Electric Windless

[tarik]

Hi guys,


I have an option to purchase a 'nearly' new Dorado Electric Windless.

It is 12v 700w - my question is - will this be powerful to lift my 15k Bruce anchor?

As ever many thanks for all replies.



David

 

[Golf Charley]

The weight of the anchor is not the problem, it is the weight of the chain.

How much, of what, do you have?

 

[tarik]

windlass

The weight of the anchor is not the problem, it is the weight of the chain.

How much, of what, do you have?

I have 20 m of 8mm chain, I could treduce that a bit and have a rope/chain mix.

Thanks for your reply.

D

 

[Golf Charley]

I am sure someone else with access to technical specs can now provide a definitive answer to your question, however do not be tempted to reduce your chain to suit the windlass!

 

[theoldsalt]

With similar chain and anchor I have a 1000watt windlass on a 34ft boat. I am wondering if at 700watt it might be underpowered. I also have a rope capstan which is useful, the Dorado appears to not have one.

The power needed can depend on the type of vessel and how you anchor.

The manual says it is suitable for vessels up to 30 feet. What length/weight is your boat.

 

[tarik]

Windlass

With similar chain and anchor I have a 1000watt windlass on a 34ft boat. I am wondering if at 700watt it might be underpowered. I also have a rope capstan which is useful, the Dorado appears to not have one.

The power needed can depend on the type of vessel and how you anchor.

The manual says it is suitable for vessels up to 30 feet. What length/weight is your boat.

Thanks for your reply, note the valid point re reducing rope/chain to suit windlass. I have an Atlanta 31' ketch. not sure of the tonnage - file is in the office. I seem to remember the owner if the Dorado, said it would be ok with my boat ( he would wouldn't he !)

D

 

[charles_reed]

Thanks for your reply, note the valid point re reducing rope/chain to suit windlass. I have an Atlanta 31' ketch. not sure of the tonnage - file is in the office. I seem to remember the owner if the Dorado, said it would be ok with my boat ( he would wouldn't he !)

D

It's very close to the limit, using a 700w winch with your boat and ground tackle.
Whilst it would probably work, it would be doing so flat-out and would probably have a short life.
Certainly do not reduce your chain in fact it's inadequate now for serious anchoring.

 

[vyv_cox]

I agree with Charles, 700 is close to the limit. Although we are instructed to reduce the load on the windlass by motoring the boat forward when recovering the anchor, in practice there are times when this is the only way. Particularly when berthing stern-to in the Med, when using the engine is the last thing you want to do, but plenty of other times when hauling the boat to the anchor is the best way to do it. My 1000 watt motor copes perfectly well with this treatment, boat weighs 7 tonnes in cruising mode.

 

[SvenglishTommy]

I reckon you'll be fine with it. Just looking at the manual on my original spec Seawolf 520, the max load is 350KG, the dorado is 650KG. Not used it much myself yet but it seems fine with a 35lb CQR and 40 meters of 8mm chain on a 6.5 ton 35'er.