I own a 2012 hunter e33 I would like to install a windlass is it worth the money to get one with a drum and if so why
Selecting a windlass
- Thread starter Emanuel
- Start date
It all depends.
Do you have more than 15 to 20' of 5/16" chain rode in addition to your 5/8" 3-strand nylon? Do you frequently anchor in more than 20 to 25'? How heavy is your anchor?
The dead-weight lift of 20' of 5/16" chain plus a 25# plow is less than 45# total. Most guys under 70 at least can probably lift that manually w/o much difficulty; so, no need for a windlass for lifting power. However, if nearly all chain rode of 5/16" a chain gypsy, at least, is desirable; otherwise, it's long, heavy work to get all that 80' to 100' (4 to 5x scope in 20' depth) of chain back aboard. Also, IMHO, your nylon rode is heavier than it needs to be for "routine" anchoring of your boat; specs call for 1/2 to 9/16".
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My experience is that a windlass is a must have. My Simpon Lawerance has both the gypsy and the top drum. I have never used the drum part. rode goes out/ rode comes in. It was standard on the boat. If I were retrofitting, I would only go gypsy.
Per comments that you should be able to pull it up as the anchor and chain and rode are light......well my buddy has no windlass, and he seldom anchors out. We have a windlass and we anchor out all the time. The issue is not the weight of the anchor but the force put on the boat with a blowing wind. Others will comment that you can motor up to take the weight off the rode, but try that in the dark with 30 knots and only one person on board on a lee shore. Even the best planned anchorage, with the best forecast can go upside down, and that is when the windlass will pay for itself with one "save."
Per comments that you should be able to pull it up as the anchor and chain and rode are light......well my buddy has no windlass, and he seldom anchors out. We have a windlass and we anchor out all the time. The issue is not the weight of the anchor but the force put on the boat with a blowing wind. Others will comment that you can motor up to take the weight off the rode, but try that in the dark with 30 knots and only one person on board on a lee shore. Even the best planned anchorage, with the best forecast can go upside down, and that is when the windlass will pay for itself with one "save."
For boats larger than about 35 ft LOA I'd recommend a windlass for the included reasons of post #6, especially if cruising single-handedly. On the H33e w/chiefly nylon rode it would be more of a luxury, however; on a H41 w/chiefly chain rode, a necessity, etc.
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Not really, and make sure you take careful measurements of the install location to make sure you get a properly sized windlass and proper clearance to operate it. The angle of pull from your bow roller is very important. Manufacturer can give you the specifications.
Sometime ago I queried Lewmar about the model of the windlass fitted on my 2012 e33. The reply email was lost with the death of a laptop this spring; however, if I recall the windlass is a Lewmar V3 modified especially for Hunter. It is a vertical windlass with a gypsy and drum. I am currently using 200' of 5/16" G4 spliced to 250' of 1/2" three stand. Hanging off the end is a 35 lb Manson Supreme. I have used the drum, in the past, to hoist a friend up the mast to do some inspection for me. I assume that because the windlass was an option that year that the mounting base is in place. If you would like some pics, I can help you out.
I agree with post # 6 (Ice Breaker ) If anchoring is easy you will do it more often and in bad conditions its a must. Ive decided to get a Lewmar V3 with the drum if post #9 (Hello Below ) could send some pics that would be great. Thanks to every one for there opinions its very helpfull
Thanks . . . I think??? Since boat new 5 years ago, that ground tackle has been up and down more than 100 times. Funny the Manson Supreme label is still hanging on. Just.
Looks great. I wish I made the time to do the things I would like to do........maybe in retirement.
10 years. Cleaning is my day job. My Naval career taught me a clean ship is a happy ship.
Your day will come.