WINDLASS ?

Duduk · 02-23-2009, 02:56 PM

Hi all

need help on finding the correct WINDLASS for my boat
i have a 26' - GW is 5500Lbs-

what do i need to look for wan buying a windlass

Thank you all

DEFIANCE · 02-23-2009, 03:22 PM

Quote:

what do i need to look for wan buying a windlass

Strong arms, a good back, and preferably they have some gas money. It helps if they are not terribly bright as well. The best part is you don't have to pay a penny.

I know this is useless, but I could not resist.....

**Carnivore** · 02-23-2009, 04:13 PM

The weight of the boat isn't important it is the weight of your anchor, rode, chain, an hardware that is what matters. Once you have a good idea how much that weighs then at minimum multiply it by 4 an that is the weight class you want to start looking for. People will say different things but the windless is only supposed to pull up your tackle an a reasonable amount of ungrounding the anchor. In other words if the anchor is stuck tie it off an use the boat to pull it out not the windless. From what I have read that is the most important.

Now what company to buy from that is like asking what is best, Ford, Dodge, Chevy. I have heard equal amounts of this is a POS to the best ever made for each company out there an honestly don't have any first hand knowledge. I am looking for one for my boat an for the money I am going with Lewmar. Now I don't recommend them for any reason just the one I have decided on.

Here is some info I used to help I will see if I can find more. My computer melted down an I lost all of my web favorites so I have been rebuilding them.

West Marine: West Advisor

Duduk · 02-24-2009, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carnivore

The weight of the boat isn't important it is the weight of your anchor, rode, chain, an hardware that is what matters. Once you have a good idea how much that weighs then at minimum multiply it by 4 an that is the weight class you want to start looking for. People will say different things but the windless is only supposed to pull up your tackle an a reasonable amount of ungrounding the anchor. In other words if the anchor is stuck tie it off an use the boat to pull it out not the windless. From what I have read that is the most important.

Now what company to buy from that is like asking what is best, Ford, Dodge, Chevy. I have heard equal amounts of this is a POS to the best ever made for each company out there an honestly don't have any first hand knowledge. I am looking for one for my boat an for the money I am going with Lewmar. Now I don't recommend them for any reason just the one I have decided on.

Here is some info I used to help I will see if I can find more. My computer melted down an I lost all of my web favorites so I have been rebuilding them.

West Marine: West Advisor

i was looking at the WM web site it has good info

also WM has a POWERWINCH

Capstan 25 Rope Winch for
Sale $338.66 USD

Quote:

Versatile system uses an easy-to-operate foot switch to retrieve anchors or fishing pots, or provide power assistance on sailboats with limited crew. Features fast 40'/min. retrieval speed and up to 500lb. of pulling power! Solid, one-piece, machined capstan features an aluminum housing and stainless steel internal shafts and hardware. Thermal automatic resetting circuit breaker and one-piece, heat-treated, oil-impregnated gears. Includes 1/8" rubber deck gasket.

Style: Horizontal
Maximum Pull: 500lb.
Boat Length: to 25'
Rode Type: Rope
Rode Size: To 3/4" rope
Case Material: Aluminum with a durable polyester finish
Capstan/Gypsy Material: Aluminum
Draw: 8A@12V
Dimensions: 6-5/16"H x 8"W x 10-9/16"L
Warranty: Two years

looks like a good price

Duduk · 02-24-2009, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEFIANCE

Strong arms, a good back, and preferably they have some gas money. It helps if they are not terribly bright as well. The best part is you don't have to pay a penny.

I know this is useless, but I could not resist.....

it worked good for the first 4 times

now i spend more money on beer for them

Michael J · 02-24-2009, 09:59 AM

I have a Capstan 1000.I like it alot,very simple to use,and you dont have to worry about your rope pileing up in your anchor locker,and jaming it up.There are much better ones out there,but you have to know what size chain,and rode you need.I prefer to use bigger chain,and a 16.5lb Bruce copy anchor.I like to have alot more weight so the anchor holds better,and I wont have any surprises after I come up,and my boat is still there

...been there done that once.
Don't use your windless to take up the scope on your rode,put the boat in gear,and pull up the scope by hand,when you get straight up and down then you let the windless do it's work.Once I hear a load building up on the motor,I stop,I dont wanna burn up the motor.There are a few tricks for getting your hook out of the holes,and off the bottom.

You were thinking of the 500 model...I would go a little bigger.IMO a little bigger is a little better when it come to a windless.Kinda depends on what your going to do w/it..ie..anchor overnight.Get on your spot after you get some good marks.
I ask this cause if you need it for overnight..you want ALOT of holding power,this means more chain,and bigger hook,bigger windless.
Just wanna get on your spot,and just hold there..you might be able to get away w/a little less.
I think of anchoring up kinda like a saftey deal for me cause I dive,and leave the boat....so for me bigger is better.
Think of the weight,and length of your boat,and then put a little safety factor in that thinking if the wind comes up.
Keep us in the loop.
MJ.

phishy · 02-24-2009, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEFIANCE

Strong arms, a good back, and preferably they have some gas money. It helps if they are not terribly bright as well. The best part is you don't have to pay a penny.

I know this is useless, but I could not resist.....

This sais the world about your crew....

no one really mentioned power consumtions yet or the different types of installations. If memory serves me, Grady whites have some fairly deep rode lockers, capabable of storing at least 300-500' or rode depending on line thickness. This also allows you to get one of the models where the motor is below deck, and still be able to store 300'
Now realize if your going to do an overnighter and sleep soundly your ground tackle is THE most important part of this equation. you should be scoping out a min of 4-1 or better with a decent amount of chain. Rule of thumb, is 1 foot per foot of boat..so your looking roughly 25-30' of chain plus a 15-20lb anchor. i wouldnt go with anthing less then 300' or rode. Add that up and its a considerable amount of wieght. 500lbs pulling is a min for that size boat..with 700 abetter fit. But as Mike J stated...more is better when it comes to them.
Now lets talk power, Ill make this simple. Windlass are amp hogs they can draw up to 100amps depending on the model. If you plan on wiring directly to your main batteries, you will have to subsatially increase the wire size to componsate for amperage, this adds to the cost..copper isnt cheap. Another solution would be to go the route i did..and install a dedicated battery for the windlass close to the installation. All of this you have to think about for your bottom line..if your on a budget...Chris gave the best advice of all...

DEFIANCE · 02-24-2009, 06:01 PM

Ouch Mitch,,that hurt.. I was offering suggestions to Moses, not commenting on my crew... Hell, I don't think we even put the anchor down last year.....Actually, I know we did not....

marineslayer · 02-24-2009, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEFIANCE

Strong arms, a good back, and preferably they have some gas money. It helps if they are not terribly bright as well. The best part is you don't have to pay a penny.

I know this is useless, but I could not resist.....

:r ofl:Whats a windlass !O yea thats how i did in vegas ! winless