Anchor Windlasses

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Maxwell HRC-8 Free Fall 12v Horizontal Windlass for 5/16" Chain & 9/16" Line

HRCFF812V

In Stock: 6

$1,549.48

Maxwell RC10-10 Vertical 12v Windlass for 3/8" Chain & 5/8" Line

RC101012V

In Stock: 8

$2,693.60

Maxwell RC10-10 Vertical 12v Windlass with Capstan for 3/8" Chain & 5/8" Line

RC1010CAP12V

In Stock: 1

$2,860.00

MAXWELL RC10/8 12V AUTOMATIC ROPE CHAIN WINDLASS 5/16" CHAIN TO 5/8" ROPE

RC10812V

In Stock: 7

$2,693.60

Maxwell RC612V Vertical 12v Windlass for 1/4" Chain & 1/2" Line

RC612V

In Stock: 9

$1,135.20

Maxwell RC8-6 Vertical 12v Windlass for 1/4" Chain & 1/2" Line

RC8612V

In Stock: 6

$1,508.00

Maxwell RC8-8 Vertical 12v Windlass for 5/16" Chain & 5/8" Line

RC8812V

In Stock: 8

$1,944.80

Maxwell RC8-8 Vertical 12v Windlass with Capstan for 5/16" Chain & 5/8" Line

RC88CAP12V

In Stock: 2

$2,142.40

Muir Storm - VRC1250 - 1000W - 12 or 24 V - w/Capstan - 1100 lb Max Load

VRC1250-3/8HT-12V

$2,857.50

Muir Storm - VRC2200 - 1200W - 12 or 24 V - 2200 lb Max Load

VRC2200-3/8HT-12V

$4,140.00

Muir Storm - VRC2500 - 1200W - 12 or 24V - w/ Capstan - 2500 lb Max Load

VRC2500-3/8HT-12V

$5,400.00

Muir Storm - VRC3500 - 1700W - 12 or 24 V - 3500 lb Max Load

VRC3500-3/8HT-12V

$5,670.00

Showing 73-84 of 103 item(s)

Why do I need a windlass on my boat?

An anchor windlass is a valuable tool for boaters, allowing you to easily raise and lower an anchor without strain. It enhances safety by reducing manual effort, preventing injuries and ensuring smooth operation in rough waters, allowing you to secure an anchor quickly even in emergency situations. Windlasses also allow for the use of heavier anchors, improving holding power, while prolonging the life of your anchor rode. Convenience, efficiency, reliability while on the water.

Difference between vertical and horizontal windlasses?

The terms vertical or horizontal on an anchor windlass refer to the orientation of the main-shaft of the windlass, so if the shaft is parallel to the deck, it’s a horizontal windlass, while a shaft perpendicular to the deck is a vertical windlass. One way to think about it is the way the chainwheel spins when the windlass is being used. If the chainwheel spins like a merry-go-round, it’s a vertical windlass, while if it spins like a ferris wheel, it’s a horizontal windlass.

Advantages of vertical anchor windlasses?

Vertical windlasses usually take up less space as most components are located below deck, with only the gypsy (chainwheel) visible above deck, offering a cleaner, less cluttered deck. However, it requires more below-deck space for installation.

Vertical anchor windlasses are typically more efficient for handling chain due to gravity-assisted alignment into the chain locker, and a better chain angle for smoother operation.

Advantages of horizontal anchor windlasses?

Horizontal windlasses typically require less anchor locker space due a smaller “fall” needed to store anchor rode. They are considered to be easier to install, maintain and repair, due to the fact that all of the windlasses components are located above deck, enclosed in a housing. Occupies more space on deck. Ideal for boats with limited below-deck space.

Which anchor windlasses can handle rope?

All anchor windlasses are designed to handle chain, but not all can manage rope. In order to manage rope, the windlass must have a chainwheel with grooves or teeth on the inner part of the wheel to grip the rope. Most windlasses that manage rope bring what’s called a pressure finger — a spring-loaded metal or plastic arm that pivots on a post, using the spring pressure to push the rope into the inner grooves on the chainwheel. Contact us for more help selecting the proper windlass for your needs.

What size windlass would I need?

A windlass should be used to lift the anchor and rode, but should not be used to pull the boat up to the anchor. A good rule of thumb to figure out the right anchor windlass is the total weight of your anchor plus rode and multiply that weight by three. Whatever that number is should be the minimum “power rating” or “maximum load” of the windlass.

What is a gypsy on a windlass?

A windlass is the entire device used to raise and lower boat anchors, while the gypsy is the specific part of the windlass that engages with the anchor chain to haul it in and out.

What is a gypsy vs a drum? Which would work better in my case?

A windlass with a gypsy (also known as a wildcat) is specifically designed to handle anchor chains. The gypsy has pockets or notches that match the chain links, allowing it to grip the chain securely when hauling it in or paying it out. For this reason, it’s important that the gypsy be sized properly for the chain that you’ll be using to ensure proper grip.

Many gypsy windlasses have the capability to handle rope if they are designed as rope / chain combination windlasses, oftentimes having a separate drum for handling rope. Note that a gypsy does not store rode - the chain or rope is usually fed into the chain locker below deck.

A drum windlass uses a cylindrical drum to spool and store anchor rode. Drum anchor windlasses are more common when the anchor rode includes a rope portion, as the drum can wrap the rope neatly. Drum windlasses can also handle chains but are not as customized for chain management as gypsies are.

Drum windlasses may also handle chains but are not as specialized for chain management as gypsies are. Drum windlasses are less prone to jams compared to gypsies, can accommodate a wider range of rode sizes, and provides a neater and more organized storage for the rode.

The main difference lies in functionality and handling:

A gypsy windlass excels at managing chains (or rope / chain combinations).

A drum windlass is better suited for storing and managing rope or mixed rode directly on the drum.

What is a rocker switch on a windlass?

A rocker switch is used to control the anchor windlass remotely, often from the helm or cockpit of the boat, allowing you to raise or lower the anchor without needing to be near the windlass itself.

What is a contactor?

A contactor on a windlass, oftentimes referred to as a solenoid or relay, is an electrical component that allows a small electrical signal from the rocker switch to control a much larger electrical current powering the windlass motor.

Do I need a circuit breaker for my electric windlass?

All electric windlasses should have a circuit breaker to protect both the electric motor from burning out under extreme load, as well as prevent damage to the deck or hull. Many windlasses are strong enough to rip themselves right off the deck of the boat, or bend and break a bow roller if the anchor were to get permanently stuck on something. This is why its important to have a circuit breaker to kill power to the windlass if it is exceeding its maximum load.

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