Windlass user feedback

[deckdork]

I'm cruising sailor and also a freelance journalist. I'm writing a story on windlasses for cruising sailors.
I'm seeking user experiences in general - mentioning brands, experiences, general tips and anecdotes.
Any feedback would be much appreciated.

[Minnewaska]

The first thing that comes to mind whenever someone mentions a windlass, are those with electric foot buttons on the foredeck. They scare the heck out of me and are very dangerous. You reach down to clear a jam or snag, accidentally step on the button and wind your hand right into the windlass. Worse, if there is anyone else on the foredeck with you, they could accidentally step on it. I know of more than one that this has happened to. I'm not sure that remote switches at the helm are any better. A handheld remote at the foredeck, in the hand of the anchor tender, is the only way to go.

How's that, get you started?

[MARC2012]

I have a sl with foot pads.Must keep covers on then they do not operate if steped on.I single hand almost always & find it with the cockpit control very useful.Have had no problems with unit.Anything mechanical is potentialy dangerous due to the fact that you can't fix stupid.marc

[svHyLyte]

We have an extensive thread on Cruisers Forum in 2006 when we installed our Maxwell Vertical WIndlass (see Cleaning Corrosion from High Tension Electrical Cables - Page 2 - Cruisers & Sailing Forums about the middle of the page and beyond). It has proven to be an excellant piece of equipment.

FWIW...

[speciald]

I have a Maxwell with the auto-anchor add-on. This device is great for ster-to docking as it can be programed to let out a determined feet of chain automatically by just pushing the button. This allows crew to tend to the stern lines and the driver to pay attention where he's going instead of pushing windlass buttons. Once in position at the dock; chain tension can casually be taken up. its also goog for anchoring as the chain counter tells you when you have laid adequate chain.

[saildog1]

I use the wireless remote strapped to my wrist for my Lewmar 1000H. I also have a switch in the cockpit.

[deckdork]

Yeah I can see how these buttons could be nuisance but I see them on a lot of production boats nowadays. In my experience there is also more and more remote controls as well.

I wonder what the next big thing will be in windlasses - wireless controls are already here. How are folk getting on with I wonder?

Originally Posted by Minnewaska

The first thing that comes to mind whenever someone mentions a windlass, are those with electric foot buttons on the foredeck. They scare the heck out of me and are very dangerous. You reach down to clear a jam or snag, accidentally step on the button and wind your hand right into the windlass. Worse, if there is anyone else on the foredeck with you, they could accidentally step on it. I know of more than one that this has happened to. I'm not sure that remote switches at the helm are any better. A handheld remote at the foredeck, in the hand of the anchor tender, is the only way to go.

How's that, get you started?

[deckdork]

Interesting about your refit SvHylyte. Few questions if you don't mind: Did you fit a circuit breaker? Did you upgrade the cable diameter? Did you choose a Maxwell with a manual over-ride and if so, have you used it in anger (e.g stuck anchor etc)? Any comments much appreciated. cheers Deckdork

Originally Posted by svHyLyte

We have an extensive thread on Cruisers Forum in 2006 when we installed our Maxwell Vertical WIndlass (see Cleaning Corrosion from High Tension Electrical Cables - Page 2 - Cruisers & Sailing Forums about the middle of the page and beyond). It has proven to be an excellant piece of equipment.

FWIW...

[deckdork]

thanks for this feedback SpecialD. Can I ask you: What brand of auto anchor you used and how much, roughly did it cost and was the fitting expensive? Obviously you are happy with but I wonder if you found any down side with it? e.g what happens if you have a power outage, low batteries, no engine etc? Just trying to look at the pros and cons, as it were. cheers, Deckdork

Originally Posted by speciald

I have a Maxwell with the auto-anchor add-on. This device is great for ster-to docking as it can be programed to let out a determined feet of chain automatically by just pushing the button. This allows crew to tend to the stern lines and the driver to pay attention where he's going instead of pushing windlass buttons. Once in position at the dock; chain tension can casually be taken up. its also goog for anchoring as the chain counter tells you when you have laid adequate chain.

[deckdork]

cheers for your comments Saildog1. Wonder if you've every had any interference or frequency issue with the wireless controls or any other issues, or things cruising sailors should be aware of when thinking about wireless controls? cheers, Deckdork

Originally Posted by saildog1

I use the wireless remote strapped to my wrist for my Lewmar 1000H. I also have a switch in the cockpit.