Re: Choosing a windlass
Here are a few links from windlass manufacturers. Read the FAQ pages and their guide to make sure you get the proper one for your sized vessel AND your conditions. That includes water, bottom conditions, currents, tides, etc.
Windlasses usually operate off of a chain/rode combination and most are specific about the size of chain that they will accept. This may entail replacing whatever chain you have if it isn't exact. Also, they need to be spliced together, so if you don't know how, you'll have to locate someone that does. Another alternative is to go all chain rode. It's heavy, but not as heavy as you might think. I have 300' of G4 (carbon/stainless steel) 1/2" chain and it weighs only 750 lbs (not that much for 300').
When anchoring, make sure the anchor rode is cleated off after deploying or use a deadman. The windlass isn't designed to hold the weight of a boat against anything stronger than dead calm water.
Always run the engine before using the windlass to take up the anchor. It kills a battery pretty quickly. Also, motor up to the anchor, don't use the windlass to pull you to it.
Follow the maintenance schedule. They need to be greased and the clutches need to be cleaned.
http://www.lewmar.com/
http://www.maxwellmarine.com/
