I would like to add an electric anchor windlass to my 1989 Hunter 28 but can't figure out where to mount it. Has anyone added one to their similar sized Hunter and if so how? Thanks. Jeremy
Electric windlass on Hunter 28
- Thread starter JHarwood
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Jeremy, they are not ignoring your question,
it is just that there are not to many folks that have done that if any. Boat designers do not make allowances for the installation of windlasses in their smal sailboats as there is limited space, these units are power hungry and the weight of the anchors is light. Anything can be done, but the question is at what cost or tradeoff. The list may look like this; 1) Modify and reinforce the bow deck of the boat. Add anchor roller. 2) New rode with line spliced to chain. 3) Electric windlass, heavy gauge wiring, solenoid, buss breaker, switches and enhanced battery recharging ability. Optional dedicated battery located in the bow. 4) Tradeoff space in the V-berth to locate the rode locker and perhaps a dedicated battery. 5) Installation work of running wiring along the hull to location of batteries and to the switches at cockpit and deck. The components for the installation alone includting the windlass will run you close to $1,500, the labor is difficult especially the modifications to the bow area and perhaps the loss of use for the V-berth. All this for the benefit of lowering and raising perhaps a 25 pound anchor and perhaps 200 ft of rode. The cost to benefit ratio is ridiculously high. A much simpler alternative would be to install a manual windlass. If you must go electric consider installing a line only capstan winch with no rode locker. This winch would be tailed and operated from the foredeck. My suggestion would be don't do it.
it is just that there are not to many folks that have done that if any. Boat designers do not make allowances for the installation of windlasses in their smal sailboats as there is limited space, these units are power hungry and the weight of the anchors is light. Anything can be done, but the question is at what cost or tradeoff. The list may look like this; 1) Modify and reinforce the bow deck of the boat. Add anchor roller. 2) New rode with line spliced to chain. 3) Electric windlass, heavy gauge wiring, solenoid, buss breaker, switches and enhanced battery recharging ability. Optional dedicated battery located in the bow. 4) Tradeoff space in the V-berth to locate the rode locker and perhaps a dedicated battery. 5) Installation work of running wiring along the hull to location of batteries and to the switches at cockpit and deck. The components for the installation alone includting the windlass will run you close to $1,500, the labor is difficult especially the modifications to the bow area and perhaps the loss of use for the V-berth. All this for the benefit of lowering and raising perhaps a 25 pound anchor and perhaps 200 ft of rode. The cost to benefit ratio is ridiculously high. A much simpler alternative would be to install a manual windlass. If you must go electric consider installing a line only capstan winch with no rode locker. This winch would be tailed and operated from the foredeck. My suggestion would be don't do it.
Already Said
Not much room for windlass on small boats,in anchor locker. I attempted on a 290 and it was not worth it,need a deep locker for rode to flow for proper operation. An above deck unit might work and than you hand feed the rode. Nick
Not much room for windlass on small boats,in anchor locker. I attempted on a 290 and it was not worth it,need a deep locker for rode to flow for proper operation. An above deck unit might work and than you hand feed the rode. Nick
Well said Benny
Hey thanks, Benny;; You pretty much confirmed what I thought. I appreciate you taking the time to cover all the bases. Thanks again. Jeremy
Hey thanks, Benny;; You pretty much confirmed what I thought. I appreciate you taking the time to cover all the bases. Thanks again. Jeremy
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