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The best anchor windlass, simply put, makes any sailor’s life less of a challenge. Once you pair with the most suitable windlass anchor system for your boating setup, it would seem like the perfect marriage. Once it starts hauling and lowering the anchor for you, you just can’t do sailing and fishing the same way without it.

Anyone with back-breakingly heavy anchors should definitely consider an electric windlass for that sole reason. The best ones out there not only save plenty of effort and time but also power. Here are three factors you should not miss when deciding:

It’s safe to say that you’re looking for one yourself. If so, I suggest you read my boat windlass reviews, which expound on my various experiences with the windlasses I’ve tried over the years. I can say the same for other seafarers I’ve gotten to discuss these handy tools with.

A Lewmar creation that fits the high-quality bill, I can’t be more impressed by the fact that it’s saltwater-friendly and extraordinarily space-saving. It performs as expected and comes with a 5-year warranty.

My first introduction to Lewmar was one of their winches. It didn’t take long for me to try out their windlass anchor kit partly because of the performance I got from the winch on my smaller boats, and the fact that I needed support for anchoring on my larger center console. I was instantly hooked by the incredibly polished and solid construction of this bad boy.

That means I don’t have to worry about it getting damaged for a long time, and the 5-year warranty only added to that. And sure enough, I’ve been using this for 7 years and counting, and it still hasn’t shown signs of malfunctioning. I did encounter a few hitches recently like the anchor not pulling up properly, but most of them are because of faulty control that I only needed to replace.

I frequently take my center console to Cape Cod, and I love to do so precisely because this windlass has consistently made anchoring a breeze for me. It’s adequately powerful as it can handle 700 pounds, and I particularly appreciate the anchor lock feature, which keeps my anchor steady when deployed.

The installation is just good, not overly easy, and not too hard. You have to be sure of the cabling. The vertical orientation fits it right in the limited space of the pulpit, and the general design is not without its inherent appeal.

This marine windlass is a paragon of power and durability. Performance-oriented doesn’t even begin to describe the kind of close to automatic, no-nonsense anchoring you get out of this.

I’ve only been using this windlass anchoring system in my Virginia Beach and Lake Erie excursions. I installed it on one of my new cabin cruisers, a 30-foot beauty that I intended to use more for fishing. I reckoned I needed a more powerful windlass that’s equally durable.

Almost immediately, I considered Lewmar and Five Oceans. This 1,000W one stood out to me because of its thicker construction. It’s evidently corrosion-resistant, but given the short time I’ve used it, I can’t confirm this 100% yet.

However, if we’re going to pit power against durability, which is two of its main strengths, I’d choose the former any time. In almost all my fishing trips, I’ve had to deal with loads and loads of seaweed. I mean the kind that gets stuck and adds an extra 200 pounds to the heft. Well, all of that’s just a piece of cake for this monster – no struggle, whatsoever! And it does so consistently.

It’s not that hard to install but you just have to be mindful of the template. Don’t use the arrow as a reference and only stick to the dotted line. I like that, for the price, you get a footswitch included, which can be installed on the bow or console.

A heavy-duty, notably powerful anchor windlass, I like this Maxwell windlass for its versatility when it comes to the different chains that it can accommodate and the fact that you can retrofit it without the need for disassembly.

This is another brand that I have a lot of faith in. It’s my go-to brand if I’m aiming for something to handle any kind of anchor setup I have in place. The fact that it supports a 5/16 chain and ⅝ rope combination highlights its heavy-duty quality. It’s able to handle 500 feet of anchor rode without floundering, and the retrieval is fairly quick.

I’ve taken a 2004 Carver 460 voyager with this windlass to many of my Lake Erie fishing trips. It has only ever given me a great performance in all those times. It’s the kind of windlass that delivers, once you get it properly set up, to the point that relying on it for most of your anchoring becomes automatic.

I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t love the marine-grade stainless steel the moment I laid my eyes on this. I’ve been using mine for more than four years, and it still retains its shine and has no sign of rust damage. You can expect as much from a household brand like this.

The combination of power, durability, and versatility leads to outstanding reliability. I don’t remember any instance this struggled with all the extra seaweed and muck it hauled on board.

This Lewmar horizontal windlass provides a solid option for those with minimal deck space. It has decent pulling power and a free fall feature, while also being space-saving, durable and not hard to install.

I bought this years ago for one of my very first sailboats. It’s a 25-footer that I cruised with on an almost monthly basis. I had plenty of time back then, and this windlass definitely made boating life easy for me and fueled my passion for it more.

I like that the kit it comes in gives you everything you need. I didn’t have to buy separate mounting studs for the installation. It also came with push-button control and a toggle switch for more convenience. Overall, I can say that it’s one of the first user-friendly windlasses I’ve used.

Installation went fairly swiftly because I already have experience installing Lewmar. The brand didn’t pull any punches when lending an extra hand because they even included a template for drilling holes and mounting to accommodate the rode and chain. It took less than an hour, which is quick for most DIY jobs.

Its power is enough for most medium-sized anchors and below. Don’t expect it to compete with higher-end options out there, but don’t underestimate, too. While it did struggle with seaweed on rare occasions, they’re fairly mild issues that got resolved quickly without hiccups. I only needed to do the usual pull-up trick when the anchor snags.

I know that most horizontal windlasses naturally save more space than their vertical counterparts. To me, this one saves even more because of the overall compact design. I like that it manages seawater well, too. My own unit has been splashed with it thousands of times, but it held up well until I had no other choice but to replace it due to its age.

This, to me, is a budget-friendly windlass anchor winch for those who like to do solo fishing on a pontoon or any other similar small vessel. It’s made of marine-grade materials, can handle anchors weighing no more than 20 pounds, and is reliable on the whole.

This windlass reminded me more of a winch than a traditional manual windlass. I’d say it fits the windless anchor winch label perfectly with that considered.

I like to do recreational fishing from time to time. In such cases, I prefer to bring a more solo-oriented vessel with a winch for obvious reasons. For that, I often rely on a winch, but the fact that this is advertised as a windlass definitely caught my eye.

Right off the bat, I was expecting it to be more powerful. Well, while it did have sufficient pulling power, it’s not exactly the output of a typical windlass. I’m really more inclined to think it’s a winch, since it’s, more or less, the same in construction and capacity.

That being said, it’s reliable, at best. I often use a grapnel anchor with it, and the good thing is that the lake near my home mainly has a rocky bottom. It does its job without giving me the usual hassles (e.g. free-spooling), and to me, that’s the most important thing.

The rope it comes with is also worth praising for its overall soundness. It kept me steady in all the times I used it. I did inevitably replace it with a monofilament fishing rode, which allowed me to work with a longer line.

Another windlass for small boats that’s made by a recognized brand, this Lewmar creation fits lightweight anchoring purposes. It does the job well and quickly, especially if anchor reeling is the topic. What’s even better is that you can get it for far fewer bucks than others made by this brand.

A friend of mine has this on his 22’ Grady Offshore. I’ve gone fishing on his boat numerous times already to know this little gem of a windlass’s remarkable performance. I particularly like that it’s quick to bring up any anchor, assuming it’s within the weight limit, that you hook up to it.

We like to frequent Lake Erie with his vessel, and for all the extensive time we’ve spent fishing, it still hasn’t shown any signs of significant salt damage. That’s four or more years of regular use, as far as healthy fishing habits are concerned. I credit the entire stainless steel construction of the cover, and my friend echoes the same thoughts.

If you’re aiming for maximum quality, this windlass is sure to deliver. To me, it’s just as powerful as the other Five Oceans windlass I own and has the same kind of toughness, both of which can be enjoyed for less than a few hundred dollars.

This is one of my first experiences with what can be deemed as a truly high-end windlass. I say that in the highest sense of the term. After all, I’ve yet to own a windlass, other than the one from the same brand, that has this much durability.

It’s been on my 33’ center console for close to eight years, and it hasn’t shown any notable signs of depreciation. There’s zero presence of rust, and I have only been doing minimal maintenance on it through the years. I’ve taken it to numerous saltwater and freshwater fishing trips, and it has only ever given me all the anchoring conveniences I wanted from it.

This kit is slightly cheaper because the windlass, as a whole, is less powerful than the others that it shares a product line with. It’s only 600W compared to the 1,000W found in other windlasses. But, of course, that kind of output is still no pushover compared to windlass products available nowadays.

With an automatic free fall feature and powerful motor, this one fits the bill if you also happen to be working with a relatively larger vessel. It’s brimming with durability, too.

I needed a windlass for my bigger 36’ Sportsman boat, which I and my buddies love to take during our annual and semi-annual get-togethers. I instantly loved its free fall feature since it’s automatic. If you tend to anchor a lot like me and are familiar with the best spots to drop it, you’ll love the unrivaled benefits of this feature.

It’s been with me for close to three years now. As of this writing, it has weathered most of the storms that it faced, which are relatively fewer compared to other vessels I’ve manned. The stainless steel finish is as sleek as it is sturdy, so I have no complaints there whatsoever.

Its performance and power are two of its main strengths, to me. For one, unlike other products I’ve used, it has never given me a rode headache (i.e. the rode ending up in a tangled mess when I pull it up). Secondly, it handles my heavier-weight anchors and the extra load that comes with them without struggling too much.

This windlass will wow you with its free fall capabilities. Add to that the decent pulling power and the superb durability, and you pretty much get a solid windlass that gets the job done.

Precision and quick free falling when anchoring will always be my thing, and I love that this windlass has always outshone the other ones I’ve owned when it comes to that feature. I use it on my 35’ center console with a 30-pound Danforth anchor. It drops anchor as quickly as it advertises.

Take note that you need a relatively heavy anchor to enjoy speedy and precise anchor drops every time. I’ve tried it out with a 25-pound Danforth, and it’s just not the same. That’s one complaint I have, but I know the exact reason why that’s the case, so it’s still a minor issue.

The pulling power is decent, but it’s to be expected given its capacity. It’s not too strong and not too weak, just enough to raise my heavy anchor every time. What sealed the deal for me was that it never once jammed in all the two years I’ve used it.

I can say the same for the construction and the overall durability. It’s still great, but not too outstanding. I appreciate the inclusion of stainless steel on parts that require the most rust protection.

Five Oceans remains one of my favorite brands precisely because of products like this. It’s generous in power and durability, which equates to better reliability. Design-wise, it’s hard to beat.

I really appreciate the fact that this windlass did not take long for me to install. It only took me less than an hour to set it up on my sportfishing boat, and yes, that already includes the wiring. That’s way less time I spent on other windlass setups without relying on professional help, and I mainly credit the kit it comes in, which gave me everything I needed.

How does it fare when it comes to performance? I placed most of my bets on the motor when I bought it, and I’m glad I did because it’s noticeably powerful. I can’t name plenty of other brands that pack the same amount of punch in pulling power, and I’m talking about handling seaweed-laden 30-pound Danforth anchors with relative ease when I say this.

When it comes to durability, it delivers precisely what I’ve come to expect from this brand. This is one of my newer windlasses made by this brand, but I’m already confident that it will last for years because of the stellar stainless steel used. I just hope I can say the same for the motor.

It’s hard to not have favorites, especially once you’ve given this windlass a try. It has an automatic free fall feature, marine-grade construction, and an exceptionally powerful motor.

In most cases when Lewmar or other brands fail me, Maxwell almost always manages to save my fishing trips for me. That has been the pattern for me in recent years, and I can safely say that this Maxwell offering can vie for the top spot at any time. For one, it’s got the power and all the features and perks I’m looking for.

I love that you can activate the automatic free fall from the helm. The power-down option is just as good, but if you like to save lots of time like me, this windlass practically does so for you with its free fall option. It has few rivals when it comes to that.

I’ve been using this windlass for a good portion of five years already. It served as a replacement for an old Lewmar on my center console. In all that time, it has never snagged the anchor once, and if it did, it’s more because of my choice of anchoring spot than anything else.

Of course, I can’t forget about the power. It’s the kind that pulls 35-pound anchors without any issue. That, plus the equally commendable toughness of the materials completes the entire thing for me.

Lastly, its install instructions are just as complete. These are the exact reasons why if this ever becomes available with a discount, it’s certainly a good windlass for sale – if not entirely excellent.

What, to me as an avid sailor and boater, is the right electric anchor windlass? I usually don’t depart from these factors:

I can’t get enough windlasses with free fall features because they save me a lot of time and effort. I do only use it on lakes whose bottoms I’m already familiar with and make sure that I’m using an anchor with enough heft.

Automatic free fall means you get to activate the feature without having to manually trigger it on the built-in switch attached to the windlass. You need to be able to do it remotely through the helm if you want the best kind of convenience. Manual is also good, but you have to always be near the windlass to activate it.

You want to make sure the windlass you’re using can accommodate the entire rode with regards to the total capacity of your locker space. In most cases, horizontal windlasses take up less space than their vertical counterparts.

This one’s often overlooked. If you’re planning to buy an aftermarket windlass anchor system for cheaper prices, you’ll most likely have to buy a separate part to replace a broken one (e.g. a damaged motor or something more specific like the chain stripper). Not all brands offer spare parts nor can they guarantee that supplies will always be available.

The Different Types of Anchor Windlasses

There are only two different types of anchor windlasses. They’re commonly classified based on their orientation, which more or less, affects the anchor windlass operation.

These are preferred because their rodes tend to take up less locker space and are usually easier to install since everything is set up above deck. This means you won’t have to make a hole on your deck to install it.

Vertical windlasses are not without their own unique range of benefits. For one, they take up less space on the deck, and there are brands that capitalize on that by making their products more compact. Another benefit is that the chain and rode tend to have a more secure wrap around the gypsy due to the orientation.

Benefits and Drawback of Using an Anchor Windlass

As far as most boaters can tell, an anchor windlass assists you in all your anchoring needs. The way it makes raising the anchor less of a hurdle to overcome each time you go out fishing or cruising on your own underscores its value.

If you have a poor back or any condition that lowers your ability to haul an anchor, a windlass is a must. Overall, it makes fishing on your own always viable and enjoyable.

The most immediate drawback for me and many boaters is the cost. For context, let’s look at one of the most expensive Lofrans windlass products available today. It sells for a whopping $4,250. $1,000, which is the average cost of the windlasses I’ve used over the years, is not exactly cheap as well.

This is often a misconception or mislabeling because both fulfill the same function of raising and lowering the anchor. That’s why some brands label their windlass as a winch and vice versa. A windlass is different from a winch in that it accommodates more rode combinations and a chain, while a winch is fairly limited. The same goes for the power: expect windlasses to be more heavy-duty.

This depends, as I’ve said, on the orientation. Horizontal windlasses often only need to be screwed onto the deck and would therefore require you to drill holes in the right positions. Vertical windlasses have motors that will require you to make room below deck and will therefore need more changes that entail dismantling a portion of your deck.

The procedure step-by-step is an entirely different topic altogether. It’s always best to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you want an actual demonstration, I suggest you watch this video.

Whether you’re controlling the windlass remotely through the helm or on its built-in switch, it’s fairly straightforward. There will be buttons for lowering and raising the anchor. You only need to push down to lower the anchor to your desired depth and push up to raise it.

If there’s a free fall feature, it’s most likely triggered by a specific set of actions that will be instructed to you by the manufacturer. Otherwise, it may be done with a single button push. Once you’ve lowered it to your desired depth, you may use a lanyard or a safety strap to keep the rode or chain locked in place.

Most windlasses are built with durability in mind, so you don’t have to worry too much about maintenance. This is especially true if they’re made of stainless steel. A little polishing and cleaning on a monthly basis will suffice for these kinds of windlasses.

That being said, it won’t hurt to check the motor for any signs of water damage from time to time. Inspect the wiring for anything amiss. Lubricate most of the moving parts to keep the operation smooth. Lastly, don’t forget to check the rode you’re using and make sure it’s still achieving the right amount of tension and hasn’t been damaged before setting sail again.

No. It’s not compatible with rope. Many brands like to label their winch as a windlass, and the former can definitely work with rope. That has probably only led to this confusion.

What can I say about the windlasses I’ve tried and featured here? It’s that you don’t have to pay $2,000 or more just to get one that will make your solo fishing and boating trips a whole lot more convenient. At the end of the day, the best anchor windlass, to me, satisfies that factor while still managing to bring its much-coveted benefit and do so for a long time.

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