5satins
New Member
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
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