Are you trying to find boating windlasses among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling boating windlasses on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 19 hours of research and did 34 boating windlasses tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best boating windlasses you can buy today
- Windlass Anchor System Model - Pacific 1000 Series. Vertical Windlass. Motor Supply Voltage: 12V. Motor Power: 1000 Watts. Gypsy: Chain and Rope. Includes 3-Wire Solenoid, 100A Circuit Breaker, Up/Down Foot Switch, Rocker Switch, Manual Top-Cap Handle, Owner Manual, Mounting Hardware, and Mounting Template
- High-Performance Anchor Motor - The High-Power 1000 Watts provides a maximum pulling power of 1654 Lb / 750 Kg and a maximum working load of 550 Lb / 250 Kg. It allows a drop speed of 62 feet per minute. Waterproof IP66 rating motor. The five Oceans Windlass model number indicates Windlass's electric motor power (Watts), not the pulling power. Electric motor power (Watts) is the most important value when choosing a windlass for your boat
- Rope and Chain On a Single Gypsy - Chain: 5/16 Inch HT G4. Rope: 9/16 Inch (14mm) - 3 Strand. We offer a complete selection of Windlass Anchor Rodes, as well as customized ones to fit your needs. The Windlass manages the rope and chain with the use of a special spring-loaded tension arm
- Marine-Grade Durable Materials - Designed of Solid polished and anodized 316 Stainless Steel Housing. Most of the components are made by hot forging and they can withstand the high-load strain
- Vertical Windlass Installation - Under-Deck installation. 4 Standard 5/16 Inch (8mm) thread mounting studs, washers, and nuts supplied. Deck thickness up to 2 Inches (50 mm). Features a vertical rotation about the deck which allows a reduced volume above the deck as the electric motor and the gearbox are sitting in the chain locker. To offer the best performance and functionality, we recommend this Vertical Windlass 1000 Watts for boats up to 50 Ft / 15 m depending on the boat style
- SIMPLIFY ANCHORING— Our windlass moves rode chain, or all chain anchor lines up or down with the touch of a button. The style deck unit is designed to conceal a robust, reliable drive train, worm gearbox and splined shaft for maximum strength and control
- EASY TO INSTALL — The Lewmar anchor windlass is quick and easy to install on your deck with our FastFit feature. This can be done by one person and the clamping system aligns the deck unit and motor gearbox for a perfect fit the first time
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED — The Lewmar windlass has everything needed for a low-profile, anchoring system. The kit includes a windlass, rocker switch, breaker, two-direction solenoid and a handle for power and sailboats 40'-50' and fits a 1/4" G4 chain
- COMPACT & DURABLE —The Lewmar V3 windlass doesn't take up too much room on your boat and stylishly hides the drive train, gearbox and shaft. Constructed with tough stainless steel, our windlass will keep your ropes protected for a long time
- TRUSTED BRAND — Our windlass kit is from Lewmar, the premiere equipment supplier- designing, manufacturing and distributing innovative, high-quality control solutions worldwide since 1946. Lewmar offers the highest levels of quality in the industry
- SIMPLIFY ANCHORING— Our windlass moves rope/chain with the push of a button. Anchoring has never been easier with our pro-sports windlass kit designed around a highly efficient spur gearbox, using smaller and powerful magnet motors
- EASY TO INSTALL — The Lewmar anchor windlass is quick and easy to install on your boat's deck. It features a Do-It-Yourself above-deck installation and a push button control for easy anchoring
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED — The Lewmar windlass has everything needed for a low-profile, anchoring system. The kit includes a windlass, circuit breaker, toggle switch, base gasket seal, mounting studs and installation wrench for power and sailboats 20'-30'and fits a 1/4" G4 chain
- COMPACT & DURABLE —The Lewmar horizontal windlass doesn't take up too much room on your boat and looks great on your deck. Constructed with tough composite aluminum, our windlass has a 550 lb. maximum pull, a XXXX motor watt and is ideal for boats under 30'.
- TRUSTED BRAND — Our windlass kit is from Lewmar, the premiere equipment supplier- designing, manufacturing and distributing innovative, high-quality control solutions worldwide since 1946. Lewmar offers the highest levels of quality in the industry
- EFFICIENT ANCHORING— Our Pro-Fish windlass kits are both reliable and efficient, making your day on the water stress-free. You can quickly drop this anchor near a wreck, ledge or anywhere else the fish are biting. No more wasted time hovering for the perfect spot
- EASY TO INSTALL — Our anchor windlass is quick and easy to install with a convenient above-deck installation. Our detailed installation manual walks you through the process, perfect for the DIY boater
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED — The Lewmar horizontal windlass kit includes windlass, three M8 studs and nuts, 70 amp circuit breaker, guarded rocker switch, solenoid, Lewmar wench, drilling template and installation manual
- POWERFUL & DURABLE —The horizontal windlass has a powerful motor providing a fast line speed of 100' per minute. Made with a strong 100% 316 stainless steel for protection and durability
- TRUSTED BRAND — Our windlass kit is from Lewmar, the premiere equipment supplier- designing, manufacturing and distributing innovative, high-quality control solutions worldwide since 1946. Lewmar offers the highest levels of quality in the industry
- Compatible with Lewmar Pro-Fish Windlasses
- [ Specifications ]: Model Number: SBC-WK-C612C-1/4 Motor Power: 600W Voltage: 12V DC Maximum Pulling Power: 992 lbs (450 kg) Maximum Working Load: 330 lbs (150 kg) Current Draw: 33A Line Speed: 69 ft/min (21 m/min) Circuit Breaker: 60A Rope and Chain Compatibility: 1/4 Inch HT G4 Chain, 1/2 Inch (12mm) 3-Strand Rope Capstan: Integrated for manual rope cranking Weight: 10 kg (22 lbs)
- [INCLUDED COMPONENTS] Vertical Windlass. Motor Supply Voltage: 12V. Motor Power: 600W. Gypsy: Chain and Rope. Includes 4-Wire Solenoid, 60A Circuit Breaker, Up/Down Foot Switch, Rocker Switch, Manual Top-Cap Handle, Owner Manual, Mounting Hardware, and Mounting Template
- [ COMPLETE WINDLASS KIT ]: Includes a 4-wire solenoid, 60A circuit breaker, up/down foot switch, rocker switch, manual top-cap handle, mounting hardware, and owner manual for a comprehensive solution.
- [ HIGH-QUALITY MARINE-GRADE MATERIALS ]: Constructed from polished 316 stainless steel and hot-forged components, this windlass is built to resist corrosion and handle high-load conditions.
- [ ROPE AND CHAIN VERSATILITY ]: Compatible with 1/4 inch HT G4 chain and 1/2 inch (12mm) 3-strand rope, this windlass supports a wide range of anchoring setups to meet your specific needs.
- [ POWERFUL ANCHOR SYSTEM WITH CAPSTAN ]: Equipped with a 600W motor for a maximum pulling capacity of 992 lbs and an integrated capstan for manual rope cranking, ideal for versatile marine applications.
- [ FAST LINE SPEED FOR EFFICIENCY ]: Boasts a line speed of 69 feet per minute, ensuring quick and reliable anchor deployment and retrieval for efficient operation.
- [ USER-FRIENDLY CAPSTAN FEATURE ]: The integrated capstan adds the capability to manually crank ropes like a winch, making this windlass a versatile tool for various marine tasks.
- [ QUIET AND COMPACT DESIGN ]: Vertical under-deck installation minimizes noise and provides a clean, unobtrusive profile above deck for optimal space utilization.
- Country Of Origin : Wales
- The Package Height Of The Product Is 11.6 Centimeters
- The Package Length Of The Product Is 5.6 Centimeters
- The Package Width Of The Package Is 11 Centimeters
- Sport type: Marine
- WINDLASS FOR SMALLER BOATS— Lewmar has engineered a powerful windlass for smaller boats, 18'-24' that don't have chain lockers. Boaters have full remote control from the helm to deploy and retrieve the anchor quickly
- EASY TO INSTALL — The captive reel windlass is a snap to install, simply bolt the stainless steel baseplate to the boat deck, wire it to a 12V power supply and this self-contained unit spools 115' of 1/4" diameter anchor line in or out with the push of a button
- TOP-PERFORMING WINDLASS — The Lewmar CRW captive reel windlass works well in both fresh and saltwater environments. Innovative technology meets efficiency with the level-wind feature that prevents spooled line bunching for easy deployment and retrieval
- COMPACT & DURABLE —The Lewmar windlass measures 7" H x 12" W x 14-15/16" L and is made of tough composite stainless steel that is corrosion-resistant. This windlass is a popular choice of smaller boat owners everywhere
- TRUSTED BRAND — The Lewmar CRW black windlass is from the premiere equipment supplier- designing, manufacturing and distributing innovative, high-quality control solutions worldwide since 1946. Lewmar offers the highest levels of quality in the industry
- WINDLASS ANCHOR KIT INCLUDES - Atlantic 600 Series. Horizontal Windlass. Motor Supply Voltage: 12V. Motor Power: 600W. Gypsy: Chain and Rope, 4-Wire Solenoid, 60A Circuit Breaker, Up/Down Foot Switch, Rocker Switch, Anchor Rode Nylon Three Strand 1/2 in x 150 ft, Galvanized HT G4 Chain 1/4 in x 15 ft, Screw Pin Bow Shackle Stainless Steel 1/4 inches, Multi-directional Anchor Double Swivel Connector, Up to 1/2 in. Chain, Top-Cap Handle, Owner Manual, Mounting Hardware, and Mounting Template
- ANCHOR WINDLASS HIGH-PERFORMANCE MOTOR - The High-Power 600 Watts Motor provides a Maximum Limit Pulling Power of 1200 Lb / 540 Kg and a Max Limit Working Load of 400 Lb / 180 Kg. It allows a Line speed of 69 feet per minute. Waterproof IP66 rating motor. The five Oceans Windlass model number indicates Windlass's electric motor power (Watts), not the pulling power. Electric motor power (Watts) is the most important value when choosing a windlass for your boat
- ROPE AND CHAIN ON A SINGLE GYPSY - Chain: 1/4 Inch (7 mm) HT G4. Rope: 1/2 Inch (12mm) - 3 Strand. We offer a complete selection of Windlass Anchor Rodes, as well as customized ones to fit your needs. The Windlass manages the rope and chain with the use of a special spring-loaded tension arm
- MARINE-GRADE DURABLE MATERIALS - Designed of Solid polished and anodized 316 Stainless Steel Housing. Most of the components are made by hot forging and they are able to withstand the high-load strain
- HORIZONTAL WINDLASS INSTALLATION - On-Deck installation. 3 Standard 5/16 Inch (8mm) thread mounting studs, washers, and nuts supplied. To offer the best performance and functionality, we recommend this Horizontal Windlass 600W for boats up to 35 ft / 10 m depending on the boat style
- ✔Material: Composite plastic, glass fiber reinforced polyester cover.Strong and durable, and have a long service life.
- ✔Compact Unidirectional Switch Anchor Windlass Foot Switch-Up & Down;Winch foot switch is highly applicable and portable, suitable for 12V or 24V anchor machines, with a wide range of applications.
- ✔Hinged protective cover prevents accidental operation. When in use, the hinged cover can be folded onto the deck
- ✔Direct replacement, easy installation. Provide fasteners required for installation
- ✔Our windlass foot switch includes up and down foot switches, which provide simple button operation to keep both hands free when raising or lowering the anchor. Our windlass foot switch liberates both hands. After installation, you only need to step on it when you use it, which is very convenient.
- Anchor Winch Windlass Foot switch - Up & Down
- Voltage: DC12V/24V
- Hinged protective cover prevents accidental operation. When in use, the hinged cover can be folded onto the deck
- Material: Composite plastic, glass fiber reinforced polyester cover.
- Direct replacement, easy installation. Provide fasteners required for installation
- 【High Quality】The electric anchor winch features high efficiency 12 volt gear motors, running without ratcheting noise. Rugged All-Steel Gears make it more durable
- 【Excellent Performance】This electric anchor is powered by a 12-volt, high-efficiency motor with a maximum load capacity of 45 lbs. and an unloaded rope retrieval speed of up to 70 ft/min. A 100ft anchor rope can withstand a maximum strength of approximately 700 lbs, so you can use it with confidence
- 【Up/Down Switch】Power up and power down your anchor with an anti-reverse internal clutch to prevent free winding. Automatic Reset Circuit Breaker will provide continuous protection until overcurrent is detected and corrected, then reset automatically
- 【Easy To Operate】Allows you to automatically raise and lower the anchor with an easy-to-use button; provides simple, smooth operation and excellent holding power
- 【Includes】Rugged All-Steel Gears; 100FT pre-wound braided anchor rope with 700LB; Automatic resetting circuit breaker; UP/DOWN switch; 14-gauge marine-grade battery wire, 17 ft long; Anchor safety chain; Assembly hardware
- Wireless remote:In addition to controlling the windlass through the "Up" or "Down" button on the switch panel on the cover of the anchor winch, you can also use the wireless remote control to control the windlass
- Over current protector: The product has an over-current protector, which will automatically cut off power when the current exceeds the maximum allowable current
- Simple operation: To lower the anchor press and hold the switch in the "down" position for a few seconds and release the switch. To stop the rope from coming out of the winch, press the switch UP button for a couple seconds. To raise the anchor, press and hold the switch in the "up" position
- Applicable environment: This product can be used in fresh water and salt water, because it include additional corrosion protection, added UV inhibitors and stainless steel hardware
- Product maintenance:To minimize common corrosion from salt water, it is a best practice to rinse off the winch after each use with fresh water. Simply point a hose inside the rope opening, over the cover and around the surrounding boat deck to wash away any salt water residue
- Wireless remote:In addition to controlling the windlass through the "Up" or "Down" button on the switch panel on the cover of the anchor winch, you can also use the wireless remote control to control the windlass
- Over current protector: The product has an over-current protector, which will automatically cut off power when the current exceeds the maximum allowable current
- Simple operation: To lower the anchor press and hold the switch in the "down" position for a few seconds and release the switch. To stop the rope from coming out of the winch, press the switch UP button for a couple seconds. To raise the anchor, press and hold the switch in the "up" position
- Applicable environment: This product can be used in fresh water and salt water, because it include additional corrosion protection, added UV inhibitors and stainless steel hardware
- Product maintenance:To minimize common corrosion from salt water, it is a best practice to rinse off the winch after each use with fresh water. Simply point a hose inside the rope opening, over the cover and around the surrounding boat deck to wash away any salt water residue
- Replacement bearing kit for Pro-Series and Pro-Fish Windlasses
- Compatible with Pro-Series Generation 2 windlasses
- Heavy duty switch with cover
- Rated at 150 amps continuous
- Nickel-plated copper contacts
- Diameter: 4"
- Mounting Hole: 2 1/2"
- CONVENIENT 5/16 CHAIN - This G4 anchor chain is 5/16 inch in diameter and 125 Ft, making it an ideal choice for anchor chains for boats, especially for windlass use. Weight: 0.97 lb per foot. Corrosion and rust-resistant hot-dipped galvanized chain
- BOAT ANCHOR CHAIN CAPACITY - With a maximum working load of 1080 Kg / 2380.9 Lb and a breaking strength of 4320 Kg / 9523.97 Lb, this hot-dipped galvanized anchor chain can securely anchor your boat
- MARINE-GRADE STEEL - Our G4 galvanized anchor chain is made of High Test hot-dipped galvanized steel, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance in marine environments
- GRADE 43 HT & MARINE GRADE - Boasting a grade 43 HT (G4) type, this boat anchor chain is a marine-grade product from the trusted Five Oceans brand, a quality anchor and chain manufacturer for over 40 years
- HOT DIPPED GALVANIZED CHAIN COMPATIBLE WITH MOST WINDLASS BRANDS - The calibrated G4 windlass chain is compatible with popular windlass brands such as Five Oceans, Lewmar, Quick, Lofran's, Maxwell, Vetus, and Muir
- Windlass Switch for - Windlass Rocker Switch for DC electric windlasses running on 12 volts with the use of a dual-direction solenoid control box
- Installation - Windlass switch panel allows remote station windlass control from wheelhouse or flybridge. Mounting Hardware 2 Stainless Steel Screw included
- Marine-Grade Materials Up/Down anchor windlass switch panel made from UV-stabilized ABS Plastic and Stainless Steel plate
- Highly Recommended for: Heavy-duty windlass rocker switch for the Five Oceans Atlantic and Pacific windlass series (600/900/1000/1500 Watts). It is also recommended for use with other windlass brands
- Waterproof - Safety Switch System with rubber-booted for moisture protection. 5 Amps Fuse Included. FIVE OCEANS, 40 Years Developing High-Quality Marine & Outdoor Products
- HIGH-TEST CHAIN - This anchor rode is engineered for trustworthy strength, featuring a fully welded and fully tested G4 chain, meeting high-test specifications
- RELIABLE CONNECTION - To ensure a reliable and convenient connection every time, the chain is fitted with an included shackle
- EFFICIENT OPERATION - This Lewmar anchor rode is also built for efficiency, featuring a smooth rope-to-chain transition for seamless operation with your windlass
- 8-PLAIT ROPE - The rope of this anchor rode is an 8-plait braided configuration to allow for 50% more line in the locker than 3-strand rope. Plus, plaited rope resists hocking, kinking and stiffening with age
- CORROSION-RESISTANT - To long outlast the rigors of the open water, the steel chain is covered in a hot-dip-galvanized finish for maximum corrosion resistance
How to choose a good boating windlasses
Does the idea of finding a fantastic boating windlasses make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in boating windlasses. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top boating windlasses products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top boating windlasses on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top boating windlasses brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top boating windlasses based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the boating windlasses were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good boating windlasses, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your boating windlasses.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting boating windlasses for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our boating windlasses. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what boating windlasses should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on boating windlasses.
