GUIDE – Selection and care of anchor windlass

Its function is quite clear from its name, but few people really know what it is and how to take care of it. This is the anchor windlass, a manual or electric winch that allows the anchor and its chain to be easily lowered and brought back on board. Being a mechanical winch, it is essential to pay attention to care and maintenance of all its parts. In the store of
SVB Marine
you will not only find a wide range of windlasses to install on board, but also all the products and spare parts you need to keep it looking new.

Windlass – How to choose it and how to care for it

Regarding the choice of anchor windlass, there are different models and types. Vertical, horizontal, manual, electric. As a rule, the winch must be able to operate with a load of about four times the weight of what it drives, so anchor and chain. As for the type, it depends on the type of deck of the boat. A vertical winch usually hides the two main parts under the deck, while the horizontal winch remains on the deck. Therefore, the choice must also be made according to the space you have available.

In the SVB Marine store you will find anchor windlasses from some of the top brands such as Quick, Lofrans and Lewmar. Also found the useful guides, accessories and spare parts to keep it in top condition. The winch should be rinsed with fresh water after each outing whenever possible to avoid fouling and metal corrosion problems. At least once a year routine maintenance should be done instead.

Attention to maintenance and spare parts

In terms of care and maintenance, the main operations are quite simple and can also be performed independently. It is important to check that there is enough oil to keep the gears running smoothly and to check the seals for tightness. If the windlass is electric, attention should also be paid to the electrical poles in the motor housing; in fact, they should be treated and cleaned to prevent corrosion. The engine, other mechanical parts, and electrical parts should also be checked for rust, and if there are corroded or compromised parts they should be replaced. There are special products (oil, lubricant, cleaning spray…) that can be purchased at SVB Marine to care for the windlass, as well as the necessary spare parts.

If you have a Lofrans windlass, you can use the very convenient search tool specifically for replacement parts. Just select the model, open the exploded view, search for the part you need, and order it with one click.