Boat windlasses are powered or manual anchor-handling systems designed to deploy and retrieve anchor chain, rope, or a combination rode. Installed at the bow of a vessel, an anchor windlass reduces the physical effort required to raise the anchor and helps control the rode during anchoring operations. A boat anchor windlass should be selected according to vessel size, anchor and rode weight, chain diameter, rope size, electrical system, and installation layout. Marine anchor windlasses are available in different configurations, including horizontal and vertical designs, with models intended for chain-only or rope-and-chain anchor systems.
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Maxwell RC6 Vertical Anchor Windlass is a compact and efficient solution for small vessels and yachts. Made of durable stainless steel, it supports anchor cables and chains with a maximum thrust of 700 kg, offering high performance and reliability for vessels up to 8 meters.
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$ 1,563.87
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Maxwell RC8 Vertical Anchor Windlass is a durable and efficient anchoring solution, designed for vessels up to 14 meters in length. Made from high-quality AISI316 stainless steel, it supports 6-8 mm chains and 12-16 mm anchor cables, providing reliable performance and ease of use for all marine applications.
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$ 1,873.68
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Maxwell RC8 Drum Anchor Windlass is a robust and efficient anchoring solution for vessels 6 to 14 meters long. Constructed from durable AISI316 stainless steel, this versatile winch supports 6-8 mm chains and 12-16 mm cables, ensuring reliable operation in all marine environments.
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$ 2,073.04
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Maxwell RC10 Anchor Windlass is a reliable and efficient solution for anchor handling, designed for vessels ranging from 8 to 17 meters. Crafted from durable AISI316 stainless steel, it supports 8-10 mm chains and 14-16 mm cables, ensuring smooth and long-lasting performance in marine environments.
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$ 2,509.47
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Maxwell RC10 Anchor Drum Windlass is a durable and reliable anchor winch, perfect for metal vessels (8-14 m) and plastic yachts (10-17 m). Crafted from 316 stainless steel, it supports 8-10 mm anchor chains and 14-16 mm cables, ensuring seamless operation and resistance to seawater conditions.
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$ 2,709.50
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Maxwell RC12 Anchor Windlass is a high-performance anchor handling system, ideal for vessels between 10.5 and 23 meters. With 316 stainless steel construction, it offers exceptional durability in seawater conditions and supports 10-13 mm chains combined with 16-20 mm cables.
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$ 6,464.94
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Maxwell RC12 Drum Anchor Windlass is a versatile and reliable cable/chain winch. Designed for vessels ranging from 10.5 to 23 meters, it features a durable 316 stainless steel construction and supports 10-13 mm chains combined with 16-20 mm cables.
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$ 6,958.61
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Maxwell HRCFF Horizontal Anchor Windlass is a compact, stylish, and efficient anchor winch, ideal for horizontal installations on yachts and boats. Compatible with 6-8 mm chains and 12-14 mm cables, it provides up to 700 kg of thrust for vessels ranging from 4.5 to 14 meters.
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$ 1,862.90
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Maxwell HRC10 Horizontal Anchor Windlass combines modern design, high performance, and ease of use. Compatible with 8-10 mm chains and 14-16 mm cables, this winch is perfect for yachts and boats 9-18 meters in length, offering up to 1500 kg of thrust.
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$ 2,601.06
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Maxwell HRC10 Horizontal Drum Anchor Windlass offers a stylish and ergonomic design for effortless anchor handling. Ideal for yachts 9-18 meters long, it supports 8-10 mm chains and 14-16 mm cables, delivering up to 1500 kg of thrust for reliable performance.
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$ 2,817.92
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Maxwell ANCHORMAX 500/1000 VC Multi-Purpose Capstan offers versatile performance for anchoring and mooring needs. Designed for boats 5-10 meters long, it features durable 316 stainless steel construction, easy installation, and compatibility with 12V, 24V, and hydraulic systems.
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$ 1,960.57
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Maxwell VW Series Anchor Windlass offers robust and versatile performance for cable/chain combinations. Built with high-quality stainless steel, it supports free-fall mode and reversible operation. Available in six power models (500 to 3500) with options for 12V, 24V, or hydraulic systems, it is designed for vessels of various sizes.
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$ 2,469.05
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Maxwell VWC Series Vertical Anchor Windlass provides durable and efficient anchor handling for vessels of various sizes. Designed for cable/chain setups, these windlasses feature stainless steel construction, a conical clutch system, and reversible motors for heavy-duty operations. Available in multiple models (1000, 1500, 2500, and 3500) with options for 12V, 24V, and hydraulic systems.
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$ 4,855.27
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Maxwell Windlass Foot Switch (Compact), with a 65 mm diameter, provides a reliable and compact solution for controlling your anchor winch. Available in white or black, it is designed for seamless operation with 12V and 24V systems.
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$ 93.62
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Maxwell Windlass Foot Switch Ø 104 mm offers durable and waterproof anchor control solutions for marine environments. Available in stainless steel, black, or white finishes, with or without a cover, and compatible with 12V and 24V systems, this versatile foot switch ensures reliable performance.
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$ 171.74
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Maxwell Windlass Control Board (Toggle Switch) offers a user-friendly, water-resistant remote control solution for single or multiple winches. Designed for dashboard mounting, it operates on 12V or 24V systems and ensures durability with marine-grade materials.
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$ 41.16
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Maxwell Windlass Control Board (Push Button) provides seamless remote control for your anchor winch. Designed for dashboard mounting, this waterproof panel is compatible with 12V and 24V systems, ensuring reliability and durability for marine environments.
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$ 264.27
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Maxwell AA150 Wired Anchor Rode Counter is a compact 60 mm marine instrument designed to accurately display the amount of anchor rode deployed during anchoring operations. Suitable for use with Maxwell and other compatible windlass systems, the AA150 features a large adjustable backlit LCD display with selectable metres or feet readout, an integrated docking alarm, and a complete installation kit including the control panel, sensor, and magnet. Designed for flush panel mounting, it provides reliable anchor monitoring while improving safety and control during deployment and retrieval.
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$ 516.59
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Maxwell AA320 Wired Handheld Windlass Remote Controller is a rugged two-button remote designed for safe and convenient control of a single anchor windlass during anchor deployment and retrieval. Supplied with a 4 m cable, marine plug and waterproof socket, it allows the operator to monitor the anchor directly from the bow when visibility from the helm is restricted. Compatible with 12V and 24V AC or DC dual-directional solenoids, the AA320 provides reliable operation in demanding marine environments.
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$ 258.30
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Maxwell AA342 Dual Wired Handheld Remote Controller is a professional marine remote designed for simultaneous control of two anchor windlasses or other onboard equipment such as davits and thrusters. Featuring a rugged rubber over-moulded housing, IP67-rated connectors, integrated electrical protection against back-EMF, and a durable 4.5 m coiled cable, it delivers dependable operation in demanding marine environments. The controller can operate in parallel with AutoAnchor™ products, foot switches, toggle switches, and other compatible control systems on DC, AC, or hydraulic installations.
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$ 326.90
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What is a boat windlass used for?
A boat windlass is used to deploy and retrieve the anchor and anchor rode. It provides mechanical assistance for handling the weight of the anchor, chain, and rope, making anchoring easier and more controlled.
Depending on the model, a windlass may handle chain only or a combination of rope and chain.
How do I choose the correct windlass for a boat?
A windlass for boats should be selected according to vessel size, anchor weight, total rode weight, chain diameter, rope diameter, available installation space, and onboard voltage.
The windlass should have sufficient pulling capacity for the complete anchor system rather than being selected only according to boat length.
What is the difference between horizontal and vertical anchor windlasses?
A vertical anchor windlass has the motor and gearbox mounted mainly below deck, with the gypsy positioned above deck. A horizontal windlass has more of the mechanism mounted above deck with a horizontal shaft arrangement.
The best configuration depends on available deck and locker space, anchor rode layout, installation access, and personal preference.
Why must the anchor chain match the windlass gypsy?
The chain must match the gypsy in both diameter and link dimensions. Chains with the same nominal diameter can use different link lengths and widths, so an incorrect chain may not engage properly with the windlass.
Poor compatibility can cause skipping, jamming, excessive wear, or unreliable retrieval.
Can a boat anchor windlass handle both rope and chain?
Many boat anchor windlass models are designed for combination rope-and-chain rodes, but compatibility depends on the gypsy design and the specified rope and chain dimensions.
The rope-to-chain splice must also be suitable for smooth passage through the windlass and into the anchor locker.
What components are included in a windlass anchor system?
A windlass anchor system typically includes the windlass, gypsy or chainwheel, anchor chain or rope-and-chain rode, anchor, bow roller, electrical controls, and appropriate circuit protection. Depending on the installation, foot switches, remote controls, chain stoppers, and other accessories may also be used.
What should be checked when maintaining a marine anchor windlass?
Regular checks should include the gypsy, fasteners, electrical connections, motor, gearbox, control switches, and condition of the chain or rope. Salt deposits and dirt should be removed, and moving components should be serviced according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Wear or poor alignment in the anchor rode system should be corrected before it causes damage to the windlass.