Please advise your EXPERIENCE-BASED opinion whether a "power down" or "free-fall" model windlass is preferable, and why. Thanks
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Conversion to Power Down
Gostosa, I recently added a down switch/solenoid to my Maxwell 800 windless using a kit from Maxwell. The 5/8 in. rode is not the best size for that windless (1/2 inch is recommended) so I was having a bit of a trouble getting the splice to the chain through the windless. Power down makes that easier. Power down has been a welcome option. The only minor problem that's occured is that the anchor well lid must be UP before turning the braker switch on. The lid puts enough pressure on the switch to activate it. I could try to modify the switch plunger so it's not so sensitive but up to now I've haven't bothered. More careful switch location planning would avoid this problem.
Gostosa, I recently added a down switch/solenoid to my Maxwell 800 windless using a kit from Maxwell. The 5/8 in. rode is not the best size for that windless (1/2 inch is recommended) so I was having a bit of a trouble getting the splice to the chain through the windless. Power down makes that easier. Power down has been a welcome option. The only minor problem that's occured is that the anchor well lid must be UP before turning the braker switch on. The lid puts enough pressure on the switch to activate it. I could try to modify the switch plunger so it's not so sensitive but up to now I've haven't bothered. More careful switch location planning would avoid this problem.
To me, a free fall windlass sounds like throwing
out your rode with no control. Never had one so I don't know. But I do have a power down S/L 600. Works great. This unit only draws 25 amps fully loaded pulling up. Powering down is nearly a free-be. Boy, has this thread got potential for debate!
out your rode with no control. Never had one so I don't know. But I do have a power down S/L 600. Works great. This unit only draws 25 amps fully loaded pulling up. Powering down is nearly a free-be. Boy, has this thread got potential for debate!
Free fall for me
Hi Gostosa - I've always had free fall windlasses that only powered up. Seems gravity works fine and I am able to drop the anchor more quickly if needed; the clutch is used as a control to slow the output of chain/rode as needed. Once I decide on the "perfect" spot to anchor (you know close to that waterfall, but not too close to the rocky ledge or the big powerboat), I like to get the anchor down quick and then back down while easing the rode to set the hook. Just my 2 cents, Trevor
Hi Gostosa - I've always had free fall windlasses that only powered up. Seems gravity works fine and I am able to drop the anchor more quickly if needed; the clutch is used as a control to slow the output of chain/rode as needed. Once I decide on the "perfect" spot to anchor (you know close to that waterfall, but not too close to the rocky ledge or the big powerboat), I like to get the anchor down quick and then back down while easing the rode to set the hook. Just my 2 cents, Trevor
They Both Work Fine
I used to have a windlass that you loosened the clutch to let the anchor down, not exactly free fall unless you let the clutch all the way out. I now have a power up and down version. I use the down button but still could loosen the clutch to drop via free fall. The power down version could be controlled from the helm with proper wiring, but my delta anchor still has to be helped off of the roller. Bill
I used to have a windlass that you loosened the clutch to let the anchor down, not exactly free fall unless you let the clutch all the way out. I now have a power up and down version. I use the down button but still could loosen the clutch to drop via free fall. The power down version could be controlled from the helm with proper wiring, but my delta anchor still has to be helped off of the roller. Bill
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