windlass size

[catalac08]

thinking to fit an electric 12v windlass as anchor a lot and wonder about optimum size of windlass- normal tackle 15kg delta (yes I know this is oversize for boat but it makes me feel secure) which I swear by, often 30m x 8mm chain, 27ft cat weight about 3tonnes. how many watts power and any recommendation or reservations would be welcome advice

cheers

 

[jerryat]

Lofrans Airon 1000w vertical windlass. Used one for about ten years and hundreds of anchorings. Excellent!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[catalac08]

thanks for suggestuion but was thinking more of a deck mounted horizontal windlass as my chain locker is about 5ft across x3ft fore to aft but only 10ins deep. I think a vertical windlass motor would limit the free flow of chain and it may then bunch up and not have the drop to self stow under gravity. I have tried this out with and without a simulated motor shape and I think I am better off with a horizontal. I have a rather industrial looking prodder so the neat foredeck is blown anyway.

 

[Talbot]

I have a 9m Catalac - The deck mounted windlass does stow better. but the best solution is an offset vertical that drops via a chute into one of the side lockers. Either way, there is a much increased chance of the slack genoa sheet catching on the gypsy, unless you take the slack out of it before tacking.

 

[GMac]

[ QUOTE ]
thinking to fit an electric 12v windlass as anchor a lot and wonder about optimum size of windlass- normal tackle 15kg delta (yes I know this is oversize for boat but it makes me feel secure) which I swear by, often 30m x 8mm chain, 27ft cat weight about 3tonnes. how many watts power and any recommendation or reservations would be welcome advice

cheers

[/ QUOTE ]

Picking by Wattage is not a good idea. For example a Maxwell 1000W will easily (country mile actually) out pull a Lewmar 1000W. It's all about how whatever wattage is used to turn the gypsy.

Pick a good brand and one that fits your chain size. If you have a choice of say a Lofrans X1 with a 700W or 1000W then you think wattage.

Horizontals do tend to be better for cats due to their usually shallow lockers.

TAKE ALL manufacturers pulling loads and speed with a few very large grains of salt. Most are overstated and some to a large degree. I'd probably exclude Maxwell from that statement as they always exceed theirs in any tests.

 

[craigsmith]

[ QUOTE ]
It's all about how whatever wattage is used to turn the gypsy.

[/ QUOTE ]E.g. gearing. You need to look at load specs, not pure power, although be aware of what GMac says concerning that.

[ QUOTE ]
Horizontals do tend to be better for cats due to their usually shallow lockers.

[/ QUOTE ]And more common usage of both wheels since it's easier to run the rode. Not that I've ever had a cat!

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Put a 70Kg on a Nordhavn today with a Maxwell 3000W... had a 75Kg plow copy on there before, but only has BBB 10mm chain! Fresh in from the US whadya know.

 

[snowleopard]

Don't worry about the weight of the boat. You shouldn't use the windlass to pull the boat up to the anchor, it's there to lift the chain and anchor on board. I have a 16kg anchor and 8mm chain and I use a 1000w windlass. It has never tripped the breaker except when using the warping drum on a heavy load.