Monthly Archive for January, 2010

Another type of electric boat winch is the anchor windlass. This type of electric winch is specifically designed for anchor retrieval. Retrieving an anchor is a daunting task, pulling a long rope manually even if the anchor is lightweight is very time consuming. Good thing there’s an anchor winch or anchor windlass to the rescue. Now you can retrieve the anchor just by pressing a button while doing other important task. Unlike their stronger cousins like the electric boat trailer winch they only have a small capacity electric motor, just good enough to pull the weight of the anchor and the rope. Since they are only designed to pull and lower the rope of the anchor and not to resist the drag of the boat created by the waves it is important to have it secured when anchored to avoid damaging it. Also a circuit breaker should be installed to avoid overloading it just in case.

Free-fall Anchor Windlass – The amount of time it takes to deploy your anchor is very important factor in getting you anchored in your desired location. Deploying it too long will put you in the new spot especially when your boat is drifting. Free-fall anchor windlass drop faster compared to powered down anchor windlass, it can reach speed for about 150 feet per minute. Since the anchor is deployed by gravity it doesn’t use any electric power thus saving you battery life for the much needed anchor retrieval. Most of the windlass available today uses a corrosion resistance materials which prolong its life and prevents its parts from rusting.

MAXWELL Anchor Max Windlass (14941)   MAXWELL Anchor Max Windlass This compact windlass has an extremely high power to weight ratio and has a fully sealed gearbox. It can be mounted vertically with a high efficiency permanent magnet motor. Using a durable anodized marine grade aluminum material with chrome manganese bronze top parts provides an excellent look that can last for many years of use. With its precise cut gears insures a smooth operation all the time. Installing it is very easy and doesn’t need any dismantling of the winch. Perfect to use in 5 to 10 meters boats. Other features include a maximum line pull of 386 kg. at 24m/min under normal working load.

Power-winch Free-fall Anchor Windlass 31′ Class   Power-winch Free-fall Anchor Windlass This windlass is easy to use, just hold the helm switch for 5 sec to release and the anchor will drop almost immediately. The super-smooth motor uses small amount of power opposed to power-down models. Specifications: Boat class: 31 feet Retrieval speed: 80 feet per minute Line size: 1/2-inch Power-winch premium medium-lay nylon Pulling power: 625 pounds Anchoring speed: Up to 200 feet per minute Chain size: 1/4-inch Hi-test ACCO G4

Like any standard electric boat winches they are commonly used in boating task such as retrieval of anchors, assisting in pulling of sails and pulling of lobster, crab pots from the bottom of the sea. They are like the power steering of a car wherein pressurized hydraulic oil assists the driver in turning the wheel of a car thus making it a lot easier for the driver to turn the steering wheel. Same with capstan, the only difference is that capstan uses a 12 volt DC motor to rotate the pulley to pull the rope or chain. This allows you not only to pull almost effortless but also making your job a lot faster compare to when you are pulling it manually. It is also a lot safer to work than pulling bare hand making it a good investment tools.

Depending on your need they are available in different pulling capacity and speeds. For example a 1000 lb capstan winch can pull a maximum of 1000 lb pulling force at a fast rate of 40 feet per minute. They are also very easy to operate, using optional accessories like foot-pedal switch you can turn it on or off while guiding the rope with two hands. Some manufacturers offer them for free when you buy a capstan, including all the wire harness to connect it to your 12 volt battery. If not included, you can also buy capstan winch accessories like foot-switch assembly separately.

Thanks to its simple construction, with few moving parts and rust proof components, they are almost maintenance free. So do yourself a favor and stop punishing yourself. Make your boating more enjoyable, buy a capstan winch.

New Quick Mini Genius G250M New Quick Mini Genius G250M This type of winch uses a 12 VDC, 250 Watts motor and generates 1,210 lb. of pulling power. The maximum working load is 375 pounds and the normal working load is 110 pounds. The current absorption working load is 33 amperes. This marine boat winch is ideal for 20 feet to 23 feet boats and uses 0.5 inch to 0.56 inch rope. Other features include a maximum speed of 95 ft/min, maximum chain speed working load is 72 ft/min and weighs 17.6 pounds. It also has a silver gray body finish with chrome finish parts. Cost around $819.99.

RC6 12V Windlass 500W RC6 12V Windlass 500W This 500 watts windlass is designed for 0.25 to 0.5 inch rope. The RC6 utilizes 0.25 inch chain spliced to 0.5 inch three strand or 8 plait rope. It inherited most of its features from its larger brother RC8, the RC6 has been designed with smaller trailer boat in mind. It is available only as a low profile unit with no optional drum included. The in-line vertical motor and gearbox allows a quick and easy installation. If you are looking for an inexpensive, high performance, durable and cool looking windlass the RC6 is the one for you.