Vertical windlasses are anchor-handling systems with a vertically oriented main shaft and the motor and gearbox typically installed below deck. This configuration keeps most of the mechanism out of sight and can provide a compact deck layout while still allowing controlled deployment and retrieval of the anchor rode. Vertical anchor winches are available in different sizes, power ratings, voltages, and gypsy configurations for chain or rope-and-chain systems. Correct selection should consider vessel size, anchor and rode weight, chain dimensions, rope diameter, available space below deck, anchor locker depth, and onboard electrical capacity.
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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 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 QUICK Prince DP1 Vertical Anchor Windlass is a compact anchoring solution designed for boats from 5 to 9 metres (16–29 ft). Available in 300W and 500W motor configurations, with 12V or 24V options depending on the model, the DP1 is offered in both gypsy-only and gypsy with drum versions. Constructed with an AISI 316 stainless steel deck unit, hard-anodised aluminium base, technopolymer gearbox and an IP66 waterproof motor, it delivers dependable anchoring performance while occupying minimal deck space. Every version includes an integrated chain counter sensor and magnet, manual free-fall system, and inspection cover for easy maintenance.
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$ 1,271.79
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1-2 weeks delivery time The QUICK Prince DP2 Vertical Anchor Windlass is a versatile anchoring system for boats from 5 to 13 metres (16–43 ft). Available with 300W, 500W, 700W and 1000W motors, in both 12V and 24V configurations, the DP2 series offers models with or without a capstan drum to suit different onboard layouts. Manufactured with an AISI 316 stainless steel deck unit, technopolymer gearbox and waterproof electric motor (IP66 or IP67 depending on motor size), the windlass combines rope and chain handling on a single gypsy while providing integrated chain counter compatibility, manual free-fall operation and easy maintenance through an inspection cover.
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$ 1,400.88
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1-2 weeks delivery time The QUICK Prince DP2E Anchor Windlass is a high-performance vertical motor winch designed for boats ranging from 6 to 12 meters. With chain compatibility, a powerful planetary gearbox, and lightweight stainless steel construction, it offers enhanced efficiency and reliability. Available in both 500W and 800W power variants, with or without a drum, the Prince DP2E provides a versatile and durable anchoring solution.
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$ 1,659.05
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1-2 weeks delivery time The QUICK Prince DP3 Anchor Windlass is the largest and most powerful model in the Prince series, designed for yachts ranging from 7 to 15 meters. Available in 700W, 1000W, and 1500W power options, this versatile windlass supports chain sizes of 8 mm and 10 mm and offers exceptional reliability for demanding anchoring operations. Choose the Prince DP3 for a robust and efficient anchoring solution.
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$ 1,745.60
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1-2 weeks delivery time The QUICK Dave Anchor Windlass is a state-of-the-art solution for vessels 12-24 meters long, featuring powerful motor options up to 3000W and hydraulic variants. With premium materials like stainless steel and chrome bronze, the Dave windlass ensures exceptional performance and durability in marine environments.
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$ 4,787.92
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Lofrans SX1 Vertical Windlass is designed for small yachts and motorboats from 6 to 9 meters (20–30 ft). Built from AISI 316L stainless steel with a compact round-base design, it provides reliable anchoring power with 500W or 800W 12V motors. Compatible with 6 mm or 8 mm DIN766 chain, it offers smooth operation, manual chain release, and IP67-rated motor protection in a lightweight 11–14 kg unit.
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$ 1,325.36
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Lofrans SX2 Vertical Windlass is engineered for boats from 7.5 to 13 meters (25–45 ft). Built with AISI 316L stainless steel and a compact round base design, it provides reliable anchor handling with 1000W (12V) or 1500W (24V) motors. Available in both with drum and low-profile versions, it features an IP67-rated motor, manual chain release, and a pre-installed chain counter magnet. Designed for 8 mm DIN766 chain, it delivers smooth anchoring performance with a maximum line speed of 40 m/min.
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$ 2,463.06
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Lofrans SX3 Vertical Windlass is designed for boats 15–18 m (50–60 ft) and built from AISI 316L stainless steel for maximum durability. Available in 12V (1500W) and 24V (1700W) versions, with or without drum, it supports 10 mm and 12 mm chains. Featuring an IP66-rated motor, independent gypsy and drum operation, and a pre-installed chain counter magnet, the SX3 ensures powerful, reliable, and efficient anchoring with speeds of up to 40 m/min.
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$ 2,650.67
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Lofrans X0 Vertical Windlass is a compact 500W 12V electric anchor windlass designed for boats up to 8 metres. Manufactured from marine-grade anodised aluminium alloy with a full polycarbonate protective cover, it offers excellent corrosion resistance while protecting the windlass base. Supplied complete with a control box and operating handle, the X0 is designed for 6 mm calibrated chain, delivering a maximum pulling force of 500 kg with a recovery speed of 12–16 m/min.
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$ 1,233.84
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Lofrans X1 Vertical Windlass is designed for yachts from 7–15 m. Featuring a chrome bronze base, IP67-rated heavy-duty motor, and anodized aluminium gearbox, it offers power options of 500W, 800W, or 1000W at 12V, with chain sizes 6 mm or 8 mm (DIN766/ISO 4565). Available with or without drum, the X1 provides reliable rope-chain handling, manual chain release, and independent gypsy/drum operation.
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$ 1,440.44
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Lofrans X1 Vertical Windlass is a compact 500W 12V low-profile electric windlass designed for boats from 6 to 9 metres. Manufactured from marine-grade anodised aluminium alloy, it features a single gypsy for 6 mm calibrated chain and 12 mm anchor rope, incorporating a rope-retention system for smooth rope-to-chain transition. Delivering a maximum pulling force of 630 kg and recovery speeds of 23–26 m/min, the windlass is supplied complete with a control box and manual operating handle.
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$ 1,271.21
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What is a vertical windlass?
A vertical windlass is an anchor-handling system with a vertically oriented shaft and the motor and gearbox commonly installed below deck.
It is used to deploy and retrieve anchor chain, rope, or a combination rode while keeping most of the drive mechanism beneath the deck surface.
What is the difference between vertical and horizontal windlasses?
A vertical windlass uses a vertical shaft with much of the motor and gearbox below deck, while a horizontal windlass has its shaft and much of the mechanism mounted above deck.
Vertical systems generally use less visible deck space but require suitable room below deck for the drive unit.
How do I choose the correct vertical anchor windlass?
Selection should consider vessel size, anchor weight, total rode weight, chain diameter and link dimensions, rope size, onboard voltage, deck thickness, and available space beneath the mounting surface.
The windlass should also provide sufficient pulling capacity for the complete anchoring system.
Can a vertical windlass handle both rope and chain?
Many vertical windlasses are designed for combination rope-and-chain rodes, while some models are intended primarily for chain.
Compatibility depends on the gypsy design, chain dimensions, rope diameter, and rope-to-chain splice.
When is a vertical anchor winch a good choice?
A vertical anchor winch can be a good choice when a clean deck layout is preferred and sufficient space is available below deck for the motor and gearbox.
It is often selected where the anchor locker provides enough depth for the rode to fall freely beneath the gypsy.
Why is anchor locker depth important for a vertical windlass?
The anchor rode must be able to fall freely away from the gypsy into the locker. If the locker is too shallow or the chain piles up directly beneath the windlass, retrieval can become unreliable.
Adequate fall distance and clear rode storage help support smooth operation.
What should be checked when installing a vertical windlass?
Check deck strength, mounting dimensions, below-deck clearance, alignment with the bow roller, anchor locker depth, rode lead angle, electrical supply, cable size, and circuit protection.
The chain or rope should move cleanly through the gypsy and into the locker without excessive friction or interference.