GOOD Automatic windlass model 5/8 work on a sailboat
- Thread starter Woodworks1
- Start date
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,802
I have Lewmar windlass hardware. Looking at the GOOD Specifications and manual it appears that that GOOD F850A is an appropriate windlass for your boat length. They identify as a USA Made product, it of NJ. The were started in the 1950’s so have been around for a good amount of time. No idea if they are as financially sound as the Lewmar or Maxwell equipment, which have a good following of boat owners.
Be sure that you have the needed space and depth in your anchor locker to support a vertical windlass. The F850 A has the following space specifications.
Be sure that you have the needed space and depth in your anchor locker to support a vertical windlass. The F850 A has the following space specifications.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,802
It is a learning process. I like to consider is as a whole system. Windlass, anchor, chain, rode (rope). And to consider the type of seabed you will be trying to hold.
There is a great tester of anchors in Port Townsend WA.
There is a great tester of anchors in Port Townsend WA.
I've never heard of the Good Windlass brand, so I am not in a position to voice an opinion about the windlass. Here are a few general comments about a windlass installation.
The Good windlass uses a remote switch to drop and weigh the anchor. This will only work if the anchor/roller combination is set up to be self-launching, i.e., once the rode is free and slack, does the anchor fall off the roller without hitting the bow? Or does it need a push?
Optimal windlass location involves 2 key factors, alignment of the gypsy with the chain/rode and the fall as the line comes off the capstan. If the fall is poor the line and chain will pile up come off the gypsy. An ideal fall will drop straight down to a depth that is deep enough to accommodate the rode.
Do not skimp on the electrical installation. Windlasses will consume a lot of current, undersized cables will drop the voltage which will be hard on the motor and will cause the motor to turn slower.
Windlasses should be sized to lift the weight of the anchor and chain when it is hanging off the bow and just off the bottom in the deepest water it will be used.
The Good website states the windlass is made of aluminum, bronze, and stainless steel, however it is not clear which parts are made of what. The gypsy should be made of bronze and the drive shaft from SS.
FWIW, we have a Maxwell windlass that has both a gypsy and a capstan. The cabling is 2/0. Maxwell tech support has been great. The factory install did not provide an adequate fall for the rode, as a result the chain castles and pops off the gypsy. Annoying.
Good luck!
The Good windlass uses a remote switch to drop and weigh the anchor. This will only work if the anchor/roller combination is set up to be self-launching, i.e., once the rode is free and slack, does the anchor fall off the roller without hitting the bow? Or does it need a push?
Optimal windlass location involves 2 key factors, alignment of the gypsy with the chain/rode and the fall as the line comes off the capstan. If the fall is poor the line and chain will pile up come off the gypsy. An ideal fall will drop straight down to a depth that is deep enough to accommodate the rode.
Do not skimp on the electrical installation. Windlasses will consume a lot of current, undersized cables will drop the voltage which will be hard on the motor and will cause the motor to turn slower.
Windlasses should be sized to lift the weight of the anchor and chain when it is hanging off the bow and just off the bottom in the deepest water it will be used.
The Good website states the windlass is made of aluminum, bronze, and stainless steel, however it is not clear which parts are made of what. The gypsy should be made of bronze and the drive shaft from SS.
FWIW, we have a Maxwell windlass that has both a gypsy and a capstan. The cabling is 2/0. Maxwell tech support has been great. The factory install did not provide an adequate fall for the rode, as a result the chain castles and pops off the gypsy. Annoying.
Good luck!