Thinking of adding a windlass

SCORPIO

SCORPIO

Well-Known Member
Apr 7, 2008
2,743
Delaware
Boat Info
1989 300 DA
Engines
Twin 5.7 Merc Alpha I
I'd like some advise from those in the know. I'm thinking of adding a windlass to my 89 300 DA, it does not currently have one. We've been anchoring more this year than previous years and a few times its been quite a chore getting the anchor up. My wife told me that if I expect her to pull the anchor (as she doesn't like to run the boat) then she would like a windlass. What I'd like to know is what size, brand and style do those of you that have them recommend? I've been looking at Lewmar units but haven't decided on a style or capacity. Is bigger better? What I mean is would a larger unit provide better pulling power?
I've been thinking that to power this thing I'd like to keep my wire runs short to avoid 40+ foot runs of 4/0 cables. I'm thinking of installing a large battery under the v-berth and installing a dedicated charger for it. This way I hope to keep my wire runs under 8 feet and still be able to charge the battery while we are at the slip.
Now let me know what you think.
 
I've never installed a windlass, but I've been without one, and know how you feel. I use mine on a regular basis, and wouldn't want to be without one. I think intalling a battery under the forward berth would be a mistake. Batteries should be installed in the bilge, close to the charger. There is lots of web info on the details of the installation. You may have to thread your way throught the cabin, but just follow the wire to the front that goes to the spotlight or the forward running lights.

My only advice would be to oversize the windlass and wire a bit, especially if you plan to anchor in deep water. I only run mine with the engine running to avoid a strain on batteries.

Don
 
I have a lewmar 600 freefall windlass and would not be without it. I ran 8g wire to my batteries with no power issues. They do tend to foster a love/hate relationship as they sometimes tangle, etc. It would be a great upgrade for you in my opinion.
 
So both of you suggest taking power for the windlass from the main engine batteries is that correct? I can see the advantage of having the ability to keep the engines running to charge bats in case you get in a tough spot. That wire run won't be fun but I think its doable. I've been looking at Lewmar Profish 1000 free fall units, any opinions? I'm not sold on Lewmar, just more info seems to come up when I google windlasses. I've seen some units bundled with 22lb delta anchors for as low as $730, seems like not too bad of a deal. I'll assume I'm going to need special chain and brade rode to run thru the gypsy. Anybody got a good source for those goodies?
 
I had an '88 300 Weekender and a windlass to install. I could never find a way to get a heavy cable from the engine compartment to the anchor locker. I hope someone here can give you some direction on the be best way to do this. You would think Sea Ray would have conduit run up and down the boat. I didn't find any thought. Some folks suggested running it through the bow rails. Pretty clever really.

Good luck. I'm going to be watching to see what I missed.
 
My boat came with a Benson Windlass that appeared to be original equipment. It died a couple of years ago and since they aren't around anymore I couldn't get parts for it.
I shopped around for a free fall windlass that could also take chain to replace it. I chose the Powerwinch. It was a mistake. It's a poorly made unit that is unreliable in that the rope often jams up or runs off the gypsy. I'm on my second finger and spring in two years. Avoid Powerwinch at all costs.
When I called Powerwinch to get a number for alocal authorized shop to do warranty work they gave me a number. When I spoke with the guy he told me that he would never buy another powerwinch or recommend it to anyone. The company was sold to someone a few years back, and they outsourced their manufacture and assembly to China.
There is a Lewmar on my Uncle's boat that I share with him and use for fishing. It's also a free fall and looks just like the Powerwinch I have, but is much better built and more reliable.
 
Hi Chris. My 300 dancer came with a defunct Benson windlass. I installed a stainless steel Lewmar 700 rope/chain gypsy. I used the wiring that orig. ran the Benson. I have never popped the breaker thank god, because I have no Idea where it is to reset it! The windlass works great, pulls my 300 against the current and wind with no issues. I used an above deck model for two reasons, first, I did not like the idea of the winch motor being in the wet enviroment of the anchor locker, and the second reason is that Lewmar recomends at least 12 inches of drop inside the anchor locker from the the bottom of the deck to the locker floor. The 300 does not have very deep locker, so by using the sealed above deck model, I picked up about 3 inches. I had this unit on my 268, removed it when I sold the boat, then installed it on my 300. I ran the 268 for 4 years with it, and am on year two having it on the 300. I use the windlass every weekend, and keep the boat within 10 feet of the beach at all times, so the windlass gets used a lot. Note: They are tough on the batteries. If I am not too close to the beach and the drives are not up at the trailer position, I run the engine while operating it. Dave
 
I installed a lewmar this spring with a 22lbs lewmar fast set anchor .8 guage wire and ran it behind the front upper trim cushion,though the closet behind the cabinet throught the bathroom cabinet and under the dash.You probably will have to remove the front mirror/panel whichever you have.The cables will fit in the crack where the deck meets the hull.Then put the covers back on.You will probably need longer studs as the ones that came with the windless were 1/2" too short.
 
Hey Glen, hows it going. The boat treating you good this year?
 
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