Windlass for 22' boat comments or suggestions

[84aquasport]

I am planning on adding a windlass because my boat does not have an anchor locker and I'm tired of dragging the anchor out of the cabin. The bow does have room under the deck,(in the front of the cabin in front of a small bulkhead) to feed the rode into for storage. Here's the plan
-Remove existing combo bow light and replace with two seperate lights
-I have two planks of what I think is teak, Approx 8 inches wide ,42 in. long, 3/4 thick. Glue these together and thru-bolt to the deck. It would extend back onto the deck about 2 feet and overhang the bow about 18 in.
-Install either an anchor roller at the front or cut a rectangal out of the teak and use an insert type roller.
-Purchase a windlass that feeds the rode downward into the boat.
-Drill specified hole size thru the planks and the deck.
-purchase 200' rode and chain combo pack(1'2 inch line I think)
-Run #6 gauge wire from the fuse panel in the stern to the switch in the helm and then up to the windlass. Not sure if this is straight to the switch or if there is a relay involved.
-Currently using a danforth style anchor 10-12 lbs.

Any input or suggestions on this project would be greatly appreciated. I boat in mid long island sound and would anchor in max 40-50 feet of water, usually less. Looking for a suggested brand or model of windlass that won't break the bank.
Thanks again.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Windlass for 22' boat comments or suggestions

Before you do any modifications or electrical wiring, check the requirements for the windlass. Depending on the length, you may need larger cables.

You don't resally need an electric windlass for that size boat, anchor, and rode. Just the roller and pulpit will give you a place to store and deploy the anchor and you have a locker for the rode. I had no problems with a 24' boat and slightly heavier anchor.

My Camano has a 22 lb anchor and 30' og 5/16 G4 chain. It pretty well needs a windlass. I replaced the original manual windlass with an electric one. We're talking $800 or so here.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Windlass for 22' boat comments or suggestions

I had a Sportfisher 450 on my 21 CC fisherman and it worked great. Ran less than $500 online and is available also at West Marine stores.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Windlass for 22' boat comments or suggestions

I see your on long island sound... I have a good size teak pulpit sitting in my garage that might work. PM me if your interested.

Also having a windlass is mich better than doing it by hand, no matter the boat size!

 

[sasto]

Re: Windlass for 22' boat comments or suggestions

Two reasons I like the windlass: (1) I can deploy it safely by myself when running single handed and(2) I can deploy it safely without another person on bow. They come in handy in rough seas when I don't want anybody on the bow or can be deployed in an emergency situation safely, like loss of power and the boat is heading for the rocks. I think it is one of those things you can't live without once you have one.....

 

[rwidman]

Re: Windlass for 22' boat comments or suggestions

Two reasons I like the windlass: (1) I can deploy it safely by myself when running single handed and(2) I can deploy it safely without another person on bow. They come in handy in rough seas when I don't want anybody on the bow or can be deployed in an emergency situation safely, like loss of power and the boat is heading for the rocks. I think it is one of those things you can't live without once you have one.....

You still have to secure the anchor or rode independently of the windlass while underway and you still have to secure the rode independently of the windlass while anchored (it's in the instructions).

This means someone has to go to the bow and untie (unclip, etc.) the anchor before you let it down and go back or stay to secure the rode once you are anchored.

A windlass is really nice and pretty much a requirement for a 30' or larger boat with the typical ground tackle these boats require. On a 22' boat, it's fine if you have the money and room to install it but most boaters can easily get by without it.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Windlass for 22' boat comments or suggestions

While I agree that there are a lot of benefits to the electric windlass, I don't see it as much of a necessity in a 22' boat. A manual windlass is fine because it takes the hassle off of storing the anchor in the locker, and it makes deploying/retrieving that much easier. In a 22' boat, I wouldn't be anchoring out in anything I'd consider "rough seas", so it isn't much of an issue with being on the bow. I also don't see it being of much consequence in anchoring by yourself, since it isn't much of a walk from the helm to the bow in a 22' boat, likely less than 6-7'. There isn't much that can happen in the time it takes to get from the bow to the helm. When you start getting into the 26-27' boats, the electric windlass starts becoming more of a necessity because of the path that some boats have to get to the bow. It takes more time to walk on the outside walkway of a 28-30' cruiser.

Either way, it sound like you have a good idea on how to install the pulpit/windlass, so go for it. I just don't see the need to spend $800 to make it an electric option.

 

[dbkerley]

Re: Windlass for 22' boat comments or suggestions

I did virtually the same modification on mine and it is only a 20'er after the pulpit. Pics are here:

http://s763.photobucket.com/albums/xx271/dbkerley/Projects/?start=0

The winch and construction pics start around page two. It kinda works from back to front.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Windlass for 22' boat comments or suggestions

Another few thoughts on the windlass. I have had them on everything from 21' to 40' boats. My personal opinions:

1) +1 on the great to deploy when you're by yourself. Whether if you're watching the bottom finder to stay over a target site for fishing or there is a loss of power, a flip of the switch while safely at the helm is a waaayyyy better option than leaving the wheel and going to the bow of the boat to unhook the anchor and drop it.

2) Pulling up 100(+) feet of rode and anchor by hand SUX, especially when it make take 2 or 3 times trying to get just the right fishing spot. Leave the helm, drop the anchor, return to the helm, check the fish finder, return to the bow, pull the anchor, return to the helm, move the boat, return to the bow & drop the anchor, return to the helm to check the fishfinder, repeat...

3) Disconnect the anchor safetry hook prior to leaving the dock and it isn't an issue. the windlass is more than strong enough to hold the anchor in place, it's just not meant to hold the vessel at anchor against wind, waves, and current. Redeploy the safety hook after you're securely anchored. You definitely need a way to remove the strain from the windless (see pic)

4) I recommend using a coated steel wire over a piece of rope on the safety hook, but I'm running a bigger boat than 20'. For the 20' boat, rope is fine, but if you go bigger, I would go with steel rope.