Electric anchor winch?

[pcrg28328]

I have a 21' Stingray Cuddy. It only came with a manual anchor lock like this one: http://www.wholesalemarine.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/S-D-328040-1_med.jpg

I have never used one and to be quite honest, climbing up and through the glass just to set and retrieve anchor is a real pain. I have been doing it from the stern but that is not always optimal. Do you guys think this auto winch will work for my situation as I do not want to cut a hole in my cuddy just to install a windlass:
http://image.become.com/imageserver/s0/1270704650-175-175-5-32-0-fbw0-fbh0/trac-outdoor-products-t1010345sw-big-water-45-salt-water.jpg.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Electric anchor winch?

I don't know where you live and boat, but anchoring from the stern is usually a bad idea. . All in all, an electric winch is probably a worthwhile additionfor you. Just be aware they can jam. If you boat solo I'd suggest that you mount a switch at the bow, too, for those times when you need to crawl up there anyway.

My .02

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Electric anchor winch?

The question is if it will take any amount of chain, or is it only meant for line. If it won't take chain, then not a good thing or your anchor line. . .

 

[JoLin]

Re: Electric anchor winch?

The question is if it will take any amount of chain, or is it only meant for line. If it won't take chain, then not a good thing or your anchor line. . .

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure a winch doesn't care what's being wound onto the drum. A windlass, on the other hand, needs to be fitted with the correct type of gypsy to accept chain.

 

[pcrg28328]

Re: Electric anchor winch?

I usually boat inshore out of Carolina beach ICW. I normally stay within 5 miles or so. My my choice is to either cut a hole in my cabin and destroy what little headroom we have to install a rope hangar. or use a cheap alternative such as the
TRAC OUTDOOR PRODUCTS
Big Water 45 Saltwater Series Electric Anchor Winch, here are the specs:

Style: Horizontal
Boat Length: To 24'
Rode Type: Rope
Rode Size: 100' of 3/16" pre-wound braided anchor rope
Speed Up/Min.: 70' (no load)
Speed Down/Min.: Free fall
Maximum Pull: 100lb.
Draw: 15A @ 12V
Case Material: ABS Plastic with added UV inhibitors; Steel frame with 3-step corrosion protection; 316 stainless steel hardware
Dimensions: Winch: 5 3/4"H x 8 5/16"W x 10 1/8"L; Davit: 5"H x 3 1/2"W x 6"L
Warranty: Two years

 

[pcrg28328]

Re: Electric anchor winch?

Any ideas if the TRAC is a good option for me guys?

 

[JoLin]

Re: Electric anchor winch?

Sorry, not familiar with the brand. I'm struck (negatively) by the fact that they advertise it for a boat up to 24', then limit capacity to a piddling 100' of THREE-SIXTEENTHs inch rode and 100 lbs. of pull?? If that thing'll handle a 24' boat, I'm John Paul Jones.

You'd want to use 3/8" anchor rode on your 21'er, so that capacity rating doesn't make any sense for you. Take a look at the Powerwinch line- a friend has had one on his 25' Larson for about 20 years.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Electric anchor winch?

If you intend to drop a small anchor in calm waters to hold a fishing spot then that electric winch will do the job.

You will still need to be prepared to drop a full size anchor with 100+ feet of full strength rope from the bow.
The ICW can kick up some seas and if/when you really need an anchor to save your behind, that winch and the 3/16, 100lb line is not going to keep you in place.

Add the electric winch if you desire, but do NOT use it as a replacement for a proper one.

 

[pcrg28328]

Re: Electric anchor winch?

Ok so I have decided to cut a hole in my hull for a new winch. In the recessed area I will add an anchor lock. But i need to know what to use for a rope locker inside my cuddy. here are the approximate locations. What can I use for this to hold 200' of 3/8 triple braid? I suppose i will use #8 ss screws and screw it up to the roof of the cuddy, it can not leak inside from the wet line so what do I use?
here is the link to the pic if it's too small: http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/687/svc210.jpg/

 

[pcrg28328]

Re: Electric anchor winch?

OK I like this idea but can not work with fiberglass that well. I just want to bolt something up from the inside of the cuddy and drop my rode from the windlass straight down a hawse pipe. http://forums.iboats.com/boat-topics-questions-not-engine-topics/anyone-make-drop-anchor-locker-540398.html

 

[JoLin]

Re: Electric anchor winch?

Hate to throw cold water on your idea, but if installing a windlass, you'll need at least 18" of vertical 'free fall' space for the rode, or it won't drop down into the locker. Why did you abandon the winch idea?

It'd be a shame if the, um, young lady on the v-berth had to move