So you need a boat anchor winch to speed up the docking process, but you don’t know what to look for or where to start?
We at Boat Wiki understand your pain.
We’ve already done all the research for you.
This page is loaded with boat anchor winch reviews and other useful info so you’re always ready to make an informed decision.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| MinnKota Deckhand 40 Electric Anchor Winch | Best Overall |  |
| Trac Outdoors AnchorZone 20 Electric Anchor Winch | Budget Pick |  |
| MinnKota Pontoon Deckhand | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. MinnKota Deckhand 40 Electric Anchor Winch
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Easy to store when not in use
The MinnKota Deckhand can be used for anchoring your boat as well as many other applications thanks to the optional control cable. The base is powder coated which means it’ll hold up against the elements. It can also be removed which means you’ll be able to store it around your garage when not using it.
When it comes to power output, the Deckhand has a 250 feet of 14/3 rope for the lowering function. It has a continuous duty DC motor, and can pull as much as 40 lbs of weight. It’s designed with a folding anchor storage and a twist-style throttle.
The motor also features a dynamic braking system that prevents over powering on the hills. It also features reverse sensors, so you can operate it safely with the wire wound around the winch. It also features the power indicator which shows you whether the battery is full or low.
2. Trac Outdoors Fisherman 25-G3 Electric Anchor Winch
Pros:
- Quiet, smooth motor
- Easy to use
- Easy to assemble and store after use
- Great price
The Trac Outdoors is a highly efficient electric anchor winch that can pull in as little as 2’s line tension. It’s equipped with a waterproof case and more than 100 linear feet of pre-wound anchor rope. It also includes a safe and secure locking hook that helps protect the line from being cut or damaged on sharp objects.
The cord is made from a polished steel material that won’t frayed or break and can withstand weather conditions. The motor is protected inside a metal case. It’s quiet, smooth, and has only a small sticker shock.
The Metal Gear and Pull Hook helps to prevent the rope from being cut or damaged by a sharp object or surface. The lock keeps it in one place and secure, so there’s no bouncing or shifting off its place. The rope can be filled with water, but it may damage it overtime.
3. MinnKota Pontoon Deckhand
Pros:
- Fits most pontoons
- Great for a workboat or big steel boat
- Durable and strong
The MinnKota anchor winch is well suited to boats that need a dependable anchor winch. It meets the industry standard for a four-stroke / two-cycle marine motor and it is USCG-Approved.
The idea behind using an anchor winch is for it to function as an anchor hoist although some do anchor dogging. The winch will have a motor that is specifically for anchoring and has a mechanism that engages the anchor. This saves the need of having a lot of people in the high seas to continue to do the task.
The anchor winch is also a convenient tool for those who use fishing boats because it can also serve as a means of transporting fish on shore without getting your hands dirty. Plus, it’s easier than having other people help for the task simply because you can leave the task to the anchor winch and use your other hand for more important tasks. You can also keep the reel free so that others can row.
4. Trac Outdoors Deckboat 40 AutoDeploy-G3 Electric Anchor Winch
Pros:
- Quick and easy setup
- Ropes don’t need tensioning
- No air or water source required
- Impressive holding power
- Installation and operation are both relatively easy
Trac Outdoors Deckboat 40 AutoDeploy is equipped with a powerful 40 lb. motor and has the ability to make quick work of any anchor-holding task. Deploy the anchor winch and line as needed. Then, safely store it away when finished.
The Deckboat 40 is the landlubber’s alternative to the ‘dolly anchor.’ Codling a fishing boat at close quarters of a dock is a risk and challenge. Although this is not taking this risk away … it is a must-have tool for any fisherman.
The four-line design has the ability to make quick work of any anchor-holding task. Each line is wrapped around the anchor one at a time, so you will not get tangled up in several lines.
5. Minnkota Deckhand 25 Electric Anchor Winch
The Minn Kota Deckhand 25 is a portable, reliable electric anchor winch. It has a tough weather-proof construction with a stainless steel motor and gear case.
This electric anchor winch comes with a 3-stage planetary gear box with a thumb trigger. It also has a solid stainless steel wire rope that delivers consistent braking force.
Note: Another excellent choice for a winch is the Minn Kota Power Drive V2. This winch offers many of the same features as the Deckhand, but it has a little more power.
6. Trac Outdoors AnchorZone 20 Electric Anchor Winch
Pros:
- Anchors up to 20 lbs
- Lightweight & compact
- Comes fully pre-wound
- Simple design
Trac Outdoors recently released a couple new models to their AnchorZone series. This model is the one that is smaller and is good for boats under 20 feet in length. The other new model is for boats up to 35 feet.
This model brings everything that we have come to expect from Trac out. It has an all in one electric winch and anchor system. There is no need to buy a hammer or bulky anchor system.
The super durable design comes with a high quality replacement brushless motor. The unit comes with a 12 ft ratcheting rope that can hold up to 200 lbs. On top of being great for anchoring the rope can also be used for pulling in your crab traps.
7. Trac Outdoors Angler 30 AutoDeploy-G3 Electric Anchor Winch
The Trac fishing winch is a technological marvel. It’s a dual use portable winch that both goes on land or on the water. It’s automatic and covers great lengths in a matter of a few minutes.
Compared to manual winches; this one will make your life a lot easier. It’s a good thing if you want to avoid physical exertion when anchoring.
It also has a 100-foot lead and a carabineer attached permanently for your convenience. You’ll get it ready to use right out of the box and on the boat.
8. Pactrade Marine Pontoon Electric Anchor Windlass Salt Water up to 20 LB Anchor
Pros:
- Safe and easy to operate
- It comes with a 1-year warranty
Cons:
- It's pretty expensive
- Somewhat difficult if you're a beginner
The PACTRADE Marine's Pontoon Electric Anchor Windlass Salt Water up to 20 LB Anchor with Remote Control is one of the best pontoon boat anchor winches available. The durable salt water resistant motor is designed to be used in salt water environments too.
The power supply is 12 volts, and it is easy to swap power sources. Users are able to switch between solar energy and DC input. When you are planning on using solar, then you will need to buy an additional solar panel.
When you are considering the cost of this product, you will need to consider the price of solar panels. If there is no solar panel in the cart you buy, then you can buy one separately.
9. Pontoon 35 Electric Anchor Winch
Pros:
- Lifts up to 1500 lbs
- Great for large yachts
- Very simple to use and install
In case you were looking for an electric anchor winch that’s suitable for large yachts, you’re in luck. Our first pick for best electric anchor winch goes to the Pontoon 35, which can lift up to 1500 lbs of weight!
It has the ability to control either 1 by 1 or 3 by 3 horizontal positions. The maximum lift is 1800 lbs in 3 by 3 position.
The great thing about it is that its design is very compact and it doesn’t take a lot of space, which is why it’s suitable for smaller yachts.
10. Anchor Ledge Pontoon
Pros:
- Simple to install
- Strong steel mounts with galvanized coating
- Comes with high-tension steel cables
- Functional in almost any boat
- Can be used on fishing boats, freight ships, yachts, or even water sports equipment
- The windlass is extra-deep and designed to be low-maintenance
- The button controls are positioned so that they can be operated easily with two hands
- Smooth and precise weight movement that is designed to prevent damage to the anchor, anchor line, or boat
- Can carry a maximum of 500 pounds in an 8 ft length
Cons:
- The battery isn’t included
- Non adjustable motor limits the cable length
- The base requires a vertical or near-vertical mounting surface
- Not suitable for large anchors or heavy boats
- The power is not sufficient to work with any cable or chain
The Anchor Ledge turnkey system can be easily installed in any boat up to 50 ft. It’s components are CE certified to EN442 standards, and the motor is UL listed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best electric anchor winch?
Bigger boats and larger anchor winches are often used on sailboats for good reason. You don’t always have a team of people around to help pull the anchor, which can weigh up to several hundred pounds.
On smaller boats, a normal 12-volt winch will do a fine job. But once your boat gets past about 30 feet, you should switch to a 24-volt winch or invest in a high-quality hydraulic winch.
If you are not going on ocean voyages, few boats will need more than a 24-volt electric anchor winch. It also has a few other awesome perks that you might not have known about.
What is the best boat anchor to buy?
In my experience, the best anchor for a boat depends on where it will be used. So, Iʼm not going to recommend one model in particular.
Instead, I will tell you a little about anchors in general as well as about different anchor types and styles for your boat and tell you where you are most likely to find them and why.
Where should you anchor a boat from?
Boats can be anchored from the bow, amidships, or stern, depending on the circumstances.
In many cases, the direction of the prevailing or wind will indicate which side the anchor should be deployed from. If the location is open with little to no shoreline or bottom obstructions, it can be best to anchor from the bow. Anchoring from the stern or aft side of the boat allows you to slip the boat 60 degrees in the direction of the anchor rode in case of an approaching storm or to easily gain access to port facilities.
A stern anchor is especially good if the boat pilot needs access to the bow for boarding, fuel, or docking. In shallow water, anchoring from the bow allows for a greater penetration.
How do you install a winch Electric anchor?
Most people are apprehensive about installing an electric anchor winch because at first glance it may look complicated, but if you take it one step at a time, it is very easy.
First, determine what type of anchor winch system you would like to purchase. Then unpack the winch and all of the components, assemble the winch into place, and connect the motor and wires.
When you assemble the winch, it is very straightforward, but if you are unsure of any part of the assembly, simply refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. When you have assembled the all of the components you are ready to install the anchor winch.
Conclusion
An electric boat anchor winch is one of the must have gears when it comes to boating. This explains why numerous boaters do not go on water-based activities without one. If you have a boat, then you should also have one since you will find yourself having so many different uses for it.
At present, boats have gone beyond the traditional purposes of fishing, boating, and sailing. Today, they are used for leisure activities such as wake-boarding, surfing, and jet skiing. All these activities are done on crowded or busy waters, which demands towing. An electric boat anchor winch is therefore very important.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| MinnKota Deckhand 40 Electric Anchor Winch | Best Overall | |
| Trac Outdoors AnchorZone 20 Electric Anchor Winch | Budget Pick | |
| MinnKota Pontoon Deckhand | Upgrade Pick | |