WINDLASS FOR 245 WEEKENDER 2003-Installation& brand recommendations

5satins

New Member
Jun 7, 2012
1
LONG ISLAND SOUND
Boat Info
245 WEEKENDER 2003
Engines
260 Mercruiser w/Bravo III
Hi everyone. Just registered but have owned a 30' Weekender for 10 years and now own a 245 Weekender.
Unfortunately my body has aged faster than the Searays. I need to install a windlass in my 2003 245 because I am one of the lucky hip transplant people that have a recall on their hip and need another operation to replace that. Pulling up the anchor myself was quite a task especially since I go out fishing by myself most of the time and cannot safely run up on the anchor line as I am pulling it up. Basically I pull the boat to the anchor and then the anchor frees itself to continue to be hauled in. Boy I must like fishing if I do that or take too many pain killers.
On to business.
I have seen 24' and 26' Sea Rays with windlass installations so I assume this is possible.
My anchor locker is centered and has a clear drop of 28 to 30". I think it is bigger that my 30' was.
I assume the windlass will be mounted on the anchor hatch door which I think will need some beefing up, plus the hatch only relies on the "piano style hinge".
I would greatly appreciate the advice of anyone who successfully or even unsuccessfully has accomplished this and would share his top secret data.
I also could use any advice on wiring, etc.
I am a designer fairly handy and can fabricate most anything I need for installation and support.
As for advice on windlasses that is a sore topic. 10 years ago I replaced the factory installed "Good" brand windlass which worked perfect on my 30' except it would not handle chain.
I spoke with the owner of the company and said such and such would be a good choice and I paid my $1200.
I guess windlasses are like plants, some are annuals and some are perennials. This turned out to be an annual. After buying it at a boat show price in Jan. I installed it in June and had some problems but nothing serious. After storing the boat for that winter the windlass was completely "frozen", the shaft would not turn at all. I called the company and of course since I bought it in Jan. it was now past it's one year warranty.
I opened the motor housing and found a complete rust bucket.
There were holes through the housing that were not sealed, (I was told that was normal), both end caps seemed to have no sealant or o-rings and were completely rusted to the body.
After speaking with the owner he told me to send me the motor.
$35 shipping. He said it was beyond the warranty but he would rebuild it for $185. Ok, got the motor back, all cleaned up and those mysterious open holes in the case were now siliconed along with a heavy bead around the end caps. I don't know how long that lasted because once I installed the motor, I unexpectently sold the boat.
I usually research and spend too much money on products that I assume will be worth it. My new theory on windlass shopping is any motor that is subjected to salt-water, moisture and electrical components will have a short life span. I am looking to buy the cheapest unit with the longest warranty basically.
Has anyone found the great windlass at a very reasonable price, especially for a 24-26' boat?
I hope this post goes through, if not I will try again
thanks and have a great boat season
5satins
 
Did you ever do your windlass installation? I have a 2000 WE 245 and I want to add a windlass as well..
 
So I have a 240 SD I need to put a windlass on it. I received an e-mail from someone who also sent pics of it completed.
I cannot find the e-mail. If anyone can inform me on any completed installs ?
I am looking at lewmar 700 . I have to move the nav lights I know it is directly in the way. need to put one on each side of the anchor roller which is factory installed.
 
So I have a 240 SD I need to put a windlass on it. I received an e-mail from someone who also sent pics of it completed.
I cannot find the e-mail. If anyone can inform me on any completed installs ?
I am looking at lewmar 700 . I have to move the nav lights I know it is directly in the way. need to put one on each side of the anchor roller which is factory installed.
I'm new to the site and I saw your post. I have a 215 express cruiser year 2000 that I put a Lamar windlass on. My boat is a step or two down from yours but may be similar up top. I did have to drill two big holes that landed partially over the hatch and the underneath was beefed up with Starboard. I'll send pictures, price, and how to if anyone responds. Lol
Paul
 
I'm new to the site and I saw your post. I have a 215 express cruiser year 2000 that I put a Lamar windlass on. My boat is a step or two down from yours but may be similar up top. I did have to drill two big holes that landed partially over the hatch and the underneath was beefed up with Starboard. I'll send pictures, price, and how to if anyone responds. Lol
Paul
Hi Paul, Thanks for the reply Yes I would love to see some pics. what size wire did you use to get the power back to the batteries? Thanks
Joe
 
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
Way back in 2008 my back went out and started this project. It's not an easy one. I would rate it almost twice as hard as changing your water pump yourself. I started by researching and sending a letter to boatus Don Casey. He recommended #2 wire for "MY" run from the bow to the battery located by the engine. I would not use any wood, even if you painstakingly encapsulate it with epoxy. Water has a way of getting in 9 years later.
 
Hi Paul, Nice looking boat yes they are very much alike. Thanks for the pics. I had a Chris craft years ago then went to sailboat 30' for 20 years now back to Power. I tour my rotator cuff 3 years ago and had to give up the sailing .
I don't want to be pulling an Anchor.
Do you have any pics of the windlass installed and the deck where the gypsy is mounted? Did you bolt down the Anchor locker? and cut a new hole for access.
I will use starboard for support.
I do have a anchor roller came with the boat from the factory. My direct e-m is joelife2007@gmail.com if you like
 
Hi All, So I was about to get a Lewmar 700 installed on my 2008 240 Sundancer. after figuring the cost of everything I felt in just was not worth it.over $3000. with new windlass bow roller chain and rode plus new nav lights and the fiberglass repair to the holes.
I have a bow roller factory installed came with the boat already installed why change it.
So being a sailor I came up with the Idea to put a two speed Winch on the anchor locker with supports from under the cover.I will line it up with the existing bow roller and I can still open the anchor locker cover.I know I will have to crank it by hand but with a 2 speed winch it will be pretty easy to get the anchor out of the mud with out killing my shoulder Any thoughts on my idea? all responses welcome.
 
I'm new to the site and I saw your post. I have a 215 express cruiser year 2000 that I put a Lamar windlass on. My boat is a step or two down from yours but may be similar up top. I did have to drill two big holes that landed partially over the hatch and the underneath was beefed up with Starboard. I'll send pictures, price, and how to if anyone responds. Lol
Paul

Paul:
An impressive setup. Is it possible to send some pictures of the deck installation of the V700. What make was the bow roller? And how did you finally wire the windlass in? Did you use any bow switches for the installation? I have a 2000 Sea Ray Weekender 245 and I have similar issues: age, bad back and a wife with shoulder problems that makes it almost impossible to anchor using the old "drop it in and haul it out" method.
I want to make sure I understand how you did it exactly----in this situation guessing and experimentation gets expensive.

Thanks so much and Happy New Year.
C. M. "Mickey" Metcalf
Little River, SC
 
I'm new to the site and I saw your post. I have a 215 express cruiser year 2000 that I put a Lamar windlass on. My boat is a step or two down from yours but may be similar up top. I did have to drill two big holes that landed partially over the hatch and the underneath was beefed up with Starboard. I'll send pictures, price, and how to if anyone responds. Lol
Paul
 
Hi I have a sea ray 215 aswell and wish to install a windlass. Can you send me these photos.
 
Hi Paul

An old thread I know but I just saw your very neat winch install. My boat is, I think very similar to yours (a 1998 215 EC) and I would very muck like to just fit an anchor roller as a guide. As you know there is no flat spot to really locate a roller on and the nav bi-light is very much in the way. I had been looking at fitting a small roller on the angled section ahead of the nav light although concerned that chain could damage that. Also the GRP is think there but slightly curved so not ideal. Toying with replacing the nav light with two singles either side of the anchor hatch and having some steel fabricated to support the roller (like yours or possible to fit the shape of the nose of the boat). If you have any insights that would be appreciated. Also see you fitted midship cleats - very handy? Wondering how you were able to get backing behind those.

Best wishes

Eddie


Hi just saw your post. I installed the windlass back in 2008 and it still works.View attachment 95166View attachment 95165
Hi just saw your post. I installed the windlass back in 2008 and it still works.View attachment 95166View attachment 95165
 
Hey Eddie, I did have to relocate the navigation light. I used a block of Starboard underneath the anchor roller and putting in the windlass was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I started planning it over the winter. Talked with the BoatUS guy to wire it and put it in. Still working as of yesterday
 
Hey Eddie, I did have to relocate the navigation light. I used a block of Starboard underneath the anchor roller and putting in the windlass was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I started planning it over the winter. Talked with the BoatUS guy to wire it and put it in. Still working as of yesterday
The backing for the midship cleats are steel plates wrapped in extra carpet I pulled back from the storage compartment.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,950
Messages
1,422,861
Members
60,932
Latest member
juliediane
Back
Top