Cost of windlass instalation.

twinscrewzz

Member
Nov 8, 2014
78
Phoenix Az
Boat Info
1989 340 SB. Possible offer
Engines
454 Mercruisers W/V Drives
I need to have a windlass installed. 37 footer with bow pulpit. Trying to get an idea what the cost should be.
Anybody had one done that would like to share the cost?
thanks
Mike
 
Mike

I don’t have you exact boat but here are the basics.

Cost of the windlass

Cost of the install including reinforcing and installing proper backing plate. I would expect 10-16 hours labor.

Cost of wiring in the new windlass. I would expect 5-8 hours.

Cost of new anchor, chain, rode, roller, bollard, if you need those things and they can be expensive as well as the labor to splice and shackles.

One you have a reputable shop and know the hours I would get a bid from them and compare it.

Btw. Having a windlass is the only way to go!
 
I looked at doing it on our 28 footer and no one would bid the job as there were too many variables. That to me indicated it was going to be expensive.
 
This is a write-up of the windlass install I did when I had a 260DA:
http://clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/260-sundancer-windlass-installation-2003-model.65598/

Some of the variables to this install will be :
Type/Brand of windlass
Wiring path length (the heavy gauge wire and connectors get expensive)
Ease of access to cable path (for disassembly/reassembly time)
Deck preparations at rope locker
Type and length of chain/rope you are looking to use (some windlasses accept only certain chains)
Installation locations of control switches and breakers
Are you planning on installing foot switches at bow ?

All of this will give you an idea of material costs which on my 260DA was in the 1000-1500 range. Add more for a larger boat. Then for installation the labor time will need to be considered - If your doing it yourself it is sweat-equity.

-Kevin
 
When you get around to talking with boat yards about which thruster to install, find out what size is needed for your boat then buy one at least one size larger.

Nobody ever said "I wish my thruster was smaller".
 
He's what I figured it would cost for my 270. $1000 to $1200 for windlass, $200 for wire, $200 to $300 for rode and the installing it my self. Then the boat still needs air-conditioning installed. Screw it, sold the boat.
 
Thanks for all the reply's. I should have given a little more information. I have a reconditioned ideal windlass that was removed from the boat. wiring is complete but there was deck work done so not sure it will be just a reinstallation or not. I am in the process of getting pricing for a couple upgrades. Craft Marine in Sandusky must be very busy as getting a response from them is proving difficult. Boat has been surveyed and waiting for warmer weather to splash the boat and sea trial. Currently no chain. 100 ft in my future.
 
Seeking bids for labor intensive marine work in early spring in northern states is going to be frustrating. I do custom marine canvas/flooring and am booked for at least the next few months with work written up this past fall.
Book your upgrades in the Fall/Winter for Spring delivery.
 
Seeking bids for labor intensive marine work in early spring in northern states is going to be frustrating. I do custom marine canvas/flooring and am booked for at least the next few months with work written up this past fall.
Book your upgrades in the Fall/Winter for Spring delivery.

Where I understand that boat is currently in heated storage and they won't begin launching for 2 weeks. And I first requested quote a month ago. It would be easier if I could swing by and talk to them but I'm in Az. and boat is in OH.
 
I will watch this thread. I just returned a Windlass for my 270 that was recommended by the Marina. The Marine determined that they did not want to take on the job because of the problems associated with installation. The 270 may not be made for a Windlass? I will be looking for more info going forward because I think the Windlass is the way to go for many reasons. Good luck
 
I will watch this thread. I just returned a Windlass for my 270 that was recommended by the Marina. The Marine determined that they did not want to take on the job because of the problems associated with installation. The 270 may not be made for a Windlass? I will be looking for more info going forward because I think the Windlass is the way to go for many reasons. Good luck

Lot's of 270's out there with windlass installs. Have you had your 270 for a while? Is the deck dry? It sounds unusual that a marina wouldn't want to take your money. :)
 
I will watch this thread. I just returned a Windlass for my 270 that was recommended by the Marina. The Marine determined that they did not want to take on the job because of the problems associated with installation. The 270 may not be made for a Windlass? I will be looking for more info going forward because I think the Windlass is the way to go for many reasons. Good luck

I had a windlass on my old 270.
 
Lot's of 270's out there with windlass installs. Have you had your 270 for a while? Is the deck dry? It sounds unusual that a marina wouldn't want to take your money. :)

Just got the 270. Has been in Phoenix since early January at Lake Pleasant Marine. I have been on it twice and am having it shipped to me in Iowa in 2 weeks. This is my first cruiser. I am not sure what you mean by “is the deck dry?”. It is if isn’t raining:). The Marina was willing to do the work but unwilling to guarantee that it would be a clean operating windlass. I am going to get it done for sure when I get it with me. To me they should be standard.
 
...I am not sure what you mean by “is the deck dry?”...

I think they are referring to if the coring material is wet - it is common for large opening to weep in water if not properly sealed. When they coring gets "wet" it will rot over time and lose it structural support capacity.

-Kevin
 
Lot's of 270's out there with windlass installs. Have you had your 270 for a while? Is the deck dry? It sounds unusual that a marina wouldn't want to take your money. :)
Yes, the deck is dry. I’m convinced they didn’t want the work. I wii have it with me first week of May and will go from there.
 
Yes, the deck is dry. I’m convinced they didn’t want the work. I wii have it with me first week of May and will go from there.

If at Pleasant Harbor the marina is now owned by the county and that may explain why they don't really care if they get the work or not. If at Scorpion Bay it is odd they turned work away.
 
This is a write-up of the windlass install I did when I had a 260DA:
http://clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/260-sundancer-windlass-installation-2003-model.65598/

Some of the variables to this install will be :
Type/Brand of windlass
Wiring path length (the heavy gauge wire and connectors get expensive)
Ease of access to cable path (for disassembly/reassembly time)
Deck preparations at rope locker
Type and length of chain/rope you are looking to use (some windlasses accept only certain chains)
Installation locations of control switches and breakers
Are you planning on installing foot switches at bow ?

All of this will give you an idea of material costs which on my 260DA was in the 1000-1500 range. Add more for a larger boat. Then for installation the labor time will need to be considered - If your doing it yourself it is sweat-equity.

-Kevin

Agreed. I replaced my existing (dead windlass). It's more involved than I had expected. Did it myself. Materials etc including indexed chain and rode and a piece of starboard was about $1300 (and that was wholesale). Labor was a good solid day's work. I added wireless control to mine as well as length markers on the rode. You'll also need someone to splice the rode for you.
 
Last edited:
Agreed. I replaced my existing (dead windlass). It's more involved than I had expected. Did it myself. Materials etc including indexed chain and rose and a piece of starboard was about $1300 (and that was wholesale). Labor was a good solid day's work. I added wireless control to mine as well as length markers on the rode. You'll also need someone to splice the rode for you.

When I did my 260DA I ordered 8 plait rope splice to chain. Ordered the whole length pre-spliced from Defender.

-Kevin
 

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