New Windlass: Lewmar, Maxwell, Lofrans Or?

[Thank you dad]

What is the current consensus on windlass brands, i have heard good and bad about lewmar, what about maxwell or lofrans?

Defender is having a sale right now with really good deals if anyone else is looking.

Help is appreciated, thanks jeff

[Strait Shooter]

A lighthouse 1501 is hard to beat in many regards.

[colemj]

Originally Posted by Strait Shooter

A lighthouse 1501 is hard to beat in many regards.

Except for price I agree.

We recently had to make this choice and ended up with a Maxwell HRC. I would recommend staying away from the Lewmars.

Mark

[model 10]

If you are looking vertical, I would avoid Lofrans Project series. Some features suck like the chain stripper. The finish on the motor underdeck quickly fails in salt water. The anodizing on the AL castings underdeck also fails. I would say it's a freshwater windlass sold to everybody.

[Jon Neely]

We just installed a new maxwell on the family boat, have yet to use it but build is very good. We use a Muir on Prism. Thing is awesome and so far 100% reliable and it is from 97'


Cheers,

Jon

[kelbylinn]

We installed a new Lewmar about 2 years ago on our 42' GB. We are using 100' of chain on another 100' of 5/8" line with a 65 lb. Rocna as main anchor and it has worked perfectly.


Kelby

[adlib2]

Originally Posted by Thank you dad

What is the current consensus on windlass brands, i have heard good and bad about lewmar, what about maxwell or lofrans?

Defender is having a sale right now with really good deals if anyone else is looking.

Help is appreciated, thanks jeff

~Had a Maxwell for 25 years, came with the boat & eventually fell apart after giving good service. Purchased a horizontal Lofran and have no complaints. Came with chain counter and hand held remote operator that is great.
Could never keep foot switches operable for than a few months.

[Thank you dad]

I am looking at a vertical, either the V2, the Maxwell RC-8 or the similar lofrans, though have not heard good stuff on the lofrans.

[Dave Lochner]

Recently replaced a Maxwell with another Maxwell because it was a drop in replacement. Prior to the purchase I contacted their sales rep and was very pleased with the quick and knowledgeable responses.

The original needed replacing due to poor maintenance by the prior owner and current operator inexperience. The repair costs were almost half the cost of a new slightly more powerful windless, so we opted for new and not a repair.

[Cheechako]

I've had very good luck with Maxwell Verticals in the past. Both in function and reliability.

[Mithril Bham]

My favorite is Ideal

[ColdEH]

Originally Posted by magellanyachts

My favorite is Ideal

I second the Ideal windlass, ours is 30 years old and still going strong .

Regards

[wrwakefield]

Originally Posted by Thank you dad

What is the current consensus on windlass brands, i have heard good and bad about lewmar, what about maxwell or lofrans?

Defender is having a sale right now with really good deals if anyone else is looking.

Help is appreciated, thanks jeff

I've had several windlass brands on several boats over the last 40 years. One thing I've learned is many manufacturers have good model runs, and bad model runs for whatever reasons. [Company sold, management, etc.] My point is feedback regarding a 20 year old windlass may not apply to that make and model today... so research carefully...

Following our philosophy that we can't afford cheap tools [especially with regard to ground tackle...] we opted for a solid stainless steel housing Lighthouse 1501. It is extremely well engineered. If we ever needed to remove/replace that is a 1 hour job because the windlass sits in a cast polyurethane gasket; it isn't glued down with bedding compound... The motor is separate below deck and is easily removed/replaced too... Lighthouse makes windlasses for large vessels, and their small boat windlasses are built the same way...

One thing you might find interesting is to compare the weights of the windlasses you are considering... This is one time where heavier is likely stronger and more durable... Look at $/lb as a comparison criteria as well...

Our windlass replacement is documented in this blog post that includes a link to a detailed storyboard of photos in case you are interested.

Have fun and choose wisely [i.e., cry once...]

Cheers!

Bill

[Lepke]

Remember when you buy and size your anchoring equipment, it is more than a convenience. Your anchoring system is safety equipment that should stop and hold your vessel in position under any conditions.

[Lars_L]

There are few electrical vertical windlasses that have the possibility to be operated by hand. Lewmar have an optional unit that make it possible.