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I, too, installed a Lewmar Concept One windlass on the foredeck. I did place a strong piece of fiberglass (pre-made, about 1/2" thick) under the windlass so as to strengthen the deck where the bolts pass through. As the stress is rotational in the direction of the bow and I didn't want the deck to buckle if ever really strained, the piece I made is about six inches wide and about eighteen inches long installed longitudinally. I used a strong adhesive to get the piece attached to the underside of the deck. Nasty grinding while inside the locker well to get the surface cleaned-up for proper adhesion. The adhesive was like Plexus, often used by boat builders to bond in stringers.
No problems when in use. I do have a Group 27 battery dedicated to the windlass and it is placed right underneath the honeymoon board in that storage area at the aft end of the forward berth. I think 0 gauge or 00 gauge wires were used to prevent over heating. Also, the short run is critical. My solar panels keep it all charged up and there is a special shunt that directs power to the windlass battery only after the house batteries are charged.
If anyone needs photos, zap me a note. The gypsy bought by the previous owner was for chain only but I thought 300 feet of chain in the bow was a bit much so I have converted to a line and chain combo. Unfortunately, this requires me to manually jump the shackle over the gypsy and, until I get something spliced in, I can't run it straight down into the chain locker but, having the electric motor assistance is a great thing on windy days.
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