Windlass choices?

Dave,

My understanding is that for example, you could use the drum to haul up 2,000 ft of line stored in a separate bin on deck when anchoring at the canyon.

Also, I just replaced my old drum only Ideal with a new Ideal that is rope/chain compatible (without the drum).

CTdave,

I have the older sprint model on a 50 Post, it is an excellent unit. As said above the drum provides you with an auxiliiary winch. raising a second anchor, etc. just wrap the drum a couple of times, use the foot switch and "tail" the incoming line to keep it tight around the drum. (of course you will have to take the primary line or chain off the main sprocket by giving it slack.) Various other ways to use it manually.

Sometimes the line slips on the chain/rope wheel after it has shrunk or stiffened a little. Also the drum helps, or if you're raising a lot of anchor line. If you're using all or mostly all chain I wouldn't worry about the drum. If you're not planning on anchoring much, go without the wheel, but if you do, it can come in handy. The Lewmar windlesses work well though.

windlass

As far as I know Lewmar or at least the windlass branch of the Company has been purchased by Osculati, that is the biggest Italian Wholesaler in boating field (more or less like your Westmarine).
I've owned a Hatteras 50C series II and I've installed a Lewmar on that boat, with no satisfaction at all. On my present boat (still a 50C last series) I found a windlass made by Maxwell that is also the first equipment choosen by the Manufacturer. It's a completely different story; no complains, full satisfaction.
Be aware of the position where you'll install it on the deck, because if you put it on the bow pulpit, you'll get mad with the chain clogging into the chain compartment.

franz

Give the brand: Good Windless a look at….. We are very satisfied with it….

I have a Maxwell on a 40' Carver. Very happy with it. Dash controls, foot controls, remote. Low profile vertical mount. No drum. I run 250' of all chain rode.

I used to have a Sportfsher 450 and it was no where near what this windlass is.

Maxwell makes a good product.

You should be quite happy with that, although I find that the gypsies don't handle line quite as well as advertised, especially when the line gets some stretch and wear on it. It's usually best all around (except for the weight in the bow) to go with all chain.