[scevrog]

Hi there. I want to install an electric anchor windlass on my Catalina 30, 1986, bowsprit version.

From what I've been reading, this is not the ideal boat for a windlass. That maybe true, but i can't continue pulling it up. I have a 35lb all chain CQR. I don't want to go lighter, but my lower back won't co-operate anymore.

I've seen pictures of horizontal windlasses mounted on a bowsprit. A configuration like that wouldn't take away any space from my deck. Does any one know anything about this? How does that work?

I have a bowsprit (see pics). Could a horiztonal windlass be installed directly on that wooden bowsprit? Would it be strong enough? I wouldn't want to wreck my bowsprit. I guess the chain would just run through the existing chain locker as it is, without any need for a modification?

If this is possible, any idea on a horiztonal windlass that would fit in that area on the bowsprit and be sufficiently powerfull?

Thanks.

 

[Classic30]

First off, welcome to Sailnet.

Second, why would you need to mount it on the bowsprit, when you've a nice clear deck space immediately aft of it? IMHO, the thing to do would be to mount a horizontal windlass on the deck aft of that steel plate such that the chain drops straight into the locker and mount a guide roller off of the side of the bowsprit instead - using one of these arrangements if you have to:

 

[capta]

There isn't any reason to mount the windlass on the bow sprit. As mentioned above, the chain needs to feed from the gypsy directly into the deepest part of the chain locker, or you will have lots of problems. A windlass should be able to bring the anchor all the way aboard (home), but if you mount it on your bow sprit, it doesn't seem as though there would be enough distance to do this without putting the anchor roller a few feet beyond the end of the sprit. You might also want to consider the increased load on the sprit when it goes under water with the added weight and resistance of the windlass..
Windlasses come with installation guides, so choose the size that you need and follow the manufacture's instructions.

 

[Gladrags1]

You wouldn't want to put the windlass on the sprit. The strain would be too much. Most windlasses are installed just aft of the chain locker. I'm sure you could find a suitable one, either vertical or horizontal.


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[MedSailor]

You not only do not want to put the windlass on the sprit but your CQR anchor shank is too long to allow it.

Medsailor