Hunter 34 Windlass possibilities?

[Jessie Fender]

I currently own a 1986 Hunter 34 and I want to install a windlass. As you may know it has a shallow anchor locker. I am not interested in glassing over the anchor locker since there is no good below deck access. Can anyone recommend a model that will work within the confines of the space available. And can anyone give some good advice as to how to do this installation successfully.
Thank you,
Jessie Fender

 

[Dan Johnson]

Jessie...

search through the H34 owner's modification forum for Fred Ficarra's H34 "Epitome" renovations. I believe he installed a windlass in his anchor compartment. There may be other similar projects in the H31 files as well.

 

[heart of gold]

I installed one on mine. I cut the anchor locker lid just in front of the latch. I then strengthened the 2 peices from the bottom by glassing them to full thickness with heavy cloth. I had to remove the balsa coring but that was an easy job. The front half of the hatch is now fixed in place and the back still opens for access. I used a Lewmar V700 pro because of its small size and low profile. I do have to sit there and rake the rode and chain out of the way as I haul anchor but it works very well. I carry 100ft of chain and 150ft of rode.

 

[Jessie Fender]

search through the H34 owner's modification forum for Fred Ficarra's H34 "Epitome" renovations. I believe he installed a windlass in his anchor compartment. There may be other similar projects in the H31 files as well.

Thanks very much for the suggestion!

 

[Jessie Fender]

Thanks so much for this!