About to purchase a windlass and welcome suggestions

rdannap2 · **Joined:** 05 Jun 2012 22:14 **Posts:** 11

Greetings from Back Creek in Annapolis. We are continuing to upgrade Montego, and I'm ready to purchase a windlass. I would greatly appreciate any and all suggestion as to formats (horizontal/vertical), brands, dedicated battery location, and other considerations you think are important. We're planning on doing just coastal cruising (Chesapeake-NYC-Sanibel) and believe 80' chain and 200' rope would serve us well.
Again, all input is welcome.
Cheers,
Rick
S/V Montego, 121

Tortuga's Lie · **Joined:** 27 Oct 2006 10:32 **Posts:** 827

Rick,
Here's what I did on Tortuga's Lie. I went for a vertical windlass with a capstan because the pointy end on our Tartans is a bit too narrow for a horizontal windlass, or at least the vertical takes up much less deck space. The vertical windlass has it's motor protected from the elements more so than the horizontal.
I am using the house bank as my electrical source instead of a dedicated battery in the bow thinking that the extra 50lbs of weight up front in addition to all of the chain I put in may adversely affect the sailing performance. Yes I know I spent more money for cables etc, but I feel good about my decision also, GenuineDealz(dot)com has good pricing on pre-tinned marine cable and connections. (no affiliations)......
I have divided my anchor locker in two for two rodes. I wish I had a picture, but never thought about it.....
Try to get the most powerful windlass you can afford within reason. I have an 1100 watt unit from Quick and it's been flawless thus far (5 years?) I have a remote switch at the engine panel in the cockpit and foot switches at the windlass. I opted not to get the handheld remote thinking that my hands may be busy with the deck wash etc..... by the way, install a deck wash!!! without a doubt, one of the best things I've installed!!! Especially on the Chesapeake with all of that sticky mud!
Don't forget to use a heavy duty chain stop to take the pressure off of the windlass and use a snubber of sorts when anchoring. You will need to reinforce the underside of the foredeck at the windlass location and don't forget to hollow out the balsa coring and fill with an epoxy putty/slurry.
Here's a pic of my foredeck: (click on picture to expand)

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conch · **Joined:** 21 Jan 2010 12:57 **Posts:** 168

IMHO, the T-37 is not a boat large enough to require ground tackle so heavy as to require a windlass. This vessels' performance degrades a good deal as it's weighted down: keep it simple (light).

Tortuga's Lie · **Joined:** 27 Oct 2006 10:32 **Posts:** 827

conch wrote:

IMHO, the T-37 is not a boat large enough to require ground tackle so heavy as to require a windlass. This vessels' performance degrades a good deal as it's weighted down: keep it simple (light).

It depends on your usage and possibly your physical condition. If you race the boat, you may not want one because of the performance issue. Me, I'm more of a cruiser so the windlass is a godsend. I lived without one for about 12 years and then after I put it on, I was in Heaven!! It's like adding refrigeration......once you have it, you don't ever want to be without one! Plus a 35 lb with associated chain can get heavy hauling in by hand....especially with a bad back! There are many circumstances that you need to re-set the anchor for one reason or another and having a windlass makes life so much easier. You are more likely to go through the process with a windlass than not and this could be a safety issue.

Timshel · **Joined:** 29 Dec 2010 10:24 **Posts:** 193

I am the same as Tortugas Lie. I have an old Simpson Lawrence vertical with the motor upgraded to 1400amps, 80ft of 5/16 G4 chain and 200ft rope. The underdeck reenforced with a 1/2'' alloy plate, also under the 'bombproof' cleat.Heavy cable back to main battery.I also glassed in a floor to my chain locker and it drains overboard instead of mud etc all through the bilge.
Again as TL, I put in a deck wash pump. My deck had a few repairs and alterations so I cleaned it up with Treadmaster.

conch · **Joined:** 21 Jan 2010 12:57 **Posts:** 168

Well, at least there's some discusion going on: it's been a dull week or two w/o posts.

rdannap2 · **Joined:** 05 Jun 2012 22:14 **Posts:** 11

Thank you all for your windlass input and yes, I also welcome battery (bank) perspectives too.

At present I have a vintage non-working refrigeration unit which I'll be removing shortly. A Frigoboat unit will be installed eventually but not just now. I have two wet cell batteries but plan on 3 AGM's with one being a dedicated starter. Some of my cruising friends eliminated the dedicated start battery format since they have robust solar units, however, for a while I won't have no solar. I welcome battery bank formats input keeping in mind future refrigeration and solar.... but probably not for this season. Thanks!

Tortuga's Lie · **Joined:** 27 Oct 2006 10:32 **Posts:** 827

I've been tempted to loose the weight and get rid of my starter as well. I haven't used it in, well, a very, very long time. My set up is as such:
**house bank: 4 - 6V golf cart batteries, Werker brand (Batteries Plus). I would have gone with the Trojan T-105's, but I thought I would save some $$ and go with Werker.
**Starter: series 24 wet cell
**Alternator: Stock that came on the Westerbeke. One of those upgrades I haven't done yet. Will probably go with an 80 Amp Balmer...maybe.
**Solar: 2-Kyrocera 135 Watt panels mounted above the bimini
**Wind: 1 Amp-Air 100 unit I bought used years ago. Doesn't put out a lot but it is dead quiet and robust. It may put out as much as 8 amps, but it takes 20 knots of wind to do so. I usually think of it as a trickle charger.
** Generator: haven't gone there yet, but if I do on this boat, it will most likely be the Honda 2000.

I run the Frigoboat unit as well and have been really happy with it so far...again, dead quiet.

Timshel · **Joined:** 29 Dec 2010 10:24 **Posts:** 193

http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/sh ... p?t=132350 I think all will find this battery info interesting
http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/sh ... p?t=148709
I went with the EGC2's , they are now $109
Thank you Mainsail.

Tartan37.com

About to purchase a windlass and welcome suggestions

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