Gemini Projects by Peter Kennedy Yacht Services

 

 
Simpson Lawrence Horizon 600G windlass

 

Windlass
The installation of an electric windlass has become a very popular project. We use the Simpson Lawrence Horizon 600 G electric reversing windlass. It mounts forward of the anchor locker and displaces the anchor cleat which gets relocated to one side.  We use a waterproof hand held control switch with optional cockpit control.

Because of the limited space beneath the windlass it is necessary to help the chain down to the bottom of the locker once or twice as it comes in.  This can be best done with the foot and hence the use of a hand held controller.

Most people get 150 ft of 1/2" nylon anchor rode and 30 ft of chain, but that is entirely at your discretion.

 
Peter Cleary's Gemini #802, "Daydreamer"

 

 The anchor is attached with a swivel so that it can drop and come in freely without catching on the bow roller.

 
The optional cockpit control.  This works well for dropping the anchor but when raising the anchor single handed you are still going to have to go to the foredeck once or twice each time to clear the rode and chain from below the windlass as explained above.

 

 

 

 

 

 The circuit breaker for the windlass gets located in the port aft cabin and should normally be left off when the windlass is not in use.
Tips for using the windlass:
  • The windlass is for pulling the anchor, not the boat.  Drive the boat up to the anchor rode as necessary so that the windlass is pulling straight up.  
  • When anchored, put the anchor rode on a cleat so that the windlass is not taking the load of the anchored boat.
  • The chain can be dropped freefall by loosening the clutch.  This saves battery power.
  • The windlass uses up to 50 Amps but for a short time and with the engine running, so power consumption is not a major concern.
Accessories
Many Windlass installations have been finished off with the addition of a fresh/salt deckwash.

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Peter Kennedy Yacht Services
    Marine Electrical Systems
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