New electric windlass

[Joe Papagni]

I have a 1995 Hunter 33.5 that's never had an electric windlass, or any windlass of any kind. I'm going to install one and wonder if any of you have gone through the same install and might have any tips or help of any kind. My anchor locker is not deep so I'm selecting a horizontal version. Any tips?
Thanks, Joe

 

[MikeO53]

Defender.com is having their annual sale right now with some good deals. I like the Maxwells

 

[capta]

I really like the Lofrans windlasses. The last one lasted some 30 years and was still functioning well, but a couple of the mounting feet had corroded away.

 

[Mark Maulden]

Since your anchor locker is shallow, be prepared to flake as you raise...Think about a vertical mounted over to the side a bit and modifying locker doors. This keeps the deck footprint down. My locker had two doors that opened port/stbd. I made the stbd door part of the deck and mounted a vertical on that door as far aft as possible. This took a lot of glassing and kept the motor below deck. Access to the locker is through the port door. So, the reason for all this diatribe is to make sure you think of numerous possibilities. I can shoot some pics if wanted. Give me an excuse to go to the boat..

 

[BigEasy]

Joe,
Around 20 years ago, I had an ‘88 Hunter 33.5. Know your situation regarding the shallow anchor locker. There was a guy, here on SBO, who adapted his locker and fabricated an aluminum mounting plate an anchor roller to accommodate a windlass. Check out the archives, you may find his posts there.

 

[rjarrell]

Joe,
Around 20 years ago, I had an ‘88 Hunter 33.5. Know your situation regarding the shallow anchor locker. There was a guy, here on SBO, who adapted his locker and fabricated an aluminum mounting plate an anchor roller to accommodate a windlass. Check out the archives, you may find his posts there.

Had same issue with my 37.5. Anchor locker not very deep. Installed horizontal windlass and works just fine

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

Joe,
Don't know if this can help but I had the same issue on my 34 and solved it as per the attached. Took some effort and work but all worth it as I'm going on my 13th years. During the 4th year I had some issues with the horizontal Lewmar but they were true to their word and sent me a new one which has been working perfectly since. Good luck with your installation.

 

[Joe Papagni]

Defender.com is having their annual sale right now with some good deals. I like the Maxwells

Thanks Mike, but I was looking for how you may have added a windlass and what kind suited your problem best.

 

[Joe Papagni]

I really like the Lofrans windlasses. The last one lasted some 30 years and was still functioning well, but a couple of the mounting feet had corroded away.

Thanks. Loved the videos but none addressed my problem.

 

[Joe Papagni]

Since your anchor locker is shallow, be prepared to flake as you raise...Think about a vertical mounted over to the side a bit and modifying locker doors. This keeps the deck footprint down. My locker had two doors that opened port/stbd. I made the stbd door part of the deck and mounted a vertical on that door as far aft as possible. This took a lot of glassing and kept the motor below deck. Access to the locker is through the port door. So, the reason for all this diatribe is to make sure you think of numerous possibilities. I can shoot some pics if wanted. Give me an excuse to go to the boat..

Thanks Mark. Some pics would be much appreciated.

 

[Joe Papagni]

Joe,
Around 20 years ago, I had an ‘88 Hunter 33.5. Know your situation regarding the shallow anchor locker. There was a guy, here on SBO, who adapted his locker and fabricated an aluminum mounting plate an anchor roller to accommodate a windlass. Check out the archives, you may find his posts there.

Thanks BigEasy, I'll check it out.

 

[Joe Papagni]

Joe,
Don't know if this can help but I had the same issue on my 34 and solved it as per the attached. Took some effort and work but all worth it as I'm going on my 13th years. During the 4th year I had some issues with the horizontal Lewmar but they were true to their word and sent me a new one which has been working perfectly since. Good luck with your installation.

Thanks Claude. This really helps, and your cataloging of the job is excellent!

 

[MikeO53]

Thanks Mike, but I was looking for how you may have added a windlass and what kind suited your problem best.

I ended up installing a vertical windlass with the motor located in the peak of the vberth. I chose this location for 2 reasons - I didn't want to consume a significant part of my anchor locker with braces and mounting plates. The second reason is that most people suffer severe corrosion having the motor in a wet anchor locker

 

[Joe Papagni]

Thanks again Mike, the pic helps. Wish I could see inside the locker though. I don't think my locker is deep enough to accomodate this type of install.

 

[MikeO53]

My anchor locker is simply anchors, chain and rode (sorry. No pictures). The windlass motor is in the front of the vberth ( I can't seem to find pictures and the boat is on the hard for the winter, )