Collection: Windlasses

Choosing the right windlass means matching the unit to your rode setup, your boat's electrical system, and where the windlass will mount. The brands stocked here, Lewmar, Maxwell, Quick, and Minn Kota, cover horizontal and vertical configurations as well as capstan-style units like the Maxwell RC10/10 and RC12-12, which handle chain and rope combinations ranging from 1/4" chain up to 1/2" chain paired with rope to 3/4". Quick's Aleph and Hector series run at 1000W to 1500W and accept 8mm to 10mm gypsies, so confirming your chain diameter before ordering is essential. Voltage is the other critical check: both 12V and 24V versions exist across the range, and fitting the wrong one means rewiring your windlass circuit.

Beyond complete units, this category includes replacement parts such as Lewmar gypsies, drum deck units, and motor gearboxes, which matters if you are upgrading or repairing an existing installation rather than starting fresh. A horizontal on-deck windlass suits skippers who want a lower profile and simpler deck layout, while a vertical unit keeps the motor below deck and away from spray. Capstan models work well on sailboats where crew may also use the unit for dock lines or halyards. Budget room for any required footswitch or remote control, as many units here are sold as the windlass alone.