Drum Winch
Precision-engineered drum winches for smooth, reliable anchoring.
Built in Tasmania with 316 stainless components and purpose-built motors. Explore the DW (power up/down) and DFF (free-fall) series.
Engineered for Strength and Reliability
Every Muir drum winch is designed and manufactured in Tasmania, built from 316 stainless steel and precision-engineered components. Our designs focus on quiet operation, compact footprint, and uncompromising reliability.
- Flexible power configurations — available in 12V, 24V, and 48V DC, with hydraulic drive options on most models — ensuring compatibility with a wide range of vessel systems.
- Solid 316 stainless steel spool shaft with welded eyelet — eliminating all mild-steel fittings.
- High-capacity, class-leading drum designed for extended rode and chain storage.
- Rounded gearbox housing for easier installation in compact lockers.
- Separation of dissimilar metals prevents galvanic corrosion.
- High-grade aluminium worm-drive gearbox with oil-bath lubrication for smooth, durable performance.
- Power Up/Down DW and Fast Drop DFF Free-Fall models available — delivering up to 50 m/min controlled drop speed.
- Fully Remote Control / Auto Anchor Compatible
How Automatic Free-Fall Works
Deploying a Muir Free-Fall Drum Winch is fast, controlled, and effortless. Follow these three simple steps for smooth and safe anchoring.
1. Hold Down to Engage Free-Fall
Hold the rocker switch down for 3 seconds to activate the automatic free-fall clutch, then release.
2. Allow the Drum to Spool Out
The anchor will rapidly deploy under control. Do not touch the UP switch until the drum fully stops spinning.
3. Take Up Excess Slack
Press the UP switch briefly to re-engage the clutch and remove any slack.
Note: In rough conditions, always secure the anchor to a deck cleat or chain stopper after deployment.
Why Muir?
55+ Years Proven Heritage
Trust by boat builders globally since 1968.
Australian Engineering Built for the Sea
Designed for harsh marine environments.
Global Network Support & Service
Worldwide dealers, spares & technical help.
Certified Quality Compliance
ISO-aligned processes & class approvals.
Muir Drum Winch Specifications – DW & DFF Series
DW Series – Power Up/Down · DFF Series – Free-Fall Models Toggle between Metric and Imperial units. Hover rope values for included chain details.
| Model | Max Recommended Vessel Size | Motor (W) | Max Load (kg) | Work Load (kg) | Line Speed (m/min) | Drum Ø × Width (mm) | Weight (kg) | Voltage | Recommended Rope & Chain Capacity | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 mm | 8 mm | 10 mm | 12 mm | 14 mm | 16 mm | 20 mm | |||||||||
Drum Winch Frequently Asked Questions
Expert answers to help you choose the right anchoring system.
What are the main benefits of a marine drum winch over a windlass?
A marine drum winch stores all your rope and chain cleanly on the winch drum itself. It doesn’t require gravity to feed line into an anchor locker below deck, making it completely jam-free and perfect for trailer boats or vessels with shallow or small anchor lockers.
How do I size an anchor drum winch for my boat?
Sizing depends on your total boat length, displacement weight, and the capacity of the winch drum. The drum must be physically large enough to hold the combined length and diameter of the rope and chain required for your typical anchoring depths.
Can a drum winch handle both rope and chain?
Yes. A dedicated anchor drum winch safely spools the rope and the short-link anchor chain together directly onto a single, heavy-duty marine drum. This eliminates the need for a specialized rope/chain gypsy wheel found on traditional windlasses.
Are Muir drum winches built for saltwater environments?
Absolutely. Every Muir drum winch is manufactured using highly polished 316-grade stainless steel components and fully sealed marine-grade motors, ensuring ultimate corrosion resistance in harsh saltwater conditions.