Adding a windlass?

[Red Stripe]

A 2005 260 I'm looking at has every virtually option I'm looking for except a windlass. I haven't called a Sea Ray dealer yet, but does anyone know if one can be installed to Sea Ray specs or would it be too much trouble? I assume adding a generator is not a big deal. Any thoughts would be appreciated. (Obviously it won't be inexpensive to do).

Thanks!

 

[Dave S]

My 260DA did not come with a Windlass either and I asked one of the Techs at the dealer what is involved to add one. He said it is usually not a real simple job. I guess you have to reinforce the deck where the Windlass bolts on for one thing and then you have to run wiring as well. He estimated that it would probably take him the beter part of a day to install one and he has installed several of them on various boats.

After dropping and retrieving my anchor several times, I feel that a Windlass is not necessary. It's actually easier to deploy and retrieve the anchor on my 260DA than it was on my 240SD. The bow roller on the anchor chute makes that much difference. :smt038 The anchor itself is quite a bit heavier, but I haven't found that to be a problem either.

As far as adding a generator goes, the mounting platform is already there on mine. I believe Thunderbird1 added a generator to his 260DA after he bought it. You will have to cut additional holes in the hull for the genny cooling and exhaust, attach fuel lines and then do the required wiring into the power panels and up to the dash as well. So unless you are real handy, it's probably best to let the dealer install it.

 

[rondds]

i guess you cant argue with a tech, but i'd be shocked if searay doesnt run the wiring harness up to the area and reinforce the deck in every boat that leaves the factory. i bought my 2002 crownline and didnt opt for the windlass, but in the rope locker was ALL the wiring tucked away neatly. this makes it easy for the dealer to install the unit if he needs to. can you poke your head in there and take a look around for some really heavy gauge wire?

 

[thunderbird1]

I agree with Dave S that the windlass is not necessary on the 260, but it sure is nice (my wife loves it). I got essentially the same story from my dealer, so we elected to have the factory install the beast when our boat was being built. The windlass takes lots of DC current to run, so the required beefy wiring is more difficult to run than standard wiring. Installing a second battery is also a good idea if you plan to use the windlass regularly.

Red Stripe: Installing a genset is not trivial, so be prepared to pay for significant labor. In addition to drilling holes in the hull, the entire engine had to be removed from my boat to make room for the genset. Moreover, there are important applicable industry electrical standards which not all mechanics may be aware of. I suggest you ask your service folks how many generators they have installed before giving them the green light. You don't want someone drilling a hole in the wrong place due to lack of experience. :grin:

 

[fwebster]

If Sea Ray offers the windlass as an option, there is no reinforcement needed to the deck. The high cost of installing one is the wiring. The windlass Sea Ray offers requires some pretty large cabling (like battery cables) for positive and negative current.......the switch gear wiring is small and inexpensive. The cost is high because the salon and forward cabin have to be dissassembled to run the wiring, and because the installation is done standing on your head working thru a small hole.