I'm thinking of adding a manual windless to my 27 foot Catalina sail boat. I have found a knock off of an older Muir manual windlass that I am contemplating getting. This windlass needs new paint and some polishing on the big brass winches. This windlass has two manual speeds and looks like it could haul up the Titantic. The negative is that it is large and ugly; what attracts me is the price - $200. However, I'll probably order in a newer smaller windlass able to handle nylon rode and chain from West Marine. I want to keep my electrical load down, hence the emphasis on a manual one. I'm open to advise and experience here.
Manual Windlass - any advise
- Thread starter rsn48
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Not for a 27'
Unless you are older, have a medical need, or carry a 40 pound hook with 200 feet of chain you do not need a windlass for a 27 feet Catalina. Use your $200 for a more practical improvement. If besides it all, it is going to hurt the looks of the boat the decision should be easy.
Unless you are older, have a medical need, or carry a 40 pound hook with 200 feet of chain you do not need a windlass for a 27 feet Catalina. Use your $200 for a more practical improvement. If besides it all, it is going to hurt the looks of the boat the decision should be easy.
Why not?
I'd be interested in what you pick up. I've contemplated putting on a manual windlass myself on our C27. We anchor out almost all the time and with good scope in 25-35 feet of water that's a lot of rode and chain to bring in. Peter
I'd be interested in what you pick up. I've contemplated putting on a manual windlass myself on our C27. We anchor out almost all the time and with good scope in 25-35 feet of water that's a lot of rode and chain to bring in. Peter
Pull'er In
I agree with Benny, what in the world do you need a windless on a 27 footer? Kick the motor on and drive up on the rode as you bring it.
I agree with Benny, what in the world do you need a windless on a 27 footer? Kick the motor on and drive up on the rode as you bring it.
READ THIS...
I mounted a standard winch on the bow of my C30 and it works great and cost a fraction of what a manual windlass would. I picked it up used, look on e-bay, you can find them for $50 or less. It looks fine, and works great. Remember to use a backing plate when mounting. I use it mostly to pay out line in a blow, but on occasion I have put a winch handle on it and cranked in the anchor (I often sail solo). Think about it, it will save you a lot of money and work just as well. Plus it's a lot smaller than a windlass. I can even wrap chain on it.
I mounted a standard winch on the bow of my C30 and it works great and cost a fraction of what a manual windlass would. I picked it up used, look on e-bay, you can find them for $50 or less. It looks fine, and works great. Remember to use a backing plate when mounting. I use it mostly to pay out line in a blow, but on occasion I have put a winch handle on it and cranked in the anchor (I often sail solo). Think about it, it will save you a lot of money and work just as well. Plus it's a lot smaller than a windlass. I can even wrap chain on it.
Another thought
Why. I am 67 years old, and single hand mos of the time. I have a 28' S2, and use a 22# Delta. I can easily raise and lower it by myself. What I do under normal circumstances is this. Pull the anchor in till the rode is pretty near vertical. I also have a marker on the rode, that lets me know when the rode is pulled in enough that it can't reach the prop. Cleat it off. Put the engine in gear and take off. This breaks the anchor loose, which is the main problem on raising it. Also since most of the bottom around here is mud, I drag the anchor for few feet, which washes most of the mud off, instead of having a big glob of it on deck. Then it's just a matter of pulling it the rest of the way up. Beware of running up on the anchor with the engine, as this is a good way to end up with a bunch of nylon wrapped up in the prop.
Why. I am 67 years old, and single hand mos of the time. I have a 28' S2, and use a 22# Delta. I can easily raise and lower it by myself. What I do under normal circumstances is this. Pull the anchor in till the rode is pretty near vertical. I also have a marker on the rode, that lets me know when the rode is pulled in enough that it can't reach the prop. Cleat it off. Put the engine in gear and take off. This breaks the anchor loose, which is the main problem on raising it. Also since most of the bottom around here is mud, I drag the anchor for few feet, which washes most of the mud off, instead of having a big glob of it on deck. Then it's just a matter of pulling it the rest of the way up. Beware of running up on the anchor with the engine, as this is a good way to end up with a bunch of nylon wrapped up in the prop.
An observation
What I can't figure out is this: if you show me 10 power boats in the 30 foot range, they will all have windlass's. If you show me 10 sailboats in the 30 foot range, almost none of them will have a windlass. Peter - I'm asking around at the boat show to see what else I can come up with. The West Marine manual windlass (they have to order it in) is around $860 - give or take.
What I can't figure out is this: if you show me 10 power boats in the 30 foot range, they will all have windlass's. If you show me 10 sailboats in the 30 foot range, almost none of them will have a windlass. Peter - I'm asking around at the boat show to see what else I can come up with. The West Marine manual windlass (they have to order it in) is around $860 - give or take.
Two different animals
"What I can't figure out is this: if you show me 10 power boats in the 30 foot range, they will all have windlass's. If you show me 10 sailboats in the 30 foot range, almost none of them will have a windlass. The West Marine manual windlass (they have to order it in) is around $860 - give or take." Most 30 ft power boats also will have a refridge, ice maker, air conditioner, VCR, DVD, TV, microwave, generator, etc. How much of that gear will you find on a sailboat of the same size. Also most modern power boats don't have the deck arrangment suited for running from bow to wheel quickly. If you want to spend $860 on a manual windlass..have fun. My winch setup (see below) does exactly the same thing for about $810 less.
"What I can't figure out is this: if you show me 10 power boats in the 30 foot range, they will all have windlass's. If you show me 10 sailboats in the 30 foot range, almost none of them will have a windlass. The West Marine manual windlass (they have to order it in) is around $860 - give or take." Most 30 ft power boats also will have a refridge, ice maker, air conditioner, VCR, DVD, TV, microwave, generator, etc. How much of that gear will you find on a sailboat of the same size. Also most modern power boats don't have the deck arrangment suited for running from bow to wheel quickly. If you want to spend $860 on a manual windlass..have fun. My winch setup (see below) does exactly the same thing for about $810 less.
nice to have....but...
I have an electric windless on the bow and it has worked wonders for me with my 8 ton boat (I single hand all the time) On one occasion when it stopped working (later I found that a wire came off) and I had to do it by hand in 15 knots of wind, it was a real pain. After reading the other thread, I feel kind of stupid for not thinking of this earlier. From here on out, I will run the rode through the roller, under the anchor locker cleat and back to a cleat on the stern. Then all I have to do if I have problems again is to start the engine, pull the line out from under the anchor locker cleat and proceed forward slowly as I pull in the slack from the cockpit. Very simple concept...did I say I feel stupid? Anybody want to buy a windlass
I have an electric windless on the bow and it has worked wonders for me with my 8 ton boat (I single hand all the time) On one occasion when it stopped working (later I found that a wire came off) and I had to do it by hand in 15 knots of wind, it was a real pain. After reading the other thread, I feel kind of stupid for not thinking of this earlier. From here on out, I will run the rode through the roller, under the anchor locker cleat and back to a cleat on the stern. Then all I have to do if I have problems again is to start the engine, pull the line out from under the anchor locker cleat and proceed forward slowly as I pull in the slack from the cockpit. Very simple concept...did I say I feel stupid? Anybody want to buy a windlass
Jib sheet winches
also work very well if you run the anchor line back. You could also simply tie another line onto the anchor line with a clove hitch and run that line back to bring the anchor up. We've done that many times, three times when the anchor caught telephone cables in Clipper Cove. I agree that working against a 15 knot breeze is a lot of work, but it can be done from the cockpit as well. Some good ideas on this thread. Stu
also work very well if you run the anchor line back. You could also simply tie another line onto the anchor line with a clove hitch and run that line back to bring the anchor up. We've done that many times, three times when the anchor caught telephone cables in Clipper Cove. I agree that working against a 15 knot breeze is a lot of work, but it can be done from the cockpit as well. Some good ideas on this thread. Stu
I've done this also....
I tied the anchor line off at the anchor cleat on the bow. With that I was able to walk the slack line back to the cockpit and wrap it around the jib winch and cleat it. Then go back up to the bow and uncleat the anchor line. Now go back and winch in the line. An easier way to do this is to use the winch on the mast (if you have one). I've done it this way to, a little less line on the deck an less running around. I still stand by my mount a winch on the bow method as the easiest and cheapest way to go.
I tied the anchor line off at the anchor cleat on the bow. With that I was able to walk the slack line back to the cockpit and wrap it around the jib winch and cleat it. Then go back up to the bow and uncleat the anchor line. Now go back and winch in the line. An easier way to do this is to use the winch on the mast (if you have one). I've done it this way to, a little less line on the deck an less running around. I still stand by my mount a winch on the bow method as the easiest and cheapest way to go.
I consider my ability to
ship my 35 pound anchor with its 30 feet of 3/8 chain a measure of my physical fitness. When I have on rare occasions anchored in thirty feet it was a pretty good test. For back up I have a set of two speed sheet winches.
ship my 35 pound anchor with its 30 feet of 3/8 chain a measure of my physical fitness. When I have on rare occasions anchored in thirty feet it was a pretty good test. For back up I have a set of two speed sheet winches.
Anchorman
I use a 33 lb bruce with 100' chain and the rest 5/8 nylon. The Lewmar/Simpson Laurance Anchorman low profile manual windlass works just great. Rope-chain gypsy, no electricity, uses standard winch handle, weighs less than 20 lbs, only 3.5 inches high, easy to mount, and looks good. A good solution if you want manual.
I use a 33 lb bruce with 100' chain and the rest 5/8 nylon. The Lewmar/Simpson Laurance Anchorman low profile manual windlass works just great. Rope-chain gypsy, no electricity, uses standard winch handle, weighs less than 20 lbs, only 3.5 inches high, easy to mount, and looks good. A good solution if you want manual.
Windlass
I have a very nice manual windlass on my O'day 240. The previous owner installed it due to back problems. I have a 15# plow. I also have had both hips replaced at a young age. I have never had the need to use the windlass. Actually getting down to the windlass is more of a problem than hauling up with no assist. I single hand most of the time. I put the engine slow ahead, and drive right up to the anchor and set my feet in the Anchor locker and haul away. Works very well for most conditions. Good winds, Eric
I have a very nice manual windlass on my O'day 240. The previous owner installed it due to back problems. I have a 15# plow. I also have had both hips replaced at a young age. I have never had the need to use the windlass. Actually getting down to the windlass is more of a problem than hauling up with no assist. I single hand most of the time. I put the engine slow ahead, and drive right up to the anchor and set my feet in the Anchor locker and haul away. Works very well for most conditions. Good winds, Eric
Hip re-surfaced
Eric, I'm having my hip resurfaced in about two months; this is a newer technique to hip replacement. In another 3 or 4 years I'll need the other hip done. Presently I'm 58 and I don't intend to get boat biggeritis so I'm setting this boat up for many years to come, I hope. Using the winch is one option I know about replacing the windlass. I like the idea of pulling the rode straight up and letting the boat "bob" around for a while loosening the anchor. I've lost two anchors so far. Here in the BC coastal waters, ocean floors are not as consistant as other areas; you will encounter rocks, sea weed, sand, mud, etc.
Eric, I'm having my hip resurfaced in about two months; this is a newer technique to hip replacement. In another 3 or 4 years I'll need the other hip done. Presently I'm 58 and I don't intend to get boat biggeritis so I'm setting this boat up for many years to come, I hope. Using the winch is one option I know about replacing the windlass. I like the idea of pulling the rode straight up and letting the boat "bob" around for a while loosening the anchor. I've lost two anchors so far. Here in the BC coastal waters, ocean floors are not as consistant as other areas; you will encounter rocks, sea weed, sand, mud, etc.
Windlass
It is a small world. Yes, hip surgery really has changed in the 10 years since I had mine done. You can now bend more than 90 degrees to the hip and they are longer lasting too. Back to the subject at hand, If you are intent on keeping your boat for a long time, and use either a manual windlass or a regular winch, do you suppose that one of those cordless electric winch handles would have enough tourque to raise anchor when it is set hard? Anyone? You've lost 2 anchors so far? That's pretty steep. Did they set under rocks? If sand, mud, weed, you should be able to retrieve. Under rocks you can try to swing your boat to another direction and retrieve. Last resort is to go for a swim. Cold water there I bet. Good luck with your sugery. Good winds, Eric
It is a small world. Yes, hip surgery really has changed in the 10 years since I had mine done. You can now bend more than 90 degrees to the hip and they are longer lasting too. Back to the subject at hand, If you are intent on keeping your boat for a long time, and use either a manual windlass or a regular winch, do you suppose that one of those cordless electric winch handles would have enough tourque to raise anchor when it is set hard? Anyone? You've lost 2 anchors so far? That's pretty steep. Did they set under rocks? If sand, mud, weed, you should be able to retrieve. Under rocks you can try to swing your boat to another direction and retrieve. Last resort is to go for a swim. Cold water there I bet. Good luck with your sugery. Good winds, Eric
Putting your back into it..
I haven't seen the cordless winch handles but it sounds like a good idea. I can tell you that I have to use a lot more strenght to crank in the 150% Genny than I ever did cranking in the anchor even in a good blow. I have mentioned in pervious posts that I use a standard winch mounted on the bow for a windlass. I usually can pull the anchor up with just 2 or 3 wraps without using a handle. There isn't much resistance pulling the boat in, the problem (for me ) is the pitching that comes with strong headwinds. It's tough without a winch to hold the boat and hand over hand pull up the anchor when the boat pitches. The beauty of using a winch is that it holds the line. I usually sit on the bow, brace my feet against the anchor locker, and the rest is as easy as sheeting in the main.
I haven't seen the cordless winch handles but it sounds like a good idea. I can tell you that I have to use a lot more strenght to crank in the 150% Genny than I ever did cranking in the anchor even in a good blow. I have mentioned in pervious posts that I use a standard winch mounted on the bow for a windlass. I usually can pull the anchor up with just 2 or 3 wraps without using a handle. There isn't much resistance pulling the boat in, the problem (for me ) is the pitching that comes with strong headwinds. It's tough without a winch to hold the boat and hand over hand pull up the anchor when the boat pitches. The beauty of using a winch is that it holds the line. I usually sit on the bow, brace my feet against the anchor locker, and the rest is as easy as sheeting in the main.
no winlass on our 37.5
We don't have a windlass, but we have a method for hauling the anchor that works for us. My husband sits on the deck with his feet in the anchor locker while I slowly motor the boat forward. He pulls in the slack line as we move forward. When the line is straight up and down, he cleats it. The movement of the boat usually pops the Bruce right out. Then he pulls it up and sets it in the roller. We use hand signals to communicate and we don't anchor in more than 25 feet of water. Alice A.
We don't have a windlass, but we have a method for hauling the anchor that works for us. My husband sits on the deck with his feet in the anchor locker while I slowly motor the boat forward. He pulls in the slack line as we move forward. When the line is straight up and down, he cleats it. The movement of the boat usually pops the Bruce right out. Then he pulls it up and sets it in the roller. We use hand signals to communicate and we don't anchor in more than 25 feet of water. Alice A.
windlass
Looks like many of us smaller sailboat owners are using the same technique. Go slow ahead and haul in the line, cleat it off, or snub it, and break it free, and haul away. We also seem to be standing IN the anchor well and sitting back. I use this technique alone and have always had plenty of time to get back to the cockpit or let the auto pilot steer out of the anchorage. Fun post. I have a windlass but nerver had the need to use it. Good winds, Eric
Looks like many of us smaller sailboat owners are using the same technique. Go slow ahead and haul in the line, cleat it off, or snub it, and break it free, and haul away. We also seem to be standing IN the anchor well and sitting back. I use this technique alone and have always had plenty of time to get back to the cockpit or let the auto pilot steer out of the anchorage. Fun post. I have a windlass but nerver had the need to use it. Good winds, Eric
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