When picking the best anchor windlass, it’s important to consider a variety of factors. This article will outline what to consider when picking out a windlass, what each kind of anchor windlass is used for, and our top picks for the best anchor windlasses available in 2021.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Lewmar V700 Vertical Windlasses | Best Overall |  |
| Lewmar Pro-Sports 550 Horizontal Windlass | Budget Pick |  |
| Lewmar PRO-Fish 1000G Windlass | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Lewmar V700 Vertical Windlasses
Pros:
- 100% stainless steel
- Simple operation
- Extremely safe when locked
- Suitable for boats up to 10.5m
- 5-year warranty
- Flat-bottom steering plate for maximum grip on an uneven deck
- Compact for easy storage
Cons:
- Expensive
- Can be tricky to install without previous experience
The Lewmar V700 12v Vertical Windlass is an electric, vertically rotating windlass that can handle loads of up to 700 lbs. It is ideal for boats up to 10.5m in length and can be used for a variety of tasks, such as anchoring, docking, mooring, and more.
This winch is built for heavy-duty, continuous use and can be used anywhere on your boat if you have a flat area to install it. The winch works even without a steering plate, which is great for shallow draft boats.
2. Lewmar Pro-Sports 550 Horizontal Windlass
Pros:
- Creates a secure, safe, and reliable anchoring in a snap
- Extremely easy to maneuver – no tools required
- Powerful and durable
- Simple to set up
Cons:
- Limited use – on steep ground, it is difficult to use
- The plastic stripper arm might break easily
The ProSport 550 by LEWMAR is a high-performance, high-quality horizontal windlass. This windlass has been designed to provide a secure anchorage, no matter the weather or the depths.
It is compact and durable, and it comes with everything you need for a low-profile anchoring system.
3. Maxwell Horizontal Freefall Rope/Chain Series
Pros:
- Comes ready to install after the purchase
- High strength and corrosion resistance
- Maximum pull is 900 lbs.
- Perfect for permanent moorings
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Expensive
- No emergency backup feature
Maxwell HRC8 12V Horizontal Freefall Rope/Chain Series Rope is perfect for temporary or permanent moorings. The package also includes the solenoid, a breaker, and the switch.
Depending on the weight of the anchor you’re attaching, the amount of pull on the chain or rope will change, and it might cause it to sway.
4. Lewmar PRO-Fish 700 Windlass
Pros:
- High quality, multi-purpose boat anchor windlass
- Retrieval speed is 105' per min.
- Upgraded design with improved efficiency and power
Cons:
- A few buyers received a defective product
The Lewmar Pro-Fish 700 Windlass is a high-speed, heavy-duty, and fully automated windlass. It’s specially designed to make it easier to raise or lower your anchor, even in severe weather conditions.
5. Lewmar PRO-Series 700 Windlass
Pros:
- Powerful motor
- Solid construction
- Strong safety clutch
- 5-year warranty
Cons:
- Instructions might be confusing for some
This PRO-Series Windlass from Lewmar is a more affordable option, for weights up to 700 lbs. This windlass it's equipped with a manual emergency recovery system, and all you need is a common 1/2 socket wrench.
6. Lewmar PRO-Fish 1000G Windlass
Pros:
- Pulling power up to 1000 lbs.
- 5-year warranty
- Automatic freefall
- Powerful motor
- Fast line speed
- Manual recovery operation
- Strong 100% 316 stainless steel, including control arm and stripper
Cons:
- Some consider the design to be poor compared to other Lewmar products
This is a complete Pro-Fish control system, and it’s ideal for use in trawlers, tugs, and offshore vessels. The kit consists of the Pro-Fish 1000 and everything you need to get it running. Like all Lewmar products, the Pro-Fish 1000G Windlass is a highly reliable product, that will last for a long time.
7. Powerwinch Freefall Anchor Windlass 41' Class
Pros:
- Great build quality
- Very durable and can handle harsh conditions
- Manual backup is included
- Not much maintenance required
- No drifting – precise anchoring
Cons:
- Some encountered a few problems with the product
True to its brand recognition and reputation for quality and innovation, the Powerwinch Freefall Anchor Windlass 41' Class is a top choice for small boats. It gives you a stable anchoring point and is a strong, durable windlass.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best anchor line?
While the purpose of an anchor line is merely to hold an anchor, nothing can be more important for your boat and the safety of everyone on board. A poorly made or low-quality windlass line can fail in a critical moment when you need it the most.
Some of the most important requirements for a good anchor line are strength, abrasion resistance, and low stretch. This makes a nylon boat line a great choice for an anchor line. A bowline or three-wrap anchor line is a great all-around choice that won't fall apart if nearby items or people inadvertently snag it.
Where are the anchors and windlasses placed?
Anchor windlasses are not necessarily mounted on the centerline of the boat. In large vessels, the winches and windlasses are mounted at different positions, and they are often counterbalanced with the weight of the boat.
What size anchor rope should I use?
Most boats use a 6- to 8-mm diameter rope for their anchors.
Anchor ropes may be made from nylon, polyester, or a proprietary blend of the two. The larger the boat, the larger the diameter of the rope you should choose.
Conclusion
For decades, windlasses have been a steadfast companion on the deck of most sailboats. Now, a modern windlass can be an equally valuable crew member aboard your modern boat. Without significantly compromising the sleekness and sophistication of your modern boat, a windlass provides the benefit of quickly deploying and retrieving anchor and rode. We have gone through a selection of the best available windlasses so you can make an informed choice.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Lewmar V700 Vertical Windlasses | Best Overall | |
| Lewmar Pro-Sports 550 Horizontal Windlass | Budget Pick | |
| Lewmar PRO-Fish 1000G Windlass | Upgrade Pick | |