Windlass Yes or No

[Bigplumbs]

I was wondering if people think it is worth fitting a windlass to our Sealine S24 and if so which one would be compatable at the best price.

Dennis

 

[TQ1]

Having just got a boat with a windlass and having two without I would definitely say they save a lot of hard work. Also less likely to damage your boat hauling the anchor in I reckon. Not sure on compatibility.

 

[simonfraser]

you are more likely to reset your anchor if in doubt.

 

[jcwads]

I'd say this is a no brainer imho.

If you are going to be anchoring and laying our a fair few metres of chain, hauling that up yourself is quite a strain. Then think of the safety aspect, if the anchor was caught or snagged, and the force could put you in a dangerous position.

On a boat of that size go windlass. I am sure a Lewmar V700 would be the one to suit your needs. Takes 6mm chain.

 

[julians]

In my opinion on a boat that size a windlass is not essential, however they are very nice, a great luxury.

I have one on my 25 footer.

I guess it depends what else is competing for your money

 

[burgundyben]

I used to anchor my 4 ton Huntsman 28 with an aluminium Fortress anchor, forget the size, 10mtrs of 8mm chain and then warp. No windlass, manual or elec, I had the luxury of a big aft cockpit making it easiest to recover over the transom. If a tide was running it could be a bit of a haul, but take it steady.

I would think in an S24 you wouldn't want the extra weight and complexity, but I guess is depends on age and physical fitness, if you go boating solo and the kind of places you anchor.

 

[[165042]]

Not essential for a small boat but for £500ish to buy the kit I would do it. Something like a Lewmar V700 would do.

 

[vodzurk]

Only on a 21 footer (Sealine 195).

Was hauling up anchor (maybe 25m rope and ~8m chain) off Clevedon maybe 2 hours before high water.

The original aim was to stay to high tide and then up the anchor on slack water... but clouds and a bit of wind rolled in, started spitting and making things a bit lumpy. All in all, it was rather unpleasant standing on the bow, being rained upon, whilst swaying around, trying to heave up all the rode. Add into it that there were dinghy's having a race around us (the steward came over to speak to us when they started setting up, said we were fine, just right in the middle of their loop but we could stay as not in their way), as well as me not wanting the missus to put it in gear and move us over the anchor, it was a right royal pain in the a*se.

So yeah, took ages to pull it up, kept having to pause and tie off for a rest. Good exercise, knackered hands though.

Whatever our next boat is, we're definitely having a windlass on it!

 

[BruceK]

Everything depends on where you want to anchor, conditions and depth. Personally I did not when I had a cuddy of comparative size. I found 15 yards of 6mm chain and 30 yards of 10mm warp more than sufficient and easily retrieved without having to resort to any Alderney method of retrieval etc. Although it must be said I never did an overnight or anchor in rough weather where all chain would have been safer and better. I'd put it down to desirable rather than essential.

 

[Bouba]

Being able to control the boat and retrieve the anchor at the same time is a blessing if single handed, in a crowded anchorage, close to rocks when the wind picks up. My first couple of boats without one, I would have to pull up the anchor double quick and rush back to the helm when conditions were bad.

 

[Bigplumbs]

I have decided not to get one.

 

[pmagowan]

I wouldn’t bother on a boat under 30 feet. Assuming you are reasonably fit it is no trouble pulling up an anchor by hand. Over 30 feet it starts to get problematic and also the boat size makes fitting a windlass easier.

 

[derekbland]

I have decided not to get one.

Good decision. Think of it as a mini-workout.

 

[Bigplumbs]

I have decided not to get one.

Here are my reasons:

1) Cost (around £1000 for a cheap one)
2) Added weight of the windlass and all the extra chain
3) Maintenance in the future. I want less of that on my boats not more]
4) Offten moor on a swinging mooring and it would get in the way and could cause problems with the mooring warp
5) I wonder if I would actually use it much
6) need to visit front even if I had one to unhook the security device/chain
7) Fitting it would just be something else to do

Dennis

 

[[165042]]

Cost is around £600 if you fit it yourself.

Why do you need extra chain for a windlass over hand anchor?

Your wife / other half can operate a windlass if you can't pull the anchor up manually.

 

[Bigplumbs]

Cost is around £600 if you fit it yourself.

Why do you need extra chain for a windlass over hand anchor?

Your wife / other half can operate a windlass if you can't pull the anchor up manually.

Hand anchor would generally have rope then chain. Windlass needs all chain to work cogs

£600 is a bit lean given the other bits and bobs you would need. My £1000 was a self fit

Dennis

 

[[165042]]

I fitted a Lewmar V700 for £600 all in - £500 for the windlass kit which includes helm control and relay, £60 for 30m of 6mm chain and £40 for cable. You can add footswitches for £30 a pair if you like.Marinescene have the V700 at £499.95 at the moment which is more than adequate for your boat.

Additional weight would be less than 15kg - hardly worth worrying about IMO.

 

[Murphys_Law]

Most of the smaller windlass models have a gypsy to take rope and then chain therefore doesn't need 100% chain