Windlass advice request

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JimC

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I struggled a couple of times this year to get my anchor in when there was a chop and a strong wind & tide. It's not going to get any easier with the passing years so I'm thinking of getting a windlass. First thoughts were for a Lofrans Royal which seems a poular choice, however I've since been told that it's better to spend the extra for an electric model as manual ones are tediously slow. I'm looking for advice on makes and models e.g. vertical/horoizontal etc. The South Pacific ones imported from Australia seem good value? - 28 ft boat, 10kg Delta anchor on 40 metres 8mm chain & 20 metres 14 mm octoplait.
 
If you do a search you will find several threads about windlass selection.

FWIW I am in the process of replacing a Royal with an electric Kobra (Lofrans). The decision was made after questions on the forum, a good place for help in the decision making process.

The reason I changed from a manual to electric is as you have already indicated, manuals are slow. OK if you only anchor occasionally or in shallow water, then they are fine.

The selection of make, well, read the threads on the forum, the Lofrans is a lovely solid bit of equipment though!

Just before you ask, my old Royal is sold.
 
If you've got room for it in the anchor locker and can get a good lead from the roller I'd go for horizontal. It keeps the foredeck clear.

I too have Lofrans Kobra and it copes with 60m chain and a 15kg anchor with no problem. If single handing I'd go for an extra remote control at the cockpit as well as at the bows as this allows you to motor ahead to ease the chain and not pull the boat in on the winch itself.
 
The power consumption of these elecky windy uppy thingies is?
 
I have unfortunately gone from an electric to a manual in my new boat. So I would give a resounding vote for the electric, not just as a convenience or labour saving but as a safety item. If re-anchoring is effortless, then you will re- anchor when you are doubtful. If its hard work, then chances are you wont.

I was happy with a Lofrans electric for 5 years use.. Wouldnt consider less than 1000watts.
 
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The power consumption of these elecky windy uppy thingies is?

[/ QUOTE ]

Sod all really. 100 amps for a couple of minutes = 3 amp hours. You likely have 100 amp hours useable in a coiple of good batteries, and you should use the windlass with the engine running and the alternator charging anyway.
 
i have lofrans caymen electric - excellent bit of kit .Anchor now seems to hold nearly everytime which wasnt the case when i had to haul it up mannually !Have had mannual and far too slow .As above post i agree that you will be more inclined to re-anchor because it takes little effort.

Andrew
 
Suggest with Lofrans Cayman 1000w on 12 V that the combined load of 30m 10mm chain and a Delta 20kg anchor is bad news if it all happens to end up swinging under the boat in 60m of water as happened to us this year in Giglio `italy. Lot jumped the gipsy in a big rush. Breaker went in the circuit so no joy. Skip unable to lift the lot so it was either knife and lose all or head for the shallows. Did that and fouled another local yachts anchor.They were super helpful as we were in bits at this stage. All gear was recovered by a really nice Italian skipper and crew, and the drama ended without any damage.I was advised that "It was not like England"and "very deep around here" so I resolved to be more carefuf of the contours in future as we had fallen off the 7m one into the deeps, quite close inshore.
 
I forgot to suggest that 8mm chain might be a better option, to solve the weight problem if a lot of gear has to be run out! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
 
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