Vertical Manual Windlass

[Iain]

I am considering purchasing a Vertical Manual Windlass. I am having trouble locating options. Can anyone reccomend a particular model?


I would like to keep it simple and go manual, also like the low profile look of the vertical Windlass.

any imput is appriciated!

[svHyLyte]

A l-o-n-g time ago when I was much younger, had a much smaller boat (a Thunderbird 26) and very little money, I made such a windlass out of an old cast-off single action sheet winch. I covered the barrel of the winch with a leather cuff, sewn up with monel wire while the leather (from a shoe-makers shop) was wet (2-layers). Our anchor chain (1/4") passed through a chain stopper and to the winch where I could make two or three rounds and tail with one-hand without difficulty with the chain-stopper taking up tension on the chain when I released the tail. It worked quite well and I only had to redo the leather once in 8 years.

FWIW...

[brindal]

Muir still makes them - IMTRA Marine Products

[Iain]

Thanks for the link. Expensive products.

[Aussie Sealady]

What do you mean by a chain stop?

[GordMay]

Chain Stopper ➥ Accessories

[ADMPRTR]

I am in the process of installing an Quick Antares vertical windlass QUICK ANTARES WINDLASS AT1012 1000W 12V 3/8" GYPSY - Quick Antares Windlass - Quick Windlass which are reasonably priced these days (I guess the economical problems in Italy are contributing). One of the things I like about the product is that it has a manual option so if you don't hook it up to a electrical source you can still use it (at least in theory). That way, you could install it and then later when you tire of cranking you can hook up the electrical.

[Iain]

That's a good plan. Can you keep me updated on how the install goes?

[roverhi]

Lewmar/SL made one, don't know whether it's still in production. Sold the one on my boat when I went to electric chain with rope gypsy. Have seen them come up on Ebay very occasionally.

[ADMPRTR]

Originally Posted by Iain

That's a good plan. Can you keep me updated on how the install goes?

Sure. What size of boat are you upgrading?

[MarinerJo]

Originally Posted by Aussie Sealady

What do you mean by a chain stop?

Also known as a "Devil's Claw" a chain stopper is used to grab and hold the anchor chain. An other type is called the "Pelican Hook".

[Hydra]

My father had a vertical manual windlass on his previous boat (30', ~3.5tons). There was no reduction gear. I just had to insert a winch handle on the top of the gipsy. IME, the handle gave too small a mechanical advantage. It was more efficient to raise the anchor by hand.

Alain

[Aussie Sealady]

OK if I install a chain stopper. I can't install an electric windlass. Cost being the major issue and the installation and reinforcing of the bow.

So muscles are all I have.

What type of reinforcing would be needed at the bow?

Would a decent size bit of wood underneath the deck , i.e. above the V berth be good enough to take the weight and strain?

How big a bit of wood?
Or would a flat piece of steel be better

I have a Manson Supreme Anchor and 7 metres of chain.
The maximum my muscles can handle.

And which type of Anchor stop is easiest to use?

[ADMPRTR]

Originally Posted by Aussie Sealady

OK if I install a chain stopper. I can't install an electric windlass. Cost being the major issue and the installation and reinforcing of the bow.

So muscles are all I have.

Do you have a bow roller? My first boat which was about the size of yours (26ft) didn't and getting the anchor was always a back breaking endeavor. I then installed a bow roller and it made all-the-world-of-difference.

If you don't have one I would recommend that you go that route first.

When I installed mine, all I used were carriage bolts with backing washers a small sheet of 3/4" plywood. The hardest part was drilling though the roller for the holes (which it wasn't equipped with). Cost was about $300 for the roller and materials. It held nicely through a 30kt gale.

If you already have a bow roller then a windlass may be an option to consider. Or you could see if it is possible to refine your anchoring technique.

[AnsleyS]

I would like to reiterate what was said earlier. I have a Muir vertical windlass that has a manual emergency function. The manual function is done with a winch handle and it is very hard work. The rotational movement about a vertical axis is tough to do.

On my previous boat we had a horizontal windlass and the manual function was much easier to use. The forward and aft movement of the handle is physically easier to accomplish.

Consider this in your planning. I would suggest that you try and find someone who has one of each of the kinds and try out this movement for yourself.

Cheers