Windlass Suggestions?

[jtsmlarson]

As I age and get old and cranky, I've decided it's time to add a windlass to my boat. I'm just trying to figure out WHICH windlass to buy. I see horizontal and vertical and it seems like vertical is in contact with the rope/chain longer. Does it matter? Which brand would you buy and what model? This will sit on the front of a 1989 Sea Ray 300 DA. Are there any brands/models I should steer away from?

I'm leaning towards the Lewmar Pro Fish 1000, but I'm seeing a lot of issues and those could be when they first came out?

Thanks in advance!

 

[sugilbert]

I love my Lewmar 700H.

 

[Bob J]

Had 3 boats since 1976; all had Good Windlasses. Never in over 40 years did one bit of maintenance & never had an issue with any of them.

BOB J

 

[mixman]

I've had a Quick (Italy) windlass for nearly 15 years on my power cat. I've been so pleased with it I bought another for the trawler I'm working on. The US sales and support office is near me in MD and staffed with very nice, well-informed people. I walked out of there with a new windlass, one wired remote (chain counter, flashlight built-in), two wireless remotes, and 200 feet of chain (they had a great deal on chain).

 

[JVM225]

I put a "Good" rope/chain windlass on my 87 300 Sundancer and loved it. It may cost a few more bucks than some of the other brands, but it is bulletproof. Never gave me even a hint of trouble.

 

[jtsmlarson]

OK, I'm off to research Good and Quick as well! Thanks a bunch for the hints! I just haven't had one or known anybody that has had one long enough to observe any problems. A lot of Lewmar's added recently in my boating community, but I've seen some negative press and thought I should question my decision before I just bought and entered it.

Thanks!!

 

[JoLin]

Second JVM225. Love my Good.

 

[dumy]

Also something to keep in mind to lessen your trips up to the bow-8 plait line and a good swivel helps
to keep the hockels from messing up your rode. I have had Lewmars, horizontal and vertical, liked them both. Kind of depends if you want the machinery on deck or in the locker.