Reel Anchor winch

[pas63]

Anyone have any experience with this style of anchor winch. They seem to be popular in AU based on the number of companies in AU making them.

https://stressfreemarine.com.au/winc...-5-39ft-6-12m/

I've seen larger versions mounted on the deck of a lot of work/fishing boats for anchoring.

I have a very shallow (14") anchor locker with a door on deck. This doesn't really lend its self to a traditional; windlass or anchor lock to secure the anchor when stowed.

My biggest concern, what happens when it jams?

[RaymondR]

They like them for combination chain/rode systems.

Why would they jam?

[pas63]

"Why would they jam?"

Murphy's law.

[thinwater]

Common on all the fishing "head" boats here. Some recreational fishing boats. They work every day.


The most obvious limitation seems to be capacity (length), but that hardly matters here (shallow--they seldom anchor deeper than 15 feet).


Every industrial application you can think of (cranes) uses a captive winch.


Dyneema, at least for some portion of the rode, becomes practical.



Following.

[Breaking Waves]

reel whiches have also been reasonably commonly used on superyachts for hidden below-deck control of sheets and such.

And on towboats (sometimes for quite long lines).

pretty bulletproof if designed/built properly for the application.

They can be a bit bulky - I don't think I would want one on my foredeck - but under the foredeck would be ok if there is room there.

[Shrew]

Originally Posted by thinwater

Common on all the fishing "head" boats here. Some recreational fishing boats. They work every day.


The most obvious limitation seems to be capacity (length), but that hardly matters here (shallow--they seldom anchor deeper than 15 feet).


Every industrial application you can think of (cranes) uses a captive winch.


Dyneema, at least for some portion of the rode, becomes practical.



Following.

It's only a capacity issue if you use it with chain or rope. (Yes, I said rope as it applies in the scope of this discussion, which is material, not purpose).

Aside from a complete on-deck installation, this style windlass can handle wire rope. Wire rope will allow you to get significantly higher tensile strength in proportionately smaller diameter than chain. That allows you to store more rode than chain or line.

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by Shrew

It's only a capacity issue if you use it with chain or rope. (Yes, I said rope as it applies in the scope of this discussion, which is material, not purpose).

Aside from a complete on-deck installation, this style windlass can handle wire rope. Wire rope will allow you to get significantly higher tensile strength in proportionately smaller diameter than chain. That allows you to store more rode than chain or line.

Lots of fishing boats anchor with cable. Not sailors.


Following.