Hi out there: I was thinking about installing an anchor winch on my CAL 34 MARK 3 Does anyone have any words of wisdom on type to buy, and installing said winch? Any help would be appreciated.
anchor winch
- Thread starter sandwinder
- Start date
- Status
32 ODay windlass installation
Here's some pictures from my installation and I bought the next size up unit and the difference in price wasn't too bad.
If you look close you'll see I cut the cover for the anchor locker and I also installed a unit that has a horizontal motor because space was tight underneath and also instead of foot switch's to control it I install a pendant control (similar to a hoist controller) and it has a 5 ft cord on it in addition to the control at the helm thats so convenient
I also chose the type with an additional drum and have used it to hoist the bosuns chair up the mast, same thought difference in price wasn't much more.
Don't cheap out on the supply wiring! make sure its large enough to carry the load and figure for voltage drop all to often I see installations that don't work right and its because they didn't want to spring for the heaver wire
BTW the sketch was from this site and it turns out it belongs to a 37 ODay owner that also has a similar installation
Here's some pictures from my installation and I bought the next size up unit and the difference in price wasn't too bad.
If you look close you'll see I cut the cover for the anchor locker and I also installed a unit that has a horizontal motor because space was tight underneath and also instead of foot switch's to control it I install a pendant control (similar to a hoist controller) and it has a 5 ft cord on it in addition to the control at the helm thats so convenient
I also chose the type with an additional drum and have used it to hoist the bosuns chair up the mast, same thought difference in price wasn't much more.
Don't cheap out on the supply wiring! make sure its large enough to carry the load and figure for voltage drop all to often I see installations that don't work right and its because they didn't want to spring for the heaver wire
BTW the sketch was from this site and it turns out it belongs to a 37 ODay owner that also has a similar installation
Attachments
Manual
In MHO a manual windlass is the only way to go if you are doing your own installation. Personally I really like manual windlasses. They are simple to use and maintain... and the 5 minutes of physical exercise raising the anchor isn't going to do you any harm.
I have a Lewmar Anchorman. It is a vertical that looks much like a sheet winch but has a rope/chain gypsy. You turn it with a winch handle. Works great and looks good.
I have also owned Simpson-Laurence SL510 and SL555 on other boats. They are also manual. They are built to last pretty much forever. Good luck.
In MHO a manual windlass is the only way to go if you are doing your own installation. Personally I really like manual windlasses. They are simple to use and maintain... and the 5 minutes of physical exercise raising the anchor isn't going to do you any harm.
I have a Lewmar Anchorman. It is a vertical that looks much like a sheet winch but has a rope/chain gypsy. You turn it with a winch handle. Works great and looks good.
I have also owned Simpson-Laurence SL510 and SL555 on other boats. They are also manual. They are built to last pretty much forever. Good luck.
Alternatives
Since suggestions have included a really nice looking installation and one that says use a manual, I'll suggest another alternative: use one of your existing jib sheet winches. Just connect a line to your anchor rode (through a chain link or a rolling hitch on a rode) and run a line through your jib fairlead tracks to a winch. Choice of side is yours!
Since suggestions have included a really nice looking installation and one that says use a manual, I'll suggest another alternative: use one of your existing jib sheet winches. Just connect a line to your anchor rode (through a chain link or a rolling hitch on a rode) and run a line through your jib fairlead tracks to a winch. Choice of side is yours!
On smaller boats, manual windlasses make far more sense, since you won't need to install a battery or heavy wiring for the windlass. The anchor and rode on a 34' boat shouldn't require an electric windlass IMHO.
- Status