Windlass on Suntracker

[monty49]

Has anyone installed a windlass on a 2019 Suntracker 20 Fishin Barge DLX. I would like in somewhere in front but not interfering with the tow cover. Any ideas?

 

[Cat nip]

There was a video i saw on YouTube of a guy that builds a system that has the winch or windlass inside the playpen where ever you wanted and would run the rope through the floor and up the middle and the anchor rested under the floor. I thought it was a cool idea but i think it was around a grand? Maybe diy something like that with the windlss u der a seat or something?

 

[monty49]

I have seen that and there is company selling a kit but as you said it is about $1000. I am looking at a couple where the winch would be inside the fence near the front and the anchor roller and line goes through the fence to the front. I want to be able to remove the anchor and fold up the roller so I can still use my travel apron and cover without modifications. This would be about $250 if I do it myself.

The dealer said they use Minn Kota winch they fit in an opening they cut in the fence. They modify the apron and cover as needed. That runs about $700.

Looking at all the options I obviously like mine the best but the winches that allow me to do it my way don't have very good reviews and now my wife is saying we would not use it enough to warrant the. cost soooooo, I guess it will be shelved for now.

All that being said, I would still like to hear from someone who has actually completed a successful installation on this model boat.

And thank you for your reply.

 

[Cat nip]

What if you build your own useing the minkota winch and have the rope go through the floor and with pullys go to the center and then to the front. Then build a mount for the anchor mate anchor holding part so it can hold and stow the anchor under the boat? I would like to build one like that for mine but i can't find a anchor receiving device for the anchors i like to use.

 

[5150abf]

They make a Minn Kota deck hand for pontoons, up to like 30# anchor, might have to skip a snap or two on the cover but should work.

I would resist putting it under the boat, constant splash would probably do it no good and there is a plastic gear that needs changing from time to time so you would want to access it easily.