ANCHORING GUIDE · SELECTION TOOL
Windlass Selection Guide
Find the right Muir anchor winch for your vessel. Compare vertical, horizontal, capstan, and drum models by boat length in our Windlass Selection Guide — from small trailer boats to 30m+ superyachts.
30+
MODELS COVERED
6
PRODUCT FAMILIES
4–30m+
VESSEL LENGTH RANGE
GETTING STARTED
How to Use This Windlass Selection Guide
This Windlass Selection Guide works in one step: find your vessel's length along the axis below, then scan down to see which models cover that range — the closer to the centre of a bar, the better the fit. Bars that overlap mean either model is a reasonable choice; check specifications to decide between them.
THE FULL RANGE
Compare Models by Boat Length
Feet (ft)
4
13
6
20
8
26
10
33
12
39
14
46
16
52
18
59
20
66
25
82
30
100
READING THE CODES
Model Code Reference
Every Muir model name follows the same code system — once you know it, you can read specifications at a glance.
VR
Vertical Reversing with a Gypsy
VRC
Vertical Reversing with a Gypsy and Capstan
VFF
Vertical Freefall
HFF
Horizontal Freefall
VC
Vertical Capstan
HR
Horizontal Reversing
VM
Vertical Manual with Gypsy
VMC
Vertical Manual with Gypsy and Capstan
H
Hawse Pipe
READ BEFORE YOU BUY
Important Selection Notes
This chart is a starting point — these factors change which model is right for you.
Conditions: the specification in this section applies to vessels operating in safe weather conditions. This information is a guide only — contact your local Muir representative for advice on the appropriate system for your requirements.
Charter & commercial use: where vessels are used for charter or commercial purposes, extended offshore cruising in rugged conditions, or where average displacement puts them at the upper limit of a windlass size, a larger model should be selected.
Displacement & exposure: displacement, windage and anchoring conditions are all factors to consider — it’s advisable to select a larger windlass and ground tackle if anchoring in exposed conditions.
Chain stopper required: all systems assume the use of a chain stopper or chain snubber line to prevent load being placed on the windlass when breaking loose the anchor.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Windlass Selection Guide FAQs
Common questions about using this Windlass Selection Guide and choosing between similar models.
What does VRC mean on a Muir windlass model?
VRC stands for Vertical Reversing with a Gypsy and Capstan. Other common codes include VR (gypsy only), HR (Horizontal Reversing), and VC (Vertical Capstan) — see the full Model Code Reference above.
Should I size up if I anchor in exposed conditions?
Yes. Muir recommends selecting a larger windlass and ground tackle if anchoring in exposed conditions, or if your vessel is used for charter, commercial purposes, or extended offshore cruising.
Do I still need a chain stopper if I have a windlass?
Yes. All Muir systems assume the use of a chain stopper or chain snubber line to prevent load being placed on the windlass when breaking loose the anchor.
Is this Windlass Selection Guide accurate for all conditions?
This guide applies to vessels operating in safe weather conditions and is intended as a guide only. Contact your local Muir representative to confirm the right system for your specific requirements.
Still Not Sure Which Model Fits?
Send us your vessel's length, displacement and anchoring conditions — our team will confirm the right Muir system for you.
GET EXPERT ADVICE