Anchor Windlass

[BillG]

Having recently installed new forward cleats and a bow roller I am now contemplating the installation of an anchor windlass.  Can anyone tell me what Catalina installs as an anchor windlass on their new 34s?  I am  looking at the Maxwell 500 and with  tackle weighing in at about 110 lbs it looks like it would handle those weights.  Any thoughts out there?

[Stu Jackson]

Bill

Perhaps you've seen Mark Elkins' work on the Projects page:  http://www.c34.org/projects/projects-anchor-windlass-rose.html

[Ron Hill]

Bill : You need to join the C34IA.  In this past issue (Feb 2006) Steve Lyle our C34 Tech Ed post two articles regarding your very question.  One on Mark's electric windless and another on Al Cameron's manual windless.

Great articles in those Mainsheet Tech Note articles!!!!   Join our Association and get the Mainsheet Catalina Owners magizine published every quarter.   

[BillG]

Actually Ron I've been a member of C34IA since I bought my boat, have a copy of every tech note that was ever written, and read them over and over.They are a great tool, and one of the reasons that makes owning a 34 so much fun. I have learned so much.
The Feb 2006 tech notes don't answer my question, Mark Elkins installed a Lewmar Anchorman, now discontinued and Allen Cameron installed a manual windlass.  I wanted to know what Catalina installs now as standard equipment and whether the group thought that the Maxwell 500 would be sufficient.

[Ron Hill]

Bill : Sorry, glad you're a member.
A friend installed a Maxwell windless this past winter in his 1989 C34.  He talked to Maxwell and decided to install an 800 so it wouldn't be underpowered.  Think his rational was correct as the larger windless (more hp/torque) will last longer over time. 
A thought.   

[Momentum M]

Bill...for your info...my 2005 MK II (1719) manufactured ( I guess) about 1 yr ago at this time and it has a Maxwell VW 500 and it handles very well my anchor (Bruce 33lbs) and 50' of chain.
I hope that's what you're looking for.
Serge

[John Sheehan]

Bill,

Our 2003 came with a Maxwell 800 and it works fine.  Even with the winch I normally motor up until we are just over the anchor and then use the winch.  If at all possible I do not use the winch to pull us against the wind or current.

[John Langford]

 I have a Maxwell 500 in a 1999 MkII and it seems to handle as much 1/4" hi-test chain as I have to put out to securely anchor (I have 200+ ft). But the last two posts lead one to believe that Catalina has put both Maxwell 500s and 800s into the anchor lockers of Mark IIs in recent years. Could that be true?

[chrisea]

The threads and projects I have seen here describe a deck-mounted vertical windlass installation.  The factory installed windlasses are mounted inside the anchor locker.  Anyone know if the anchor locker on a 1989 C34 is sturdy enough to have the windlass mounted inside, or what kind of reinforcement would be necessary?

Chris
ChriSea #832

[John Langford]

Remember that if you mount a Maxwell 500 windlass inside the anchor locker so that the drum is horizontal as it is in the MK IIs then you can't use the window provided in the motor casing to check if the oil level is ok. The only way to check the oil level is to remove the windlass which I would bet very few of us are doing with any regularity.

[jpaulroberts]

Bill,

What bow cleats and roller did you install? I am about to do the same with a windless sometime in the future. Jerry

[BillG]

I installed  the Schaeffer 60-200 cleats (8 inches) and a  Windline CR-1 roller.

[Mike Smith]

Check my installation in the Projects section of the website.

Mike

[Terry Forshier]

Reading this through I still do not know where Catalina is putting the windlass. ? I was just at a boat store where I was advised to mount the windlass in the opening hatch cover and let the line drop into the well. ?? Anyone have a picture of where the windlass is on the deck? IN the well? or where? If so please send off list to Sailsman10@comcast.net ...Thanks Terry

[Wayne]

I don't have a picture, but I do have a new boat.  Mine has a hole in the anchor locker cover; the windlass sticks up through this hole.  They said Catalina does it this way now because you can easily use the windlass to lift someone up the mast, hoist a dink aboard, etc.  I don't remember the brand or model--think Maxwell?  Maxell?.