New Windlass Selection Help.

[jjgar's54]

Hello all, I'd like to know if anyone would be comfortable recommending a 24 AC V electric chain/rope with capstan windlass for my boat? The choice of brands which are available is where I am stuck as they all seem to claim the same advantages. Lewmar (CPX4 24V), Maxwell (RC10 or RC12), or Lofrans (Project 1500 or 2000) are the three I am considering. My application is on a 54' convertible which weighs 70,000 dry. I'd like about 50-75' of chain and about 400' of rope. I have a Fortress anchor which weighs about 50 lbs. I typically would anchor in 30 to 150 water depth. My question is, which of the 3 would be considered to be the most reliable, have good support, and which withstands the elements for lasting durability? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You, JJ

 

[brico]

On my 37 Convertible I have original GM windlass which still works well. I have 35 LBS anchor and 300 feet of chain only, No rope. I am not writing to provide feedback to any particular model of windlass but to suggest that you do not use any rope but chain only. It is stronger, it will not rot, it has added weight to keep the anchor buried or kept at the sea bed as far as possible, it stores/coils in the chain locker easier than rope. Three strangers nylon rope will eventually become hard and will not coil well, it will rot and the rot may not be as visible and will fail at worst moment. Chain is more expensive, it is heavier than rope, but what do you care about additional 100-200 LBS on a 70K LBS boat. The only advantage the rope has it that when deployed, it is easier to apply the anchor weight/sentinel/Kellet as it slides down easier but you should not need it if you use chain only.

 

[jjgar's54]

Brico,
Thanks so much for your reply and input. I will consider your valid suggestion, as one could never have too many opinions.
I'm hopeful I can get some feedback on the performance of the available windlasses out there.
Anyone else out there care to chime in ? ? ?
Best, JJ.

 

[Pascal]

I gen had good luck with both maxwell and lewmar over the years. Never had to experience their support through... I guess that S good.

I ll second all chain or at least 200-300 and some line since you nchor in deep water

 

[jjgar's54]

Thanks Pascal,

Which did or do you have on your 53 MY?

JJ

 

[SeaEric]

I would suggest staying away from anything that says Anchorlift on it. Google "anchorlift windlass problems"

 

[motoryacht lover]

I just replaced the windlass on my 54 that weighs 70,000 lbs. The old windlass was a Simpson Lawrence with 5/16" chain. We explored Lewmar but ended up with a Maxwell 3500. I have not used it yet but I like the fact that it had a way to raise the anchor manually, which I don't think the Simpson Lawrence had. We had to switch to 3/8"s chain. I to did all chain rode. I can't give you any feedback on the operation and reliability as we just had it installed. It looks robust and well made. We shall see. The cost for the Maxwell 3500 24V was $3,540. The cost of 300' of 3/8s galvanized G4 chain was $1,188.00.

 

[jjgar's54]

Thanks MY Lvr & SE,

SE, I did read about Anchorlift and that brand is not in the running. Thank you.

MYL, I hope the Maxwell work out for you. I assume you went with the 3500 because it is 'chain only' ? ? ? May I ask where did you buy it? I see Defender has is for less, but after tax (I'm in CT) it's close to what you paid. Not nickle 'n diming but it all adds up. Let alone fueling this thirsty b****!

JJG

 

[motoryacht lover]

I don't know where it was bought. The guy that installed it provided it.

 

[finatic]

Hi jjgar's54

,

I noticed you are in CT. You probably already know this but thought it was worth mentioning that Defender is in CT and has a warehouse sale every spring. I used to live in RI and went to their spring sale several times.There are usually reps there from the windlass manufacturers to talk to and you may also be able to cut a deal. I have a 52C that has never had a windlass and I'm also looking.

Join DateOct 2016Posts6​

 

[jim rosenthal]

FWIW, Nordhavn use Maxwell, and those guys anchor out all the time. The size of the vessels and reach to the water is somewhat similar to the boats we have.

 

[Scarlett]

Spent 15 years cruising with a Maxwell 2200 and never had to fix anything on it, just grease the cones every so often. Built like a tank. John

 

[jrbrein]

I have owned a Maxwell, Lewmar and the Lofrans. My favorite was the Lofrans although I never had a warranty issue so I can not comment on that aspect. I like having access to the motor and gears from above deck. It is well sealed and you can always add a cover. It is a very robust piece of machinery.

We cruised extensively over many years in the Chesapeake Bay, Bermuda, all of the Bahamas, the Florida Keys and the entire eastern US coast from Maine to the Dry tortugas. I have my own opinion like everyone else on fovorite anchors, so here it is. I think the Fortress is a great anchor but not as a primay. It has a nasty way of breaking loose if the boat has big swing say 180 degree change and it often won't reset. This happened to me once and I know others that it happened to as well. I kept our Fortress as a secondary anchor for the rare times I would set a second anchor such as a Bahamian mooring where you know you are going to have a 180 degree change in direction and you are in a narrow anchorage where everyone has to do the same. I also carried a Bruce and my all time favorite primay anchor was a Spade. The Fortress is a great second anchor to set from a dinghy due to it's light weight. The Spade resets easily and has great versatility in mud, silt, sand, rocks, kelp and sea grass! I am now looking a the Rocna as well.

You indicated that you might be anchoring in over 100' depths? If I read you correctly. I would have at least 300' of 3/8" chain at a minimum along with the 400' of nylon rode. Be sure to add your height of the bow off of the water to calculate scope. I like at least 5 to 1 even 7 to 1 scope. But then it depends on how close you are in a crowed anchorage.

And Oh yes, forget using a swivel....big waste of money.

 

[jjgar's54]

All replying,

I thank you for all the input and your viable suggestions. I'm going to research the Defender sale, as well as anchor choices.
All the info offered is very much appreciated.

All the best, JJ

 

[bobk]

All replying,

I thank you for all the input and your viable suggestions. I'm going to research the Defender sale, as well as anchor choices.
All the info offered is very much appreciated.

All the best, JJ

If you are looking for a dependable anchor, check out the SuperMax. Great holding, easy setting and re-setting. Sometimes a bit difficult to set in grass. These are very popular in the cruising trawler community. A Hatteras pulpit needs a minor modification to the roller to accommodate a large Max.

Bobk