Hello everyone,
The VW800 windlass on my 1991 Legend 43 is getting quite old, and I’m planning a proper upgrade. I’m currently weighing my windlass options and could use some advice. I already have a new Lofrans Tigres horizontal windlass, but due to the unique shape and design of the chain locker (bow roller on the port side, vertical windlass installed horizontally, and chain sliding rather than dropping freely), I’m considering three potential paths forward:
1) Upgrade to a VW1000 or a similar vertical-horizontal windlass.
This seems like the easiest solution since I’ve seen others take this route. However, the primary issue remains—the chain won’t freely drop into the locker and would need to be manually guided to slide down into the chain well, which could lead to operational trouble. Additionally, I’m not aware of any other brands of vertical windlasses that can be mounted horizontally, so the VW1000 seems to be the only viable option.
2) Use the Lofrans Tigres windlass I already have.
This would require significant modifications, including installing a new starboard-side bow roller and relocating the windlass further forward on the bow. Challenges include the substantial weight of the Lofrans windlass combined with the chain and its large size, which might be difficult to accommodate. Additionally, the mounting plate for the windlass could obstruct access to the furler’s location.
3) Sell the Lofrans windlass and buy a vertical windlass to install vertically.
This would involve remodeling and installing the new windlass on the port side, allowing me to reuse the existing bow roller. However, I’m uncertain about the potential financial loss when selling the brand-new Lofrans windlass and the cost of a new vertical one.
If you were in my position, which option would you choose? Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
The VW800 windlass on my 1991 Legend 43 is getting quite old, and I’m planning a proper upgrade. I’m currently weighing my windlass options and could use some advice. I already have a new Lofrans Tigres horizontal windlass, but due to the unique shape and design of the chain locker (bow roller on the port side, vertical windlass installed horizontally, and chain sliding rather than dropping freely), I’m considering three potential paths forward:
1) Upgrade to a VW1000 or a similar vertical-horizontal windlass.
This seems like the easiest solution since I’ve seen others take this route. However, the primary issue remains—the chain won’t freely drop into the locker and would need to be manually guided to slide down into the chain well, which could lead to operational trouble. Additionally, I’m not aware of any other brands of vertical windlasses that can be mounted horizontally, so the VW1000 seems to be the only viable option.
2) Use the Lofrans Tigres windlass I already have.
This would require significant modifications, including installing a new starboard-side bow roller and relocating the windlass further forward on the bow. Challenges include the substantial weight of the Lofrans windlass combined with the chain and its large size, which might be difficult to accommodate. Additionally, the mounting plate for the windlass could obstruct access to the furler’s location.
3) Sell the Lofrans windlass and buy a vertical windlass to install vertically.
This would involve remodeling and installing the new windlass on the port side, allowing me to reuse the existing bow roller. However, I’m uncertain about the potential financial loss when selling the brand-new Lofrans windlass and the cost of a new vertical one.
If you were in my position, which option would you choose? Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
