Horizontal Windlass

A horizontal anchor windlass is a durable, self-contained solution that mounts entirely above deck. This design allows straightforward installation and maintenance. The robust system delivers dependable power for British Columbia’s deep, rugged inlets, reducing physical strain and enabling precise control for navigating tight Gulf Islands coves or holding position over distant halibut grounds. To meet these demands, Poco Marine offers a curated selection of horizontal windlasses engineered for the Pacific Northwest.

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Why a Horizontal Windlass is Your Deckhand

A horizontal windlass is a valuable upgrade for BC boaters prioritizing safety and convenience. The unit, which contains the internal motor and gearbox, is installed above deck, offering clear benefits for both DIY boaters and professionals.

  • Simplified DIY Installation: All components are housed in a single above-deck unit. Installation is simple, requiring only holes for bolts, wiring, and the chain pipe.
  • Easy On-Deck Maintenance: The motor and gearbox are readily accessible for servicing. This is crucial in our humid, saltwater environment, where concealed components are prone to corrosion.
  • Fits Shallow Anchor Lockers: They are ideal for vessels with limited anchor locker depth, requiring as little as 12 inches of “fall” for the rode to be deployed.

Typical Applications on the BC Coast

  • For anglers: Use free-fall anchoring to stop precisely over halibut spots and salmon ledges, avoiding drift.
  • For cruisers: Rely on dependable and easily serviced anchoring for extended trips to deep-water destinations such as Desolation Sound or the Broughtons.
  • For the sailor: Experience safe, effortless single-handed sailing in the Gulf Islands, with push-button control from the cockpit or bow.

Practical BC Advice:

  • Measure Your Fall: Measure the vertical distance from the deck to the top of the stowed rode. A horizontal windlass requires at least 12 inches (304 mm) of fall for gravity to feed the rode.
  • Check Your Deck Space: Horizontal units need more deck space. Ensure you have a clear, flat mounting area that aligns with your bow roller.
  • Prioritize Maintenance Access: The motor is exposed to BC’s rain and salt, but its key benefit is easy maintenance access. This is essential for protecting electrical connections and seals.

How Does a Horizontal Windlass Work?

A horizontal windlass uses an electric or manual motor to rotate a horizontal shaft. This shaft turns the gypsy, which is a notched wheel specially designed to grip the anchor chain. As the gypsy turns, it pulls the anchor rope and chain (called the rode) from the seabed and feeds it down a chain pipe into your anchor locker, keeping your anchor gear secure.

Types and Components

Power

  • Electric: Push-button operation and needs a good battery and wiring.
  • Manual: Lever-operated, suitable for smaller boats or those without robust electrical systems.

Materials

  • Anodized Aluminum: A durable and corrosion-resistant option.
  • 316 Stainless Steel: Superior corrosion resistance for BC saltwater.

Key Components

  • Gypsy: The notched wheel on a windlass or winch used to grip and move a specific size and type of anchor chain, or a combination of rope and chain. A gypsy is specifically designed to match the links of a particular chain.
  • Capstan (or Drum): A capstan is a smooth, cylindrical drum found on some models. It is used independently to handle lines made only of rope, rather than lines with metal or wire components.

Safety Precautions

A windlass is a powerful tool. Follow these non-negotiable safety rules:

  1. Motor Up to the Anchor: A windlass is a lifter, not a puller. Use your engine to move the boat forward, taking the load off the windlass.
  2. Secure Your Rode: Never let the boat ride on the windlass. Secure the chain with a chain stopper or a snubber tied to a cleat to protect the windlass from shock loads.
  3. Run Your Engine: Always warm up your engine before operating an electric windlass. This prevents voltage drops and saves your battery.

FAQs

My sailboat’s anchor locker is very shallow. Is a horizontal windlass my best choice?

Yes, horizontal windlasses suit shallow lockers, needing just 12 inches of ‘fall.’ Vertical models require at least 18 inches, which many BC boats do not have.

I fish for salmon. Is there a horizontal windlass that allows me to drop anchor quickly in a specific spot?

Yes, choose a model with “automatic freefall” to drop the anchor instantly and accurately.

I cruise in deep inlets like Desolation Sound. Will a horizontal windlass have issues with my long rope/chain rode?

They work well, horizontal gypsies grip 90 degrees of chain, so a low-profile, professional 8-plait rope-to-chain splice is best.

How do I protect an above-deck horizontal windlass from the constant rain and saltwater in the Pacific Northwest?

These units are exposed but designed for it, with easy access for service. Use 316 stainless steel for top corrosion resistance. Perform the scheduled maintenance by checking seals, greasing clutch cones, and protecting electrical connections to ensure optimal performance.

How do I size a new windlass? Is the boat length enough?

Size your windlass for at least 3-4 times your total ground tackle weight, including all rode. Upsizing is smart for deep anchorages.

My windlass keeps tripping its circuit breaker. What’s wrong?

The breaker is protecting the motor, and the most common cause is overloading the windlass. Remember to always motor the boat up to the anchor; don’t use the windlass to pull the boat forward. Other causes include a weak battery, corroded electrical connections, or a stiff gypsy that needs cleaning and lubrication.