Installing a windlass

[Mary Mac]

I have a Lewmar Pro 1000 windlass that I want to install on my 1978 CAL 3-34. I’m thinking it could go in the anchor locker with some modifications, or maybe a vertical windlass would be better. I currently have a danforth anchor and no windlass, but want to upgrade the anchor, too. Has anyone done a similar project or have experience with this? Thanks

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[davenrino]

I have this windlass installed on my 1969 2-30.

[davenrino]

You should be able to see it if you zoom. Mounted on a Starboard plate with Starboard backing plate below. Powered by start battery under setee as the Yanmar with 120 A alternator always running when using windlass. No problem pulling 33# Bruce. Deck foot switches and a cordless remote with relay mounted under vbirth shelf just behind anchor locker. CB mounted aft wall of setee near battery.

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[Mary Mac]

Thank you. I like the starboard.

[PhilipLewis]

I have a 1969 Cal 34, Souffle, here in Portland, Oregon. A couple of years ago, as a concession to age, I took off my manual windlass and put on a Lewmar CPX vertical windlass powered by the house batteries. I had wanted a horizonal model but it took up too much deck space. My main anchor is a CQR 35 (I know I should switch to a more up to date design scoop style anchor, but I am old fashioned), and I have 50' of G4 chain a tad bigger than I probably need. Controls are on starboard side of foredeck near windlass, but I also have a wired remote for flexibility and redundancy. The forepeak of the boat has plenty of room for the windlass motor, chain and rode. The biggest problem I have had is that on occasion there will be an easily resolved jam either when lowering or raising the anchor. The biggest issue for me with the Lewmar is that the manual override requires partially disassembling the windlass, and I wish I had known about it before buying it. Otherwise, it is great.

[Old Jack Rose]

Muir Easyweigh 500 manual low profile Windlass just installed on my Cal 39

[Mary Mac]

Thanks, everyone. I'll update when I install mine.

[GBR3068]

I have a similar Lewmar HX1. The winch is on deck and lined up with a Lewmar brake and the bow anchor roller which are angled and offset to clear the headsail fuller. The Lewmar brake doesn't work very well, it tends to jump and unlock, so I had to add a bungee cord to keep it in place. The Lewmar wireless control has a limited range and only just works from the foredeck to the cockpit. If you don't stop the anchor chain from bouncing the plastic chain cover thingy on the Lewmar snaps right off. That part is a nightmare to replace. I have a Lewmar chain counter but not sure where the best place to install that is. I use a Manson Supreme with Fortress, Danforths as back-ups. You're not supposed to use the winch to reel in an anchor bit I find if I do it slowly and let the boat sail into the anchor (which it does naturally especially with teh extra windage of my roller boom mast track), I can manage it. I just take it slowly and reel it in like you would a fish, slowly and gradually,.That way I don't have to motor and guess and futz around in the cockpit. The one thing you have to watch (and somewhere Stan Honey says the same thing about the Cal 40) the anchor chain (I have 330 ft of 5/16) piles up into a volcano in the locker and then all falls over at the worst possible moment in the worst possible way. I have an anchor line at the back under a 4" deck plate in the corner of the rear cockpit seat with a wooden box tabbed down to the hull, but so far have not used it much.