Hunter Windlass dilemma

quadrille38 · Mar 28, 2015

I can't help you on the adequacy of the model you are looking at but can offer a rule I live by (inherited from my father who inherited it from his father) and that is to never go marginal or undersized on equipment. You will regret it always because excessive load gets you marginal performance and excessive wear.
And you can be guaranteed that if it is marginal in capacity the time when you will find that out will be the worst possible time.

You might want to check with the manufacturer or even see if there is something on their web site to guide you. And if your load is at all near the top end of the equipment ratings go bigger. Yes it will cost more but long run you will be happier.

Of course understand this is from the perspective of someone who uses 3/4 inch dock lines when 5/8 says its sufficient, bought a 35 pound anchor when the specs on the 22 pounder that came with the boat showed it was pushing the limit, and ordered the boat with the 40 HP optional engine when the 28 was standard.

splax · Mar 28, 2015

Hello,
Please excuse me venturing my opinion, but I have been windlass shopping for several months. I think that there are several used or less ably marketed windlasses out there which might be more appropriate than the 1000 Pro and less of a hit than the H2.
I think the working load is the resistance the windlass is rated for pulling at the speed stated. Lewmar recommends that a windlass’s maximum load capacity be four times its usual “working load”—the combined weight of the anchor, rode and hardware. That is, a 33' boat with a 22lb. Delta anchor, 200' of 1/2" rope with 15' of 1/4" chain and a shackle (about 40lb.), with a total ground tackle weight of 62lb., would select a windlass with at least 248lb. of pull (62lb. of ground tackle, times four). If ground tackle is too heavy or close to the windlass’s maximum pulling power, or if the boat has lots of windage and/or displacement, select the next larger size of windlass.
I know some prefer all chain rode. If you aren't over coral or wrecks and replaced much of your chain with 5/8" line that would reduce the ground tackle weight immensely. I understand the purpose of the chain is to keep the pull on the anchor horizontal, along the bottom. Doesn't all that chain off the bow kind of defeat the purpose ?

Ralph Johnstone · Mar 28, 2015

Before I installed a Lewmar V-1 in my H-310, I had a look at several larger Hunter anchor lockers and found them with a similar layout to mine. I realize your '88 layout may be different but a photo may help here. Question is - are you sure you need a horizontal windlass when a vertical is so compact ? Clear that up and we can then work with your 347 lb load.

One note about Lewmar winches is that a 24" drop is a "nice to have" but I find mine continues to work well with a 6" drop when I don't bother to sweep aside the piled up chain.

You may also want to stay away from Waste Marine for windlasses. My V-1 off the internet was $945.00. West Marine $1,530.00. The difference on your larger windlass will be even greater.

artboas · Mar 28, 2015

Very good advice

bornin59ca said:
I am planning on installing a Horizontal Windless on our Hunter 40’ legend. I have re-configured the anchor locker to provide 24” of fall from the deck to the bottom of the anchor locker for the Horizontal Windlass. The question I have is what size of Windlass do I need??

The Facts:
Anchor - 20kg (44lbs) Rocna
Chain/Rode - 275ft- 5/16 G4 H/T / 25ft- 5/8 3 strand nylon.
Displacement - 23000 lbs (travel lift weight, cruisers not racers) :dance:

(275 x 1.1) + 44 x 4 = 1386 max pull lbs
(275 x 1.1) + 44 x 3 = 1040 max pull lbs
1.1 = weight of chain /ft
3 & 4 are factors I found on the net. I like 3 better than 4

I would like to use the Lewmar Pro 1000 http://www.westmarine.com/buy/lewmar--pro-series-stainless-steel-windlasses--P005_155_001_511 ) Horizontal windlass but its Spec’s state it has a Max pull of 1000 lbs and a Working load of 250 lbs.
This raises another question. What is the difference between Max pull & Max Working Load.
I will also installing a Chain stopper.
http://www.westmarine.com/buy/lewmar--chain-stoppers--P005_155_002_501
I do not want to go to the next size which is the Lewmar h
H2.
http://www.westmarine.com/buy/lewmar--h2-h3-heavy-duty-series-windlasses--P005_155_001_506
The reason is the price and size of the H2 are double.
Any and all advice would be appreciated.
Doug

Do not buy a windlass based on budget. The cost is immaterial when you are in a Storm, trying to pull yourself off a sandbar, etc.
Down in the 1000 islands the weeds are incredible. You will use a lot of power getting your anchor up.
Buy the largest one that will comfortably fit the size.
Another suggestion.. Some builders put in a battery close to the windlass, and then a smaller guage cable to charge it from the main bank.
Don't do this. Run large guage cables (either 1/0 or 2/0 to your main house batteries.
Don't forget to install a proper thermal circuit breaker rated at the proper amperage for the windlass.

Good luck.

Ralph Johnstone · Mar 28, 2015

artboas said:
Some builders put in a battery close to the windlass, and then a smaller guage cable to charge it from the main bank.
Don't do this. Run large guage cables (either 1/0 or 2/0 to your main house batteries.

I'll second that idea.

After looking at different ways to install a windlass when I did mine, I think the idea of mounting an additional battery up front was one of the worst. Measure your runs to and from the windlass and size for a 10% voltage drop. You'll be running your engine (alterantor) while hoisting the anchor, so unless all batteries are dead, you'll have > 12V at the windlass.

mz4wheeler · Mar 29, 2015

bornin59ca said:
The Facts:
Anchor - 20kg (44lbs) Rocna
Chain/Rode - 275ft- 5/16 G4 H/T / 25ft- 5/8 3 strand nylon.
Displacement - 23000 lbs (travel lift weight, cruisers not racers) :dance:

The Lewmar Pro 1000 is just fine. I have almost the same setup except I'm pulling a bunce 33lb. A difference of 11lbs which is not significant. Always motor up to pick up the slack rode (no load) and use the windlass only for the vertical pull.

Hunter Windlass dilemma

Doug13104

.

quadrille38

.

splax

.

Ralph Johnstone

.

artboas

.

Ralph Johnstone

.

mz4wheeler

.