it works and looks; seems like it should be called vertical ).

But, I stopped trying to make sense of certain things a long time ago.

Horizon - Horizon'tal - I guess the name sort of says it, but the gypsy, 'the pulley thing' that pulls the chain up is in a vertical attitude vs the flat windlass, which has a gypsy laying horizontal ?!

Re: Help Picking a Windlass
 

Seems counterintuitive to me too. Anyway, after giving it more thought I realized although I like the looks of having the motor mounted below deck, it doesn't really make sense in this application. With a setup like yours I can mount it directly over the hole in to the locker rather than behind it. That means a smaller overall footprint and no need for a piece of hardware over the hole in the deck to keep out water.

Re: Help Picking a Windlass
 

Since you're in the market, check out the powerwinch website
http://www.powerwinch.com/Accessories/Accessories.html

Look under electronics and rollers. They're having a sale on wiring kits and on bow rollers.

Re: Help Picking a Windlass
 

Thanks for the tip but since the pricing seems to be in line, I think I'm going to go with the Lewmar. I like the SS finish.

ABL1111, I already have an anchor roller that I'm hoping will work once I switch to a new anchor. It's not hinged and doesn't self launch with the anchor I currently have though so I may well be looking for a replacement in the coming months. I'll make a note on the windline just in case.

Actually in the meantime, if anyone's looking to sell, I am in need of a new anchor and a few feet of chain

Re: Help Picking a Windlass
 

I like the lewmar windlass better.....but the wiring kits and rollers on sale seem pretty well priced.

Re: Help Picking a Windlass
 

My rig works flawless. I did the same type of research your doing via local salty guys and came up with what I have. The cantilever anchor roller is the only way to go - works 100% of the time. Anything else is a hassle, unless you build an anchor pulpit with your anchor hanging below it.

Good luck !

Re: Help Picking a Windlass
 

It's the way the motor shaft points, not the way the line is pulled in.

Horizon 600 Freefall.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...inished004.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...inished005.jpg

Re: Help Picking a Windlass
 

Yesterday I installed a Lewmar (stainless finish - no free fall) on a friends 27' center console. I dont know any other details about the winch except that he bought it online for about $650. I think he said it was about half price compared to West. Be sure to check around online before you buy. -will

Re: Help Picking a Windlass
 

That's what I've been finding out price wise too. I think I'm sticking with the ProFish 700 from Lewmar.

I already have a bit of a pulit/bowsprit/roller so if it works, great if not, I'll be in touch with you about your set up.

Thanks for all the advice.

Re: Help Picking a Windlass
 

What are you using for switching and where do you have it located? It seems to come with a rocker/toggle switch for the helm but I think I need a way to control it from the bow as well, either the foot switches or a remote. Any one have any opinions on which is best. I'm leaning towards the remote because I have two left feet (also less holes on deck and maybe easier install but I worry about breaking/losing it.

Re: Help Picking a Windlass
 

You need both.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...inished004.jpg

Thread all was cut off after install.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...install005.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...install008.jpg

Holes made bigger than needed and backfilled with Epoxy/Cabisol.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...install011.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...install013.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...install009.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...install010.jpg