Windlass Info

[seadog2]

Hi I do alot of singlehanded cruising and I am thinking very serously about installing a windless for my ericson 27. Does anyone have any recommendations? Of course I am on a budget so price is to be considered. I think having a windless would be helpful because I am by myself about 97% of the time. Thanks so much in advance for all who reply. Fair winds and happy sailing. Anytime on the water is the perfect time.

[Charlie]

On that size boat I would look at a manual windlass like this Lofrans - Lofrans Horizontal Manual Windlass You can find them cheaper used if you look. This will save a lot of money not only on the price but on the install costs since you won't need any electrical.

[rebel heart]

With a 27' boat the manual really might make a lot of sense for you. Your tackle is lighter, east coast scope is generally shorter than west coast, and the costs associated with the install of an electric windlass can be 50% of the cost of the windlass itself.

It's slower (very slow) and a bit of a Benny Hill skit if you're trying to both motor and haul anchor. With our manual windlass I found that I have to be a lot more careful about picking calm periods. Because dropping a few hundred feet of chain is pretty common around here I've been debating about swallowing the electric windlass pill.

[Bluemansailor]

On my last boat a Bristol 32 and now on my present boat I have the Lofrans manual windless. Works great! and yes, I do a lot of single handing sailing. It does take some planning with the engine and windlass being alone.

But having a autopilot, after I get the majority of the chain up, engine in low rpm forward helps tremendously.

[barnakiel]

In a 27', you may still be able to handle the rode and anchor by hand. I did, for 10 years.

If you sail alone and you are going to anchor a lot then a windlass is a good help and make sure your anchor self-launches too. You will only need a very small model to do the job on a 5/16 chain and say a 22 lbs anchor. Lofrans is one decent make to consider.

Some winches are installed all above the deck (motor in the housing) and these are my faves for ease of installation.

Just my 2 cents. Countless other good options too.

Cheers,
b

[malbert73]

I have one of these

http://www.pyacht.com/simpson-lawrence-anchorman.htm

With all chain rode. I like it because you can retrieve quite fast with handle oriented so swinging radius is short, but then reverse handle for more power when needed. Yes, the vertical ones are more ergonomic, but are SO SLOW....
I can haul up 100 feet of chain very quickly. In breeze, use engine slow ahead into the wind and can keep up....

[rgscpat]

I do so hate trying to sail when it's windless.

Sorry -- I'm married to an English teacher, so please grin along with me.

[cburger]

Have a friend with a very nice rebuilt Simpson Lawrence Seatiger manual windlass who would sell it for a reasonable price.

[nes]

Just make sure what every windlass you install there is plenty of room below it for the chain to fall, or it will not work very well.