Need a new windlass

[sammurph]

Hello all,
I'm buying a 1977 365 ketch, hull # 163.  Its got about every excessory I can think off except a windlass. The one item my girlfriend insist upon.  From what I've seen in my two hour first look at the boat, its never been equipped with a windlass, power or manual. I would appreciate very much any recommendations for size, make, model, and type; vert. or horiz.  What do most 365's have? and what has worked best?  Your kind assistance much appreciated as usual.
Sam

[Jim S]

We have a SL Sea Tiger manual windlass.  We used to use the mast winches to pull the anchor rode. 

[EdHouston]

I also have the SL Sea Tiger its a good bullet proof unit (manual though).

[Scott]

For those using a manual windlass, how much chain do you have and how long does it take to get the anchor up?  How often do you anchor? 

We are really struggling between a manual and an electric. 


Thanks!

[EdHouston]

If your budget allows I would go with the electric all for making life easy, I have 50 foot of chain time to pull anchor is dependant on water depth but I can bring all the chain home in a matter of minutes.

Ed

[sammurph]

I'm reading numerous conflicting opinions on manual vs. electric.
I want to go price the electric ones to keep peace with my girlfriend, who thinks she will be the one stuck on the bow cranking a manual.  It would be nice to hear from any owners who have electrics and what make and model they have.
Sam

[Jim S]

Phantom has 60' of 3/8" BBB.  It only takes a few minutes to crank it up.  We chose manual because it is simpler, cheaper (used) and does not require electricity (huge amounts) in the bow.  Originally we used the mast halyard winches to haul the ground tackle and were pleased with that arrangement.  A Sea Tiger became available at a good price used and we installed it.  We tend to be conservative on electric add ons because the 365 is not a large boat.

[Scott]

Jim, how did you use the mast halyard with chain?  I have 200' of 3/8 BBB and really don't want to get rid of it. However, 2k for a windlass + installation is a bit much and that seems to be the price for a 3/8 inch electric windlass.  I can pick up the Lofrans Royal manual (which handles the 3/8 inch BBB) for about $750. 

Regarding electric windlasses, does anyone have a vertical windlass and, if so, is the space in the chain locker adequate?  Right now you can pick up a Lewmar Concept I (1350#s max pull) for under $500 but it is a vertical with the motor under the deck.  Unfortunately, it takes 5/16 HT chain, so I would have to replace that too.  I have a call in to Lewmar to see if they have a gypsy that will take 3/8  BBB for the Concept I.

[JusRockin]

There is plenty of room in the chain locker to mount a vertical windlass, i just installed a new but older Maxwell VW800 (4 inch version) vertical windlass. Now i just have to wire it up. I had to make a few modifications to the cleats and installed new stainless steel anchor rollers. I lowered the cleats several inches so that the chain would not hit the cleats. I made a spacer 2 7/8 thick for the windlass to stand higher than the cleats and to align it with the bow roller. So, i worked with a manual for well over 7 years and now happy to go electric, because of where i anchor. Baron

[Jim S]

Scott, sorry to reply so late.  I missed your question.

We used the mast main and jib winches to haul the rode.  I winched up the line until the chain was at the mast then cleated this off.  I then tied another line on the chain at the bow and winched this on the winch on the other side of the mast.  I alternated this arrangement until the rode was up.  It was a bit messy on occasion.  We kept two 20' lines at the bow with chain hooks to make the job a little quicker, but a rolling hitch on the chain works as well.

[slokat]

We have a two speed, dual Sea Tiger - plus two separate anchor rodes, each are 200' rope + 50' chain

Here's a pic: http://slokat.com/Wind%20Tamer/Ground01.JPG

[EdHouston]

Could use a little Cetol there Slokat!!

[slokat]

yep!  wife just finished hand sanding to get the loose varnish off all the exterior teak. Next I need to do some repairs, set some new plugs & sand with a power sander, then some cleaning & seal it with the new natural teak color Cetol.

Boat sat for a couple of years before we bought it & was stuck in LA over the winter during the engine replacement. So it's probably going on three years since it was varnished.

[dave6330]

Does anyone know what the "standard" manual winch that Pearson used on it's 365 Ketches in 1979?  I couldn't find any markings on mine and it is in need of some work to put it operational again...

[SV THIRD DAY]

Well. we just ordered a new Lewmar H3 for the Bow of THIRD DAY.  The Lewmar Profish 1000 just wasn't up to the task of full time live-a-board cruising where we live at anchor almost every night.  It made it a year...but now it's time to call in the Big Guns!