Selecting the appropriate windlass and ground tackle for your vessel and application ensures efficient deployment and retrieval of your anchor irrespective of anchoring or weather conditions. An undersized windlass may well compromise the safety of your vessel and crew. Choosing the right one should prevent costly repairs and damage.

When selecting a windlass there are a number of factors that need to be considered: vessel type, length and displacement, anchor and chain size, windage and the anchoring environment. The staff at Muir can also assist in windlass selection, please find contact details at the back.

A windlass is often exposed to harsh elements therefore it is important to consider the materials and components it is manufactured from. Muir windlasses incorporate high quality components including chromed bronze and high quality marine grade 316 Stainless Steel running gear, stainless steel drive shafts and marine coated alloy housings, to ensure strength, durability and long term usage.

A powered windlass with some form of manual operation or override is always a wise choice and ensures peace of mind that the anchor can be retrieved if power failed or in an emergency. The type and style of windlass you select will depend on the depth of the chain locker, the fore deck layout, power options and personal preference.

Manual or Power Operation?

There are three main ways a windlass can be powered.

1. Manual windlasses: you do the work of a motor, while internal gearing or a ratchet drive makes it easier. These windlasses are above deck units and very simple to install.

2. Electric power windlasses: windlass motors do all the lifting controlled by remote or deck switches and require little user interaction. Electric motors requires electrical power sources in 12/24/48V or 3 Phase AC.

3. Hydraulic power windlasses: another powered method for weighing anchor requires hydraulic pump/powerpack.

Depth of the Chain Locker?

Measuring the vertical distance from the underside of the deck to the top of the full length of stored and heaped anchor rode in the locker will assist in determining the installation to suit your vessel. Refer to the fall depth diagrams to the right, and the options detailed below.

Horizontal or Vertical Configuration?

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 minimise deck intrusion and the modern sleek 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 or vessels seeking a more traditional look.

Manual Operation

Consideration should be given to selecting an automatic windlass with the option of Manual Operation. Manual operation is available on various Storm and Compact Models, refer to the model pages for further details.

Manual Override System (MORS): allows for manual retrieval of the anchor rode with the application of a standard sheet winch handle to the clutch cap on vertical models, and an extension handle for horizontal models.

Manual Operating System (MOS): allows for manual operation featuring a special gypsy attachment that fits to the top of the gypsy after the capstan or clutch top has been removed.

Determining the Capacity of the Windlass to suit my requirements

Once you have identified the windlasses that will suit your vessel based on the length and displacement from the table here, you need to determine the lift capacity required for your application and then refer to the detailed information on the appropriate model.

Work Load (continuous working of the winch)

If a winch works for long periods of time (in contrast to short intervals) then it would typically run at 33% of the maximum workload of the winch.

However, for shorter intervals (typical when weighing anchor) the rating is up to 33%-50% of the maximum load of the windlass, and usually involves multiple stages of operation as the vessel is positioned over the anchor and rode, and then when the anchor breaks free from the seabed and is stowed.

At each stage the workload varies. During the breakout of the anchor from the seabed it will be at its maximum load peak. The windlass should not be used to haul the vessel to the anchor, but the vessel should be powered toward the anchor to minimise the load on the windlass.

Circuit Breaker

To protect the motor and wiring of the electric windlass and to qualify for warranty, a circuit breaker must be installed. An appropriate circuit breaker for the AMPs load should be used, to ensure that when the windlass is at its peak the circuit breaker does not trip and to protect the winch in the event of winch overload. Your Muir office or local representative will supply the recommended circuit breaker to suit the windlass requirements for maximum safety.

Security

To minimise unnecessary load on the windlass and drive gear whilst at anchor, the anchor rode should be secured with a chain stopper or snubber line.