Thinking about an anchor windlass

[mudfinder]

This will be the next logical upgrade for my 24' Stingray. anybody installed one before? is this a do it yourself project? or, anybody know a good place to get a quote? TIA...

 

[sugilbert]

Your very first consideration is whether you have an anchor locker, under where the windlass will be, that is deep enough to handle 7 times the length of rode you'll need for the deepest you'll ever anchor.
If so, it is a fairly easy install. Hint: get wiring at least 1 size larger than mfgr. recommends.

 

[mudfinder]

Yes I do have a rope locker. I saw a picture of someone with the same boat as mine. They installed one on the locker cover. it has a vertical motor in the hatch. I am thinking this is a lot of stress (maybe too much stress) on the hatch hinges? I guess it is working for them...