A capstan is a type of winch commonly used on boats for various tasks, including anchor handling, mooring, and towing. It consists of a vertical drum or cylinder mounted on a horizontal axis. Capstans are manually operated or powered by electricity, hydraulics, or pneumatics. They provide a mechanical advantage for lifting or pulling heavy loads, such as anchors or mooring lines. Capstans are versatile and can be found on different types of vessels, from small boats to large ships. They play a crucial role in ensuring safe and efficient operations during anchoring and docking maneuvers.
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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 QUICK Tumbler Capstan is a robust and versatile solution for tightening ropes and mooring lines during docking operations. Built with marine-grade AISI 316 stainless steel, it ensures durability and excellent performance for boats of varying sizes, from 6 to 28 meters.
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$ 1,434.61
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1-2 weeks delivery time The QUICK Tottem Anchor Capstan is a compact and efficient capstan, designed for tightening cables, ropes, and mooring lines. Built with a robust 316 stainless steel drum and base, this capstan offers reliability and durability for demanding marine environments.
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$ 1,682.52
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Lofrans T-Series Vertical Capstans (T500–T1700) are designed for boats from 9 m to 23 m (30–75 ft), providing reliable stern mooring support for recreational, fishing, and commercial vessels. Built with chromed bronze or AISI 316L stainless steel bases and drums, they feature the same proven worm screw gearbox technology as Lofrans’ vertical windlasses. Available in 12V, 24V, AC, and hydraulic versions, the range offers pulling capacities from 670 kg up to 1,695 kg, ensuring strength, durability, and high performance for demanding mooring operations.
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$ 1,547.61
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Power, W
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Lewmar VX Capstan is a compact vertical marine capstan featuring a 12 V / 800 W in-line motor and epicyclic gearbox. Designed for boats from 8 to 14 m, it features an AISI 316 stainless steel and composite construction, IP67 motor protection, manual clutch release, and delivers up to 920 kg maximum pull with a compact below-deck installation.
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$ 2,012.40
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Lewmar C3 Capstan is a professional marine capstan available in 12 V and 24 V versions with a 1000 W motor. Designed for boats from 10 to 16 m, it features WARP™ drum technology, an AISI 316 stainless steel construction, anti-runback vertical motor, and delivers up to 850 kg maximum pull with quick patented deck installation.
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$ 4,320.99
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Lewmar C4 Capstan is a heavy-duty marine capstan available in 12 V / 1600 W and 24 V / 2000 W versions. Built entirely from AISI 316 stainless steel with WARP™ drum technology and a worm gearbox, it delivers up to 1500 kg maximum pull and is designed for boats from 16 to 20 m.
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$ 5,608.61
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Lewmar C5 Capstan is a heavy-duty 24 V / 2000 W marine capstan designed for boats from 20 to 26 m. Constructed from AISI 316 stainless steel, it features WARP™ drum technology, a compact worm gearbox with anti-runback protection, and delivers up to 1600 kg maximum pulling force with 400 kg continuous load.
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$ 5,701.98
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Italwinch Paros Lux is a compact marine capstan manufactured from polished AISI 316 stainless steel and designed for vessels up to 13 metres. Available with 500W or 700W motors in 12V and 24V versions, it features an IP67 waterproof motor, reliable line speeds of 23–25 m/min, and a corrosion-resistant construction for demanding marine environments. Ideal for mooring and docking operations, the Paros Lux combines compact dimensions with dependable performance.
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$ 1,178.97
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Italwinch Nestor-V Vertical Marine Capstan is a compact anchoring and mooring solution for boats up to 14 metres, featuring a vertical IP67 waterproof motor and an AISI 316 stainless steel capstan head. Available in 12V and 24V DC versions, the Nestor-V delivers 300 kg maximum pulling force, 100 kg continuous working load, and a 25 m/min line speed. Its EASY FIT installation system simplifies mounting while ensuring reliable performance in demanding marine environments.
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$ 2,103.71
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Power, W
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Italwinch Nestor Marine Capstan is a compact, high-performance capstan designed for boats up to 17 metres. Manufactured from AISI 316 marine-grade stainless steel and equipped with an IP67 waterproof motor, it is available in 1000W and 1500W versions for both 12V and 24V DC systems. Delivering pulling capacities of up to 1290 kg with working loads of up to 160 kg, the Nestor series is an ideal solution for reliable mooring and line handling in demanding marine environments.
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$ 1,887.28
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Italwinch Heron Marine Capstan is a heavy-duty electric capstan manufactured from AISI 316 stainless steel for vessels up to 23 meters. Available with 1500W, 1700W and 2000W motors in 12V, 24V and 230V versions, it delivers a maximum pulling force of up to 1750 kg and a working load of up to 270 kg. Designed for demanding mooring and line-handling operations, the Heron combines corrosion-resistant construction with multiple power options to suit both recreational and professional marine applications.
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$ 2,550.17
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Italwinch Aran Capstan is a durable and versatile anchoring solution, available in 1700W, 2300W, and 2700W variants. Crafted from high-quality 316 marine stainless steel, this capstan is designed for vessels up to 28 meters in length and offers a variety of drive options to suit different needs.
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$ 5,775.34
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Italwinch Milos Marine Capstan is a heavy-duty anchoring solution designed for vessels up to 38 metres. Manufactured from AISI 316 marine-grade stainless steel, it is available in 3000W AC (230/400V) and 3500W 24V DC versions, delivering a maximum pulling force of up to 4000 kg with a working load of 1100 kg. Designed for demanding commercial and large yacht applications, the Milos series combines exceptional durability with powerful and reliable capstan performance.
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$ 10,321.75
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1-2 weeks delivery time The MUIR VC Capstan Direct-Drive series offers high-efficiency and lightweight capstans, designed for enhanced performance on your vessel. Featuring an integrated transmission/engine assembly, these capstans provide increased power and speed for various applications, including mooring, anchoring, towing, and fishing. Available in different configurations for 12V, 24V, and hydraulic systems, they offer versatility and reliability. Crafted from bronze with a chromium coating, these capstans ensure durability and high performance in marine environments.
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$ 5,125.28
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1-2 weeks delivery time The MUIR VC Capstan series provides versatile, high-performance capstans for various vessel sizes, from 5 to 36 meters. These capstans are designed to handle chain sizes ranging from 10mm to 25mm and come in 12V, 24V, and hydraulic configurations. With capacities ranging from 29 to 455 kg, they offer exceptional reliability and power. Whether for mooring, anchoring, or towing, the MUIR VC Capstan enhances your vessel’s performance, providing the flexibility to suit your anchoring needs.
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$ 4,286.50
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What is the primary function of a boat capstan in marine applications?
The primary function of a boat capstan in marine applications is to assist in handling heavy lines and anchors by providing mechanical advantage, making it easier to hoist, lower, or secure them. Unlike a winch, a capstan operates using a vertical axis, which is particularly useful for controlling ropes and cables without tangling. Tumbler capstans are commonly mounted on a sturdy base to ensure stability and are often designed with additional features tailored to specific marine requirements.
In addition to its primary function, a tumbler capstan is designed with durability and versatility in mind. These capstans come equipped with an IP67 watertight motor, providing reliable performance even in harsh marine environments. The range of capstans includes models with bronze solenoid units and clutch handles, enhancing control and ease of use. Each unit is sold complete with mounting hardware and a manual, ensuring straightforward installation and operation, making them an essential piece of equipment on various vessels.
For a dependable and efficient anchoring solution, explore our Pontoon Anchor Winch, designed for secure and hassle-free marine operations.
What are the unique features of a tumbler capstan compared to other types of capstans?
The tumbler capstan stands out due to its IP67 watertight motor and anodized aluminum gearbox, which provide enhanced durability and resistance to harsh marine environments. This unit is also designed for easy drop-in installation, making it a convenient choice for quick and reliable operation. Additionally, the capstan's mounted motor below the deck helps reduce weight and space usage, contributing to a more efficient and streamlined setup on board.
How does the gear mechanism in a capstan differ from that of a winch?
The gear mechanism in a capstan, such as the tumbler capstan, often features a motor and epicyclical gearbox, providing smooth and controlled operation when hauling lines or anchors. Unlike a winch, which usually has a drum to wind a rope or cable, a capstan is designed for vertical pulling, using friction on a rotating spindle to move loads efficiently. This design difference allows capstans to offer precise control and steady tension, making them ideal for applications requiring careful handling of lines, such as anchoring or docking.