Replacing Powerwinch Windlass

[copb8tx]

I have a '93 400EC with a Powerwinch windlass that I'd like to replace. I have never been satisfied with the current windlass because it has a freefall anchor down operation that's ineffective, and it can only handle rope. Yesterday it failed completely so now's a good time to make the change. Following are my concerns about the current setup and what I want to avoid with the new unit.

The freefall operation always requires someone on the bow to get the drop to 'started'. This is probably due to the lack of hanging weight of my anchor (27lbs) and no chain. I've checked the resistance on the winch to free wheel and it spins effortlessly. I've also replaced the rode with a high quality product so that it's not too stiff to drop. Still won't drop unattended. So I have to think I need a windless that powers the anchor down and doesn't rely solely on the anchor mass.

So far I'm looking at the Lewmar Pro 1000/Fish. They have 2 models, one with a power down and the other with a free fall (Fish model). I'd love the free fall operations _IF_ it also had the ability to start with a power down. Does anyone here know the if the Pro 1000 Fish model can do both, or is it one or the other?

http://www.pyacht.com/lewmar-pro-series-windlasses.htm

Second question, anyone know whether I'd have to upgrade the electrical wiring to support this unit? I would think that there's significant juice being provided to the Powerwinch now that would support the new unit.

Finally, any other makes/models I should consider over the unit I'm looking at?

Thanks for any help or guidance!

 

[tobnpr]

The ability of an anchor to "self-launch" (as it's called) is based on the anchor type, and the style of the anchor davit, or pulpit- the windlass type or make has nothing to do with this...

If you have an anchor pulpit, with just a roller, you need an anchor that is designed to self-launch, like a Delta:

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|10391|33872|66574&id=66609

Note the style of the anchor shank- and under "features" it explains the self-launching concept.

If you have an anchor davit- as I do, you can use a Fortress (or Danforth-style) anchor which is not self- launching, but the davit pivots and allows the anchor to drop. Here's mine, note the pivot at the rear of the davit. When the tension is released from the rode, the davit will pivot down and allow the anchor to drop.

As far as the manufacturer of the replacement windlass, I suggest you look at the Good F-850 you see in my pic. They were OEM for Sea Ray for many years. They're more expensive than some brands, but they're made in the good 'ol USA by a small family-owned business, top-quality, and excellent customer service.

Now do I get the "Technical Contributor" thingy????

 

[copb8tx]

The ability of an anchor to "self-launch" (as it's called) is based on the anchor type, and the style of the anchor davit, or pulpit- the windlass type or make has nothing to do with this...

If you have an anchor pulpit, with just a roller, you need an anchor that is designed to self-launch, like a Delta:

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|10391|33872|66574&id=66609

Note the style of the anchor shank- and under "features" it explains the self-launching concept.

If you have an anchor davit- as I do, you can use a Fortress (or Danforth-style) anchor which is not self- launching, but the davit pivots and allows the anchor to drop. Here's mine, note the pivot at the rear of the davit. When the tension is released from the rode, the davit will pivot down and allow the anchor to drop.
As far as the manufacturer of the replacement windlass, I suggest you look at the Good F-850 you see in my pic. They were OEM for Sea Ray for many years. They're more expensive than some brands, but they're made in the good 'ol USA by a small family-owned business, top-quality, and excellent customer service.

Now do I get the "Technical Contributor" thingy????

Interesting. My anchor davit is angled downwards at a pretty acute angle. I do have a Dandorth anchor that weighs 22.5lbs.

For a test I released the windlass and pull out 10' rope. I held the rope at the windlass base to keep the anchor in its stored position. I then released my grip and the achor fell without assistance. I guess that this tells me the natural rolling resitance of the windlass and the stiffness of the rope combine to counter the weight of the anchor. Before the windless failed I had considered just replacing the anchor with a 45lb model.

I'll definitely take a look at the Good windlasses.

 

[Pietro]

Tobnpr is right about the Good anchor davit (or boom as it is called by Good). It works perfectly and better that any other I've ever seen... for the Good windlass I do not know as I have an old trustworthy Italian Lofran :smt001