WHICH WINCH
There are a number of important criteria to be considered in selecting the
correct anchor winch. These include the vessel size, displacement, windage, anchor size and rode selection.
Practicalities such as locker space and depth of fall for the rode also play a
part in deciding which windlass is ideal for you.
Maxwell's range of windlasses and capstans is extensive, with models to suit
boats from 6 metres (20 feet) to 60 metres (200 feet) and more. This section aims to simplify
the selection process by taking you step by step through all the criteria that
needs to be considered when choosing a windlass or capstan.
WHAT SIZE WINDLASS OR CAPSTAN FOR MY BOAT?
Consider the overall length and displacement (either light or heavy) of your
boat and use the chart on the opposite page to identify the most suitable
windlass or capstan for your vessel.
VERTICAL OR HORIZONTAL CONFIGURATION?
The two basic types of windlasses are differentiated by the drive shaft
orientation. Deck thickness and underdeck
space are the two main considerations when deciding which of the two types to
fit.
Vertical windlasses make up the majority of anchor winch sales. They are characterised by situating the capstan and/or gypsy
above deck and the motor and gearbox below deck. Vertical windlasses provide a 1800 wrap of the anchor rode around the chainwheel giving optimal chain control, minimising slippage and jumping.
Horizontal windlasses are mounted completely above deck with gypsy and
capstan located to either side. They provide a 900 wrap of the rode around the chainwheel.
HOW MUCH SPACE DO I NEED IN MY CHAIN LOCKER?
Deck thickness and locker space play an important role in deciding whether to
install a vertical or horizontal windlass. Estimating or
measuring the depth of fall of the rode into the anchor locker may dictate
which type of windlass is most suitable for your vessel. Calculating the depth
of fall differs for horizontal chain only windlasses and for vertical rope or
rope/chain windlasses.
RODE SELECTION
Rope and/or chain, particularly chain selection, is extremely important.
Deciding on the right anchor winch for your boat depends on the size, not only
of the boat, but also the ground tackle. Maxwell anchor winches and capstans
are designed to take chain only, rope only or a combination of both. Automatic
rope/chain systems are now commonly used on boats up to 20 metres
(65 feet). Consequently, Maxwell's Freedom and Liberty Series automatic
rope/chain systems have become increasingly popular, as they offer the added
benefit of less weight in the bow with the ability to carry an increased amount
of rode. Chain only systems remain popular on heavier displacement sail and
motor yachts.
There are two main types of anchor chain. Short link chain is most commonly
used on small and medium sized boats while stud link chain is generally used on
much larger vessels such as Superyachts. The latter
is characterised by a stud (bar) joining the two
sides of the link preventing them from deforming when overloaded. High test or
calibrated short link chain should always be used. Long or
regular link chain.
There are a wide variety of both metric (mm) and imperial (inches) chain
sizes available and these will have bearing on your final windlass decision. It
is important that the right size and right grade of chain is used to ensure a
correct fit of the links to the gypsy. If the chain is not matched to
the chainwheel problems may occur, such as the chain
jumping off the gypsy or the chain jamming as it will not feed smoothly through
the chainpipe.
As chain to chainwheel compatibility is so
important, Maxwell supplies chainwheels to fit just
about every known chain available on today's international market.
DC, AC OR HYDRAULIC?
The wattage of a DC electric motor is not the important factor. Rather it is
the efficiency of the whole winch, including the gearbox and motor, which
counts. With the increasing popularity of powerful and compact on-board
generators, AC powered winches are becoming a practical consideration for
bigger boats. Hydraulic systems provide another power source well worth
considering as they have the advantage of constant speed under all load
conditions and can be run almost constantly while coupled with safe guards such
as pressure relief valves. Modern hydraulic systems offer an integrated, low
maintenance and efficient, centrally managed, power pack.
WHAT PULL CAPABILITY WILL I NEED?
The only meaningful way to rate anchor winch performance is by looking at what
it will lift and at what speed. The two things to consider are (a) the maximum
pull capability and (b) the working load of the winch. Maximum pull
(sometimes referred to as stall load) is the maximum short term or
instantaneous pull of the winch. Working load is generally rated at about one
third of the maximum pull and is usually considered to be the load that the
winch is pulling once the anchor is off the bottom. To determine your required
maximum pull capability, complete the calculation below.
1. |
Calculate ground tackle weight (anchor + chain + rope =
ground tackle) |
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|
eg: |
Anchor |
18m/60ft Chain |
61m/200ft rope |
Ground tackle |
|
|
30kg/66lbs |
40kg/88lbs |
12kg/26lbs |
82kg/180lbs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2. |
Calculate the maximum pull (total ground tackle x 3 =
Maximum pull) |
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|
Safety guidelines suggest that the pulling capacity of the
windlass should not be less than 3 times the total weight of the ground
tackle. |
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|
eg: |
GROUND TACKLE |
maximum pull |
|
|
|
|
82kg/180lbs |
|
246kg/540lbs |
|
|
In this instance a Freedom 800 or VW 800 or HWC 650 would
be suitable. The maximum pull of 246kg/540lbs is well within the capability
of all these anchor winches. |
SAFETY AND SECURITY TIPS
Circuit breaker/isolators are used in the installation of any DC electric windlass
to provide protection to motor and cables should the windlass be overloaded.
Accessories such as chain stoppers or chain snubbers
are highly recommended for safe anchoring, the avoidance of unintentional
self-launching of the anchor and for the prevention of damage to your anchor
winch.
You should never anchor off your winch or use your winch to draw your boat
to the anchor spot. The anchor winch is designed to pull up a dead weight and
should not be subjected to the strain of your boat riding at anchor.
If you think the winch you are considering may be too small, then go to the next size up. Better to have excess lifting
capacity than not enough!