Page 7 - Lewmar

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How to choose the right windlass for your boat
There are three main considerations when selecting the correct windlass for A windlass is not a high-load bearing device. When at anchor your
your boat: rode should be secured to a chain stopper, a cleat or other mooring
point on the bow.
1 What size windlass would best suit my boat?
3 How much pulling power should my windlass have?
Use our windlass selection chart, found on page 6/7, to determine the general
size of the windlass to be fi tted to your boat by using length and displacement. Having selected a vertical or horizontal windlass and determined the size
required using the chart on page 6, you can cross-check by using the following
formula:
2 How long is the anchor rode I wish to use, and will the
windlass put the entire rode into my locker?
Total weight of ground tackle Pulling power required
Examine the depth of the anchor locker to determine the fall that is available. =
The fall is the vertical distance between the top of the anchor locker (anchor and rode) x4 ж by the windlass
and the top of the anchor rode when the entire rode is completely
stored inside.
The windlass is a retrieval device. The windlass retrieves the anchor and rode. ж Use x4 for all Horizontal windlass and Vertical windlass up to V5
ж Use x2 for V6 Vertical Windlass and above
The windlass does not stow the rode inside the anchor locker; gravity stows
the rode. Working Load, designed to allow prolonged anchor laying and retrieving
You must know how much rode will fi t into your locker by gravity. There has Please note this is an indication only. If in doubt please contact your Lewmar
to be a free and clear area under the hawse pipe for the incoming rode. representative.
Otherwise, you will have to comb the rode back, keeping a clear and free
space under the hawse pipe while retrieving the anchor.

Vertical Windlass Horizontal Windlass

Available Fall
Available Fall

Vertical Windlass Key Features Horizontal Windlass Key Features
• More of the unit is hidden • Anchor rode makes a 180° • Most of the windlass unit is • Anchor rode enters the gypsy,
below deck wrap around the gypsy on the deck makes a 90° turn and feeds
providing more security into the anchor locker
• Suitable for large anchor • Easy installation
lockers • Minimum fall of 406mm (18") • Good for boats with small • Minimum fall of 304mm (12")
is recommended in order to anchor lockers is recommended in order to
have enough gravity to pull have enough gravity to pull
the rode down into the locker the rode down into the locker
Note
The windlasses do not stow the anchor rode in the anchor locker.
Gravity stows the rode in the anchor locker.
From time to time the pile of rode may have to be evacuated from under the windlasses hawse pipe entrance to make room for the remaining rode.
Windlass and anchor operation basic safety
Always Never
▪ Always tie off anchor rode to a strong point while at anchor ▪ Never allow your windlass to hold the boat while at anchor
▪ Always secure anchor rode/anchor when underway ▪ Never use your windlass to pull or tow boat
▪ Always look before deploying your anchor ▪ Never use your windlass to lift a person
▪ Always motor up to anchor while retrieving ▪ Never stick fingers in or around gypsy while operating
▪ Always shut off circuit breaker when working on windlass ▪ Never allow loose clothing and hair to come close to windlass
when operating
▪ Always shut off circuit breaker when windlass is not in use
▪ Always read the manual and follow safety instructions
and warnings.

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