Windlass Installation

[Emancipation]

Just function tested a new windlass I installed on my 2001 SE250. Never had one lesson, but learned a lot. If anyone is attempting to do the same, I may have good advice.

Tough Job!!!

 

[CHIEF915]

Re: Windlass Installation

Did you have wiring preinstalled already? I have the wiring that goes up to the bow and the wires by the battery that say winch.

 

[Emancipation]

Re: Windlass Installation

I wish! The boat already had the switch, but no wiring. 6 gauge wiring from the battery to the bow is no fun.

 

[BSAFlash]

Re: Windlass Installation

I wish! The boat already had the switch, but no wiring. 6 gauge wiring from the battery to the bow is no fun.

The fun part is when you push a button to lift anchor instead of heading for the bow while the First Mate sits at the helm

 

[Emancipation]

Re: Windlass Installation

The fun part is when you push a button to lift anchor instead of heading for the bow while the First Mate sits at the helm

You are exactly right, that made all the hard work worth it!

 

[Seamonkies]

Re: Windlass Installation

What kind / brand of windlass did you go with? Why? Where did you purchase it? Did you get a good deal? Got any pictures to share? I've got a 2000 250Se I'd like to add a windlass to (much like you, I'm getting tired of rushing up the steps to the bow to do the work while FemSeamonkey works the throttle, etc). Any details you can provide would be great. And, I applaud your tenacity to do the work yourself. Great job!

 

[Emancipation]

Re: Windlass Installation

What kind / brand of windlass did you go with? Why? Where did you purchase it? Did you get a good deal? Got any pictures to share? I've got a 2000 250Se I'd like to add a windlass to (much like you, I'm getting tired of rushing up the steps to the bow to do the work while FemSeamonkey works the throttle, etc). Any details you can provide would be great. And, I applaud your tenacity to do the work yourself. Great job!

I purchased from Overton's the Quick Anchor Mini Genius Free-Fall, cost $849, then you have to buy the anchor rode as well, you cant use just any rope/chain. With all materiel included, I spent about $1,100. I imagine it increases the boat's value...man is it nice to raise and lower from the helm! I bought a new plow-style anchor, the wieghting make them more user friendly on a windlass as opposed to the danforth or fluke style. In retrospect, installing the windlass was challenging only in routing the 6 gauge wires to the bow, I would be happy to provide you a diagram, so you can learn from my mistakes.

I went to Lke Meade two weekends ago, used the windlass many times, it was wonderful.

 

[Seamonkies]

Re: Windlass Installation

I purchased from Overton's the Quick Anchor Mini Genius Free-Fall, cost $849, then you have to buy the anchor rode as well, you cant use just any rope/chain. With all materiel included, I spent about $1,100. I imagine it increases the boat's value...man is it nice to raise and lower from the helm! I bought a new plow-style anchor, the wieghting make them more user friendly on a windlass as opposed to the danforth or fluke style. In retrospect, installing the windlass was challenging only in routing the 6 gauge wires to the bow, I would be happy to provide you a diagram, so you can learn from my mistakes.

I went to Lke Meade two weekends ago, used the windlass many times, it was wonderful.

Man, that's awesome! I bet it feels good. Thanks for the intel. I've got the switch already installed, but not the wiring. Like you, I'd have to run the wire. Sounds like a good project for next winter, though. Maybe I could even get my wife to help run the wire, since she's not really into pulling up the anchor...

 

[Emancipation]

Re: Windlass Installation

Good thinking. I would catch grief from friends because my wife was always the one pulling up the anchor, but she did not want the helm, especially in the wind. Those days are over.

 

[BSAFlash]

Re: Windlass Installation

Good thinking. I would catch grief from friends because my wife was always the one pulling up the anchor, but she did not want the helm, especially in the wind. Those days are over.

Oh dear...
I must admit to having many a good chuckle as the Skippers on 30-40' yachts stand at the helm while the First Mate is at the bow struggling with the ground tackle! I figured it was payback for making them do the dishes at home:facepalm:

 

[ems1ed]

Re: Windlass Installation

I purchased from ********* the Quick Anchor Mini Genius Free-Fall, cost $849, then you have to buy the anchor rode as well, you cant use just any rope/chain. With all materiel included, I spent about $1,100. I imagine it increases the boat's value...man is it nice to raise and lower from the helm! I bought a new plow-style anchor, the wieghting make them more user friendly on a windlass as opposed to the danforth or fluke style. In retrospect, installing the windlass was challenging only in routing the 6 gauge wires to the bow, I would be happy to provide you a diagram, so you can learn from my mistakes.

I went to Lke Meade two weekends ago, used the windlass many times, it was wonderful.

Just reading your post. I have a 1999 250SE and am looking at doing the same as you. Thanks for the intel. Could you send me that wiring diagram info you were talking about. I just bought the boat and haven't had a chance to check if the wiring is there or not but I don't want to lose this post from you.

Thanks..

 

[Emancipation]

Re: Windlass Installation

ems1ed - I'm affraid it would be more instructions and things to watch for more than a diagram. I'd be more than happy to correspond with you, so you can learn from my errors. My name is Kenny, you can email me at doralguy@comcast.net Looking forward to hearing from you.

 

[ems1ed]

Re: Windlass Installation

Thanks Kenny,

I'll send you an email. How's the weather out in Utah? Still cool out here. Probably gonna put her in the water next week. Supposed to rain all week. I still have to compound and wax her and put her name on. I need warm weather to do all that. Oh well, we just have to rake what mother nature gives us eh?

Take care and talk to you soon.

 

[CaptainKickback]

Re: Windlass Installation

Mrs Kick Back was always the one on the bow hauling the anchor.

Anyway, emancipation, you keep mentioning the mistakes you made and what you learned. I'll bet there are a number o iboaters here who would benefit from your posting them here in the forum.

Thx.