The windlass, whether manual or electric, should be considered one of the most important tools of deck equipment. There are vertical and horizontal models. The former allow for a very small footprint on deck, the motor and gearbox being installed inside. Their appearance makes them more suitable for any type of hull. They also have the advantage over horizontal ones of being lighter and cheaper. Conversely, the underdeck mechanics make them less easy to control and maintain; in this respect, horizontal models are certainly the most practical.
HOW IT WORKS.
The structure of an anchor windlass is simple. The electric motor can be designed with vertical dimensions (vertical windlass) and then coupled to a gearbox that is also vertical, or L-mounted, with the motor axis horizontal (horizontal windlass). The barbotin is the essential part of the windlass; it consists of a wheel, capable of gripping the chain by means of a throat shaped with deep indentations that correspond to the links of the chain itself on which it is calibrated…
