Just turning on the windlass and using it to pull you to the anchor is asking for trouble.įirst step to proper anchor recovery is to turn on the boats propulsion engine. Anchor retrieval Anchor retrieval is the most taxing on the Windlass.

Both of these devices will make life at anchor much smoother and enjoyable. To soften the load or shock load, from wind and waves, on the chain stopper and boat, use a chain snubber or an anchor kellet. Typically windlasses are rated for 3 or 4 times the weight of the ground tackle and not enough to handle larger loads generated in strong winds and waves. At Anchor After you have successfully deployed the anchor and it has set, you need to use a chain stopper to isolate the load from the Windlass. Electric windlass with freefall have an option for a switch at the helm station which allows you to singlehanded drop the anchor in your desired location.įreefall can get pretty wild as so try it first in shallow water as the chain speed may get too fast in deep water. Most Windlasses can be operated in a free-fall mode by manually loosening the clutch, which lets the gypsy spin freely. Both of these video links demonstrate how each works.įreefall can be 6 times faster than power down. Not all windlasses have power down but they will have freefall instead. Anchor deployment There are two options for using a windlass for anchor deployment, and. By doing this it becomes much easier to choose the best windlass for your boat. Operating the Lofrans Royal manual windlass on a Pearson Triton sailboat.īefore you choose a Anchor Windlass you should become acquainted with their operation and function.

Goiot Windlass Maintenance Manual