[kokotxa]

I am thinking about buying a windlass for my 26' Osprey pilot house boat. I am a little hesitant since I often hear that they are more trouble that they are worth. I do a lot of anchoring over rocky bottom and my crew and me are getting tired of doing so much pulling. Can anybody make some good recomendation ?

 

[B.Attitude]

Although I only have mine for two years I feel its the best piece of equipment I put on my boat.Its the Simpson Lawrence freefall.Occassionally it will get stuck due to line twist but it frees up easily.Make sure you put a swivel between the chain and the anchor,it helps eliminate some line twist.What I like about the Simpson Lawrence model is that it handles chain,I have 15' of chain on mine which makes setting the anchor fast and easy.
paulie

 

[MakoMike]

Koko,
IMHO you're much better off with the stainless ring and the ball rig. Nothing can go wrong with that.

 

[Leprechaun]

Here's a Thread Worth Reviewing

Read thru this:

Windlass Stuff from "Ask the Pros Board"

More Here:

More Windlass

More

Part 2 of the above

Older stuff but worth reading

I think all that above will answer alot of your questions.

rgds, Leprechaun

 

[614048]

I recall seeing some flack on some boating sites about several people having mechanical difficulties with their windlass. I had gotten the impression that a windlass was a bit of a crap shoot as to whether it would stand the test of time and work for several years without repairs or replacement.

 

[614212]

SeaJay,
Have had a Good brand windlass on my boat since 1987. Don't anchor much in ocean, but I freuqent the bridges and bays. Knock wood, never had a problem. Retrieves fully every time.
Maybe it was built better back then.
Capt Tom

 

[Hipshot]

One thing about windless's is your rope locker/storage area must be of an adequate size to hold the amount of rode that you need. For instance if you fish 17 fathoms you need at a minimum of 300 ft. any deeper more or really nasty weather more. If your locker won't handle the amount of rode you need you are wasting your money and time! You would need an anchor ball and ring (which can be used with any amount of line as long as the ball is big enough to float the anchor and chain. If you fish shallower areas they are great, especially in nasty cold weather when all you have to do is flip a switch or push a button. Consider the good as well as the bad before you purchase, they are not cheap!
Hipshot