Windlass comparison: which is the best brand?
The windlass is a kind of winch which is used to raise the anchor quickly, easily and reliably and to turn the hawsers. It consists of a gypsy on which the chain winds, dolls and sometimes hawser winders. Its use makes wetting faster, easier and above all safer. The installation of a windlass is done horizontally or vertically on the forecastle of the boat, more precisely above the chain locker. Since it must allow a weight to be raised, the windlass must be chosen with care. In this windlass comparison, we give you all the tips to make your purchase a success.
Contents of the page
Windlass comparison: the selection criteria to know
To find which windlass to choose, you must check certain parameters as well as the technical characteristics of the accessory.
Choose a vertical or horizontal windlass?
The axis of the windlass is not chosen on a whim. You must indeed check the space available on the deck and the anchor locker. We recommend that you measure the height that separates the bundle of chains from the underside of the bridge. If this fall height is 40cm or more then you can opt for a vertical axis windlass. If the chain is piled up while maintaining a distance of less than 40 cm from the deck, then you have no choice but to choose a horizontal axis windlass.
The vertical electric windlass offers a better traction force as well as a better maintenance of the chain. They are also the most used.
The horizontal axis electric windlass is easier to install because everything is located on the deck. Make sure to position the equipment correctly before connecting it.
Manual or electric windlass: not just a question of price
The manual windlass is the best choice when your vessel does not have battery or electric charging system. Despite its slowness, this type of model performs its function very well: that of hauling up a heavy mooring without tiring the user. It is also ideal for unhooking the anchor.
For its part, the electric windlass is intended for boats with an inboard engine and fairly frequent fairground anchorages. Depending on the length of the boat, it is possible to oversize the power to make the equipment faster and prevent it from overheating.
Which windlass power to choose?
The power of the windlass depends on the length of the chain and the weight of the anchor. To obtain it, we generally multiply the total weight of the mooring by 5. Before choosing the motor for your windlass, we advise you to carefully read our article on the power required of a boat windlass. You can thus have an electric windlass of 500w, 700w, 1000w, 1200w or 1500w.
Now that you've determined:
- if your boat can have an electric windlass or if it has to be satisfied with a manual,
- if your boat has enough room in the anchor locker for a vertical electric windlass or if you need a horizontal axis windlass,
- if your boat needs power of 500W, 700W, 1000W, 1500W or 1700W.
All you have to do is choose the brand and model of the windlass according to your budget. Below is a comparison of the different brands of windlass:
Lewmar windlasses: the reliability of a great brand
In general, the products of this specialist in nautical accessories are renowned for their reliability and great qualities. Lewmar windlasses are no exception. They indeed embed optimal performance as well as innovative technologies. Small shadow on the board, their price too high. The complete range consists of many models:
- The most famous (V1, V10 / V12, CPX2, V700, VX1, VX2, VX3);
- The Pro-Fish: made of durable 100% 316 stainless steel, it is aimed at anglers;
- The CRW400: intended for small boats and sailboats, it represents a great innovation in engineering and design;
- The RX: available in two kits, it offers a maximum traction of 1175 kg;
- Vertical windlass deck units (V6 and V8).
Windlass comparison: choose Lofrans for their performance
Better performance, absolute safety and an elegant design. This is the winning trio that has made Lofrans famous for more than 40 years.
The brand offers among others windlasses, windlass spare parts and accessories, made of the highest quality materials. We therefore find Lofrans electric windlasses in marine anodized aluminum and stainless steel. These materials are the guarantee of many years of exceptional service.
Windlasses comparison: what are those of the Quick brand worth?
The Italian company Quick Spa of Michele Marzucco and Alfonso Peduto is no longer to present in the nautical sector. Indeed, since 1992, the brand has succeeded in establishing itself in the field thanks to its Quick Nautical Equipment branch.
Among other things, it offers bow thrusters, boilers, battery chargers, remote controls and electrical accessories. Strong, stylish and easy to use, these Quick windlasses have their own characteristics. They are available in models with or without headstock, vertical, aluminum ...
Plastimo windlasses: the best value for money for small budgets
Plastimo windlasses, for their part, promise great safety and very pleasant ergonomics. Indeed, faithful to its commitments, the emblematic brand of yachting puts its diversified industrial know-how for the benefit of its customers. Fairly light, its products offered at a very good price have the merit of being the cheapest of this windlass comparison.
Maxwell Marine windlasses: the top of the range for your mooring line
Maxwell Marine is a New Zealand company specializing in windlasses. Their range is suitable for all boats: pleasure boats, semi-rigid, super-yachts and even commercial vessels. For more than 50 years, the brand has been developing high-performance, but also very aesthetic products. Maxwell understood that boat owners not only want equipment that works perfectly, but products that look great on deck as well.
Italwinch windlasses: why choose them?
Last mark of this windlass comparison, Italwinch, Italian made brand, is a new mooring line founded in 2009 by MZ Electronic. The latter, being a supplier of winches, has created, with the collaboration of ORVEA, a range of efficient and innovative winches.
Italwinch now offers a range of quality products to equip boats measuring up to 90 meters. It offers a selection of windlasses and capstans as well as various accessories for different types of watercraft, including motor boats, speedboats and sailboats.
Their range is represented by 5 categories of windlasses. This is particularly the case for:
- Smart Plus: In stainless steel, with or without tailstock, with a power of 1000 to 1500 W and suitable for 10 mm chains;
- Smart: with integrated hawse bar, chain counter sensor, power from 500 to 600 w, windlass chain of 6 mm or 8 mm;
- Obi;
- Devon: 1000 and 1500 W, aluminum frame with sprocket and headstock in chrome-plated bronze;
- and Giglio manual windlasses.
Conclusion of this windlass comparison: our opinion
The best windlass is the one that suits your needs and that of your boat or sailboat. To choose this rigging equipment well, you must first of all take the trouble to know the characteristics of your vessel. This will determine the engine power required and the type of model (horizontal or vertical), as mentioned in this windlass comparison.
Then to choose between the different manufacturers of electric windlass, the budget and the reputation of the brand are decisive choices for many sailors. The choice is made by personal preferences:
- Lofrans windlasses are certainly the most famous and the most used.
- Lewmar windlasses are loved by many sailors because a big brand like Lewmar will be able to service from all over the world.
- Maxwell windlasses are the highest of the range and the most aesthetic.
- Italwinch windlasses are the best value for money in view of the performances displayed.
- Plastimo windlasses are the favorite inexpensive electric windlasses of small budgets.
- the Quick windlasses have managed to come out of the shadow of Lofrans and Lewmar with some very good products.
The best windlasses on the market
To help you choose between all of these brands, we've rounded up their top products in the tables below.
NB:
- Always check that the windlass gypsy is the same diameter as the links of your anchor chain!
- Choose a voltage suitable for the electrical installation on your boat (12 or 24 volts).
- The doll is used to reassemble the cable. But be aware that the models without headstock are equipped with a mixed gypsy which accepts mooring lines made up of chain and cable.
The best horizontal axis electric windlasses
| Windlass make and model | Wattage | Sprocket diameter | Voltage | With or without doll |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxwell HRC 6 | 600 W | Ø6mm | 12V | without |
| Maxwell HRC 8 | 600 W | Ø8mm | 12V | without |
| Maxwell HRC 10-8 | 1000 W | Ø8mm | 12V | with |
| Maxwell RC 10-8 | 1000 W | Ø8mm | 12V | without |
| Maxwell HRC 10-10 | 1200 W | Ø10mm | 12V | with |
| Lewmar Pro-1000 Series | 700 W | Ø6mm | 12V | without |
| Lewmar VX2 | 700 W | Ø8mm | 12V | without |
| Lewmar VX2 | 700 W | Ø8mm | 12V | with |
| Lewmar VX1L | 800 W | Ø8mm | 12V | without |
| Lewmar VX2 | 1000 W | Ø8mm | 24V | with |
| Lewmar VX3 | 1500 W | Ø8mm | 12V | without |
| Lewmar VX3 | 1500 W | Ø10mm | 12V | without |
| Italwinch Devon | 1000 W | Ø8mm | 12V | with |
| Italwinch Devon | 1000 W | Ø10mm | 24V | with |
| Italwinch Devon | 1500 W | Ø10mm | 12V | with |
| Italwinch Devon | 1500 W | Ø8mm | 24V | with |
| Italwinch Devon | 1500 W | Ø10mm | 24V | with |
The best electric vertical axis windlasses
| Windlass make and model | Wattage | Sprocket diameter | Voltage | With or without doll |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Prince DP3 1512 | 1500 W | Ø10mm | 12V | without |
| Lofrans Dorado | 500 W | Ø6mm | 12V | without |
| Lofrans Dorado | 700 W | Ø8mm | 12V | without |
| Lofrans Kobra | 1000 W | Ø8mm | 12V | with |
| Lewmar VX1 | 300 W | Ø6-7mm | 12V | without |
| Lewmar VX1 | 500 W | Ø8mm | 12V | without |
| Lewmar VX2 | 700 W | Ø8mm | 12V | without |
| Lewmar VX1L | 800 W | Ø8mm | 12V | without |
| Lewmar VX2 | 1000 W | Ø8mm | 12V | without |
| Lewmar VX2 | 1000 W | Ø8mm | 24V | without |
| Italwinch Smart | 500 W | Ø6mm | 12V | with |
| Italwinch Smart V | 500 W | Ø6mm | 12V | without |
| Italwinch Obi500 | 700 W | Ø6mm | 12V | without |
| Italwinch Smart | 700 W | Ø6mm | 12V | with |
| Italwinch Smart | 700 W | Ø8mm | 12V | with |
| Italwinch Obi500 | 700 W | Ø8mm | 12V | without |
| Italwinch Smart V | 800 W | Ø8mm | 12V | without |
| Italwinch Obi1000 | 1000 W | Ø8mm | 12V | without |
| Italwinch Smart Plus | 1000 W | Ø8mm | 12V | with |
| Italwinch Smart Plus | 1000 W | Ø8mm | 24V | with |
| Italwinch Smart Plus | 1500 W | Ø10mm | 12V | without |
| Italwinch Obi1400 | 1500 W | Ø8mm | 24V | without |
| Italwinch Obi1400 | 1500 W | Ø10mm | 24V | without |
| Italwinch Smart Plus | 1500 W | Ø10mm | 24V | with |
| Italwinch Smart Plus | 1700 W | Ø10mm | 24V | without |
The best manual windlasses
- See the ITALWINCH Giglio manual windlass with headstock and a ø6 mm gypsy
- See the ITALWINCH Giglio manual windlass with headstock and a ø8 mm gypsy
- See the LOFRANS Royal manual windlass with headstock and a ø8 mm gypsy
The best accessories for windlass
You can purchase a foot switch and install it flat on the deck. It is the most efficient for maneuvers.
If you want to control your windlass remotely, you have the choice between wired or wireless remote controls:
- See the Italwinch remote control
- See the Lofrans remote control
- See the Lofrans wireless remote control
- See the Quick wireless remote control
Also, to avoid damaging the windlass gears, never leave the chain on the sprocket during the wetting operation. We recommend the use of a hook connected to an anchor damper, itself connected to a mooring line with splice. The mooring is then stretched over one or more cleats until the chain tension on the gypsy is removed.
- See hooks for anchor chain ø 6 to 8 mm or ø 10 to 12mm
- See the best anchor shock absorber
- See mooring lines with ø 10, 12, 14, 16, 20 or 24 mm splices
Then it's always good to have spare parts in case your windlass gets damaged. The sprocket wears out due to the passage of the chain. If it no longer catches the chain effectively, you need to change it. You can easily find a spare part online:
- Sprocket for LOFRANS X1 windlass
- Sprocket for LOFRANS X2 and PROJECT 1000 windlass
- Sprocket for LOFRANS X3 and PROJECT 1500 windlass
- Sprocket for LOFRANS KOBRA / CAYMAN / TIGRES / ROYAL windlass
- Sprocket for LEWMAR CPX2 / 3 windlass
- Sprocket for LEWMAR V700 windlass
- Sprocket for LEWMAR Pro-Series Windlass
To increase the life of your sprocket, you must change the chain links that are too worn or rusted. For this, there are chain links to rivet. It is advisable to always have a few on board (of the diameter corresponding to your chain) as well as a rivet pliers and rivets.
- See a good rivet pliers and these rivets
- See rivet links for ø 6 mm anchor chain
- See rivet links for ø 8 mm anchor chain
- See rivet links for ø 10 mm anchor chain
- See rivet links for ø 12 mm anchor chain
We advise you to use the riveted links above because they have breaking loads equivalent to or even greater than that of the original links. In addition, their dimensions in mm correspond exactly to those of anchor chains. Thus, you are sure to have a quality link that will not get caught on your gypsy.
Finally, we recommend that you always have a maintenance kit for your windlass on board. You have to choose the kit corresponding to your model:
- See the Maintenance Kits for FALKON LOFRANS Windlasses
- See the Maintenance kits for TIGRES LOFRANS windlasses
- See the Maintenance Kits for ROYAL LOFRANS Windlasses
If you can't find the maintenance kit for your model online, you can always buy spare parts so you can repair your windlass on long trips:
- VSee the spare parts for Lewmar V3 and V2 windlass (Manual lifting kit)
- See the spare parts for Lewmar V3 and V2 windlass (Control arm kit)
- See spare parts for Lofrans Tigres windlass
- See spare parts for Lofrans Tigres windlass (Spare gasket)
- See spare parts for Lofrans X2 windlass
- See spare parts for Lofrans X3 and PROJECT 1500 windlass
You will find many other parts on Amazon, Ebay et Ticketmaster in order to leave with peace of mind!
Finally, once you have purchased a suitable windlass for your boat, don't forget to maintain it properly! You must grease it with suitable marine grease every 2 months if you are sailing or at the end of each season before wintering. Must also check the oil level from time to times and change it every two years (use only SAE 80W-90 oil for your windlass). For more information on the maintenance cycles of a windlass, you can read our article: How to clean a windlass on a boat?
How to create a suitable mooring line for your windlass?
Your anchorage is not just about the windlass. All the elements of the mooring line must be adapted to each other to work in harmony. We have just seen that the windlass must adapt to the size of the anchor locker. But that's not all! The davit must adapt to the anchor, the chain to the windlass, the swivel to the anchor to the cable, etc ... Otherwise, you will quickly encounter problems. It is therefore imperative to choose all the elements of your mooring line. We explain everything in our article: how to make an appropriate mooring line for your boat?
Learn more about boat windlasses:
TUTORIAL: How to dismantle a windlass on a boat?
