Anchor Windlass information

What size windlass do I need for my boat? The size and type of windlass that you require will depend on a number of factors including... The length of your boat. The displacement of your boat. The size of your chain and/or rope (if you already have this). The weight of your anchor (if you already have this). It is also very important to consider the conditions in which you will use your boat and the functions that you will require it to perform. To determine the size, please review our Windlass Selection Guide in the Pleasure Craft section, or contact or seek advice from your nearest Muir stockiest or consult a recognized authority. Vertical or Horizontal? Windlasses are one of two types - vertical or horizontal. This is based on the orientation of the drive shaft - vertical or horizontal in direction. Vertical Windlass: The running gear, gypsy and capstan are positioned above the deck with the motor and gear drive below. Vertical windlasses operate at optimum with greater anchor rode fall than the horizontal windlass and a minimum fall of 30cm from top of stacked anchor rode is recommended. This is particularly important if using nylon line which does not fold and stack as well as chain does. Vertical windlasses minimize deck intrusion and the modern curved lines enhance the look of any vessel. A vertical windlass provides a 180-degree wrap of the anchor rode around the gypsy for maximum feed into the locker and prevention of chain slippage and jumping. Horizontal Windlass: Fully enclosed, above deck windlasses, this style is usually preferred where locker space is limited or additional fall is required. The motor and gear drive is fully enclosed in the housing with nothing protruding below deck. The horizontal windlass operates with optimum anchor rode fall of at least 30cm from the top of the stacked anchor rode, and due to the horizontal orientation of the gypsy higher above the deck, there is additional fall provided. These units are ideally suited for vessels with shallow locker space. Often selected for commercial and charter vessel applications. Can I use rope and chain together on my windlass? Yes, a combination of both rope and chain can be used. You will need to have a rope/chain compatible windlass and gypsy (chain wheel). Muir have a range of vertical and horizontally configured windlasses that can take rope, chain or a combination of both. These are fitted standard with rope and chain gypsies. Using a combination of rope and chain together reduces the overall weight of the anchoring system, often critical for high performance vessels. Please ensure correct match of the rope to the chain and to the gypsy. How important is the matching of rope and/or chain to the gypsy (chain wheel)? The correct match of anchor and chain is very important to ensure good fit to the rope /chain gypsy supplied with the windlass. The right size is needed to ensure the mooring line will grip and provide the maximum amount of wrap around the gypsy. If the rope and/or chain is a bad fit, this may cause the mooring line to slip or jam when retrieving. If you do not have rope and/or chain prior to purchasing a windlass it is advisable to buy these together to ensure the proper fit to the gypsy. It is also important to make sure the rope and chain size are suitable for the vessel's length, displacement and anchor size. If there is any doubt seek advice or consult a recognized authority. Do I need to power down my windlass every time? No. All windlasses should have a freefall capability. By releasing the clutch the mooring line will freefall until it reaches the sea bed, or until the clutch is tightened again. You can choose to power down your windlass, and often this is an option if wishing to deploy the mooring line from the helm. Automatic freefall windlasses can be released from the helm with the flick of a switch in the cockpit and then stopped mid fall if required by again flicking the same switch.