Electric Anchor Winch for 16' ProSport?

[USNAARet]

Anyone have experience with adding an electric motor anchor winch to the bow of my 2004 1600 ProSport Lund? When fishing Lake Erie for perch, I am getting weary of pulling up that anchor from 40 to 70 foot depths every time I want to move.

I have a quick disconnect and Minn Kota trolling motor on the boat now. I was wondering if Minn Kota's electric winch might be compatible with that bracket; which would allow me to interchange them.

Any recommendations or experience with anchor winches appreciated.

 

[jeffnick]

Re: Electric Anchor Winch for 16' ProSport?

I put a eBay halyard winch on my boat to help with the anchor...not electric, but just having it prevent backward motion is a big relief.

 

[USNAARet]

Re: Electric Anchor Winch for 16' ProSport?

Thanks....interesting technique...merits more investigation. Can you expand on where you found that Halyard? How it works? Is it adjustable so that it rachets one way only? Does the handle give you leverage that helps you "winch" the anchor in.

Appreciate any additional information.

Gordon

 

[jeffnick]

Re: Electric Anchor Winch for 16' ProSport?

It's a one way winch. Yes, the handle provides extreme mechanical advantage and you can even get a floating handle.

There are more expensive winches that are 2 way. In one direction the handle turns the winch at a high pull ratio and in the other direction it's a power ratio.

I seldom use the handle; I just pull hand over hand until I'm on top of the anchor (easily done because the winch is one way), cleat it off and use the motor to break it free. In a current, I'll pull from the helm while I work the throttle/steering.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Bari...m14QQhashZitem280276030265QQitemZ280276030265

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-...m14QQhashZitem120316119757QQitemZ120316119757

Oh, and there are gizmos that let you use an electric drill to drive the winch.
http://www.thecranker.com/

 

[vtec]

Re: Electric Anchor Winch for 16' ProSport?

I have the same problem and have thought about doing the same thing to my 1700 Fisherman. I have the quick mount under my Minkota and was planning on just making up a base for an electric winch this winter out of aluminum or plastic. I'm pretty sure it won't be too hard to get it done. I already have rough plans drawn up. I'm not going through another summer yanking anchor by hand again. If they don't sell this type of bracket maybe I will myself.

 

[USNAARet]

Re: Electric Anchor Winch for 16' ProSport?

I was in Gander Mt yesterday...looking at the Minn Kota 40 electric anchor winch. The box said it was compatible with my Minn Kota base but I would need to have a second base for the winch unit.

That said...I took the winch out of the box. I doubt it would hold the 100 plus feet of my 3/8 inch nylon anchor rope...the reel looked too small. It would work fine for shallower waters, smaller rope...but I need enough strong anchor rope to hold me in up to 80 feet of Lake Erie water with wind and waves.

I was also looking at Free Fall anchor windlass's but they are expensive:

http://www.wholesalemarine.com/pc/P...Sportfish+450"+Free-Fall+Anchor+Windlass.html

There must be a solution.