Free Fall vs. Power Down Winches

C

Capt'n Bill

New member
I am researching my anchoring set-up right now. I have never used a windlass to anchor and so I am trying to decide between a freefall style vs. power down. I need to be able to run all anchoring operations from the helm. since I anticipate that I will most often be anchoring solo. I am leaning towards a freefall winch. It seems to make more sense to me that once you get over your anchor spot you just hit a button and down goes the anchor, rapidly. However, I am concerned about there possibly being an increased risk of fouling an anchor with freefall, as it would seem that the rode could potentially come down right on top of the anchor. Has anyone experienced this problem with their freefall winches? Also, has anybody had any experience with the new Lewmar Pro Fish 77FF? It seems like it could be tthe answer to this, since it has a "controlled freefall" function where you can stop the freefall just by pressing the up/down switch.

Bill S.
 
I originally bought a freefall type windlass for my CD-25, Powerwinch I believe was the brand. Bought a "35" model because it was for boats up to 35'. Worked fine ONCE, then jammed several times and also had trouble pulling up my Delta 22 and 23 lbs of chain (30 ft). Consulted with the mfr, they said the "pull limit of 600 lbs" is a little misleading, it WILL have trouble lifting a 45 anchor setup. They recommended I "try" their "45" model for 45 ft boats that will handle up to 45 lb anchor setups (notice how "45" plays into their model #'s?)! Needless to say, it went back to West Marine with my comments on this product...

Other mfrs of these type winches may be fine, and maybe Powerwinch has corrected their problem and load specs.

The freefall aspect worked OK (for my 1 time), just had to make sure you put her in reverse right after dropping the anchor to avoid piling the chain on top of the anchor.

I then bought a Horizon 600, works terrific, no hassles, and I prefer the 'power down' feature much better, easier to control. The down side of reinstalling, the mounting holes and downspout locations were quite different, had to fill many holes. Moral of the story, do your research first, ask questions from other owners (like you've done..), ask the mfr how it will work with your weight and setup. Then buy if you think it will work for you. Good luck.

Hey, just noticed can't find Horizon windlasses in their 2006 catalog -- hmmm, dropped their line??

Steve
 
Bill,

I just put a Powerwinch 31 on my boat. I should get a chance to test it this weekend since the only way to drop the anchor on it is free fall mode. I don't think it will be a problem since most of the time the boat is moving in some direction as you are dropping the anchor due to wind, tide, or current. If it's not, which isn't very often, you can always start it down while in reverse. You'll need reverse anyway to pull out the rode and set it.
 
Bill,
I have a Horizon 600. It has a "controlled" freefall, as long as I hold the release switch, it allows the anchor to fall. When I let go of the switch, it stops. I didn't feel comfortable with an uncontrolled freefall. Like you, I was concerned with fouling the rode.


Where on the Big Island are you located. I was there 10 years ago when they built the WalMart in Kona. I went out with one of the welders and caught some great Ono off of the silos on the north end of the island

Enjoy your boat.
 
Thanks for the input guys. So far its been very illuminating. Tom, be sure & let me know how your experience is with the Powerwinch. It will be interesting to see how it goes after seeing what Tom went through with his. What will be your Anchor/rode set-up? It sounds like Tom was pulling more weight than his Powerwinch was designed for.

Roger & Steve, I was unaware that you could operate a controlled freefall from the helm with a Horizon 600. I was under the impression that if one wanted to put their anchor in freefall with that model, they had to go up on the bow to release it, otherwise from the helm it's powerup/power down. Correct me if I'm wrong. If the Horizon does have a controlled freefall from the helm, i think that I will probably go with it. That is the function that I was attracted to with the Lewmar Pro Fish, but that particular windlass is $$$$$.

By the way, I live on the Kona(Leeward) side of the Big Island just south of a little Harbor called Kawaihae. I have the good fortune of having a very quiet boat launch right at the end of my street and as you know, this side of the island has excellent boating and fishing waters. I would be glad to see some people over here to take out on the new boat.

Again, thanks for the help.

Bill S.
 
Bill,

I'm a little lighter with 7.5 kg Bruce and 30 feet of chain. The 7.5 kg Bruce is a little over kill for a 22. I can anchor in the Cook Inlet in 160 feet of water and 300 feet of rode out while fishing. I have thought about dropping a size on the Bruce, but as I said it just plain holds and allows you to limit swinging room in small anchorages by shortening up the rode. I'll see how it does this weekend.
 
Bill, the Horizon 600 is a 'powered' down/powered up type windlass, no free fall. It's speed is slightly quicker going down and quite adequate in my opinion. And yes, you can easily release the drum for a manual free-fall with a quick turn of the wrench that comes with it -- up on the bow though.

Steve
 
Bill-

Simpson-Lawrence has made a Horizon 600 FF Free Fall windlass for the last couple of years, but I can't find a full description on their company website which is now Lewmar.

Here's a link to a site that mentions the FF model.

Joe.
 
I'm looking at a few of the Horizon 600 models on E-Bay. There seems to be 3 different models(Freefall, Gypsy Only, and gypsy plus Drum. Pretty good prices for new at around $500. Will let you know what I do.

Thanks Again,

Bill
 
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