Windlass addition

[Terry in Naples]

What kind of windlass are you using? I have a 34 and am looking at two kinds. One is the self contained above the deck model the other the vertical that has the motor uner the deck with the gypsy and drum above. Looking for ease of installation and versitility. I would appreciate comments on what works for you. Terry

 

[rsn48]

Suggest "ask all sailors" forum

Most Catalinas won't have a windless, using a winch to haul the rode up. I suggest you re-post your thread in "ask all sailors;" it will probably get a response there.

 

[Trevor - SailboatOwners.com]

Horizontal vs. Vertical

Most sailboats (certainly not all) go with the vertical windlass which allows the motor to live below deck and a fairly flush unit on deck. Horizontal windlasses sit on top of the deck which can be more of a tripping hazard. A lot of Catalinas have Lewmar Sprint windlasses, which now have been replaced with the V-series. The most important consideration is a fair lead to the bow roller for the chain/rode. Best of luck,Trevor

 

[Ron]

my 320

My C320 came with a windlass that is for rode only. It makes no sense to me, as you can motor up to the anchor and easily drop the line into the locker. It's the chain that you need the winch for.

 

[Alchemist]

Ron: Maxwell sells a kit to convert your windless

to a rope / chain unit. There is a lot of talk on the C-320 (www.Catalina320.org) mail list on how to do this.Catalina is now using the Maxwell windless (I think it is the 800 series) in their boats (at least the 320 and the 350), and mounting ti vertically. In earlier boate (including my "02 C-320), they mounted the same vertical windless horizontally below deck in teh anchor locker). For yuor c-34, this may be an option.SteveAlchemist C-320

 

[Ron]

Alchemist

Thanks Alchemist. My 1994 C320 has the Maxwell mounted horizontally. I will look into it. It's probably much easlier than installing something new.