Anchor windlass for International series

koviak · Post by **koviak** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 6:55 am

Cleaning my anchor locker out and discovered boat is pre-wired for a windlass. Now question is what type/ brand ? Looks as if I mount it to the back of the pulpit there is a backing plate there. What are you all using?

RWS · Post by **RWS** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 9:04 am

I have a 10 meter that was delivered with a teak inlayed bow pulpit and no windlass or wiring.

I added a Lewmar freefall FF600 (It's either a 600 or a 900, but I think 600 is right.)

We had to custom install everything, I can send photos if that helps you. We use 30' of chain and a Bruce style anchor. We had to set the windlass as far aft as possible to allow for the chain rode piling up in the shallow front area of the anchor locker.

I think the mid cabin models may have a different locker arrangement as they have access to the anchor locker from the fwd cabin.

Before installing the windlass, check the prewiring and see how heavy the wire actually is as this is a critical item in the high amperage draw from the windlass.

In retrospect, I really wish I had added a foot switch or remote to the windlass installation which would have made single handling the anchor far easier.

Finally, this boat has a factory drain hole on the center line at the bottom of the anchor locker. This is a nice feature, but needs to be kept clean.

Also, make sure you install a heavy fuse or fusible link into the wiring system for safety's sake.

RWS

jhalb · Post by **jhalb** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 11:11 am

This is a picture of my windless. I'm not sure if it's original or an add on. It's a Good modle 500 with 5/8 rode.

Stripermann2 · Post by **Stripermann2** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 12:36 pm

I have the Good AFD 500 series. Free drop windlass as JHalb has but 1/2 line..his would be a CFD 500.

I purchased from another member here a few years ago. I had to upgrade a few parts and new line but they really are a workhorse of a windlass. Works good now...highly recommended.

jddens · Post by **jddens** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 12:54 pm

Freefall with remote is awesome. I have a freefall with remote on the fly-bridge and lower helm.......makes anchoring a piece of cake.............John

alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 1:02 pm

Goode's are a good winch, I stressed tested the s*** out of mine last yr at Kinsale when I bumped the sand bar to hard...

...

koviak · Post by **koviak** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 5:18 pm

Good windlass is the one I have been looking at,also the Lewmar brand. RWS, I do not have access to locker from inside of the cabin (large mirror is there). Also wiring from bow to battery box is #2 tinned copper with a bundle of cables back to helm for controls. Most kits I have looked at supply the main breaker and control station. Any one use all rode for anchoring or do I need chain? Seen both set ups, presently I only use 3ft. of chain with no issues on holding. Upper bay is mostly sand/mud bottom and average depth of 16ft. Yes photos would be helpful.

tsawyer · Post by **tsawyer** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 6:31 pm

My mirror lifts up to access the anchor locker from inside the cabin.

jhalb · Post by **jhalb** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 7:13 pm

I have all rode. I don't have any room for chain.

RWS · Post by **RWS** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 7:39 pm

the chain will make the angle of pull more horizontal, thus keeping the anchor from coming free.

the more chain, the better.

RWS

BobCT · Post by **BobCT** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 9:42 pm

you can access the anchor locker behind the mirror? I never checked or even hear of that on a mid cabin....

Did you other mid cabin guys know that? Checking that 1st thing in the morning!

Bob

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 10:17 pm

alexander38 wrote:Goode's are a good winch, I stressed tested the s*** out of mine last yr at Kinsale when I bumped the sand bar to hard... ...

It should have quit on you , that is one "GOOD" windlass You tried to kill it but it just kept pulling

Good windlass is what Trojan used.

jhalb · Post by **jhalb** » Tue Jul 12, 2011 6:59 pm

Found anouther picture.

obeejr · Post by **obeejr** » Tue Jul 12, 2011 9:07 pm

You can buy a Lewmar for less than a Good.

But I have bought three Lewmars in the past five years, one freefall and two power up/down, for a total cost of over $2,500. A Good would have been very inexpensive in comparison.

tsawyer · Post by **tsawyer** » Tue Jul 12, 2011 11:29 pm

Mine sits back on the next hatch, not out on the platform.

Here is the locker behind the mirror: