Automatic windlass advise

[JBas]

Hello fleet!

My friend is looking to buy an automatic windlass.
He’s a full time cruiser and was looking for advice on getting a used windlass.
He has a 36’ 15000 lb sail boat. Would he be able to get away with a Maxwell RC800 with a 1200 watt motor?
What would be the smallest (or biggest) windlass he can use for this size boat?

Any advise is welcome!

[tkeithlu]

Maxwell has a guide to choosing its windlesses. It's at
Winch Selection Guide
If the model is old, go by the ratings of the new models.

[Jim Cate]

Most manufacturers suggest that the windlass should have a rating of at least three times the total weight of the anchor and chain. Thus, it isn't really directly related to the size of the boat, but to the size of the anchoring tackle.

And btw, I'd describe what he is looking for as an electric or powered windlass, not an "automatic" one. I had visions of him pulling in to an anchorage and the windlass deciding on it's own where to drop the anchor!

Jim

[a64pilot]

I waffled back and forth between a Maxwell 1500 or a 2500, with the 2500 being a lot more money. The motor is the same so it must be gearing difference, anyway there are times I wish I had bought the bigger one, even though the 1500 has worked fine so far.
If I had to do it again, I would go with the 2500.
You never know what you may have to drag to the surface.

[RaymondR]

If it has a 1200 Watt motor it is probably big enough for that boat.