Best electric windlass for a 36' mono?

[Orrjames]

We are looking to make some improvements next year and an electric windlass is one we agree on. Looking for input on the best brands and your experience with them. Thanks!

[JusDreaming]

we have had good service out of our Lofrans "Tigress". I am hard on it, and it has never failed!!!!!

[seacap]

I would vote for an Ideal Windlass. Bronze working parts can't be beat.

[Jon Neely]

We we have a Muir cougar on our hc33. Thing is built like a tank. Expensive but nice.

[Blue Stocking]

Originally Posted by Jon Neely

We we have a Muir cougar on our hc33. Thing is built like a tank. Expensive but nice.

Jon, do you personally know of a Muir dealer or distributor who will, at least, answer a phone or return an e-mail. Imtra doesn't even know that certain models exist, and the headquarters down under won't return e-mails.

[Cheechako]

Hard to beat a Maxwell Vertical. In the old days I liked the Horizontal windlasses. After having a few verticals I've found they rarely (if ever) jam and work perfectly. The Horizontals can have chain override issues and need a stipper which can be problematic for some people. Maybe it's because the chain on a vertical often goes round the gypsy much further than the 2 or 3 links a horizontal grabs. Anyway, I highly recomend the Maxwell. I've had one new and two well used and none of them ever failed. And a small thing.... they dont catch headsail sheets on the foredeck as much a big horizontal either.

[Jon Neely]

Fisheries in Seattle worked with us great for our Muir. I had to get a new gypsy because of a chain size change and call intra and got good service from the USA branch. the west coast rep never responded to me so I went right to the top.

[belizesailor]

Experiences with Lewmar winches?