Modern fishing or recreation on the water is difficult to imagine without the use of technical means that facilitate the management of the swimmer. electro-anchorIt allows you to quickly and silently fix the vessel at a point without requiring physical effort from the angler. Unlike the classic manual ejection, the automated system allows you to instantly respond to changing conditions, which is especially critical when fishing in strong currents or winds.
Installing such equipment turns a normal boat into a functional boat, where all processes are optimized for maximum convenience. Anchor winch It takes the hard work of lifting anchor cargo along with ground and algae, which is especially true for metal boats with heavy cats or Hall anchors, but in order for the system to work for years without failure, you need to be competent in choosing power, engine type and connection scheme.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all aspects of the transition to an automated anchor, from model selection to wiring mounting. The current consumption of the anchor winch can reach 50-80 Amps at the time of start, and how to choose the right battery, so as not to be left without an anchor at the most inopportune moment.
Principle of operation and types of anchor winches
The basis of any automatic system is anchor-winchHorizontal models are more common on deck boats where the mechanism is located under the deck sheet and the anchor exits through the lock in the nose. plasterThey are popular on open-nose boats where the anchor rope is wound directly onto the vertical drum.
The principle of action is based on work electric-motor The most important element is the end switch, which stops the rope when the anchor is approaching the lock, preventing the mechanism from breaking down. Modern models are equipped with reversible relays that allow not only to raise the anchor, but also to pit it under control.
- ⚓ Horizontal winches – provide better direction of effort and often have higher traction.
- ⚓ Vertical models take up less space under deck and are easier to maintain on small boats.
- ⚓ Combined systems - allow you to use both a chain and a rope, switching between operating modes.
⚠️ Note: When choosing a winch, be sure to consider the length of the "overhang" - the distance from the center of the stud to the exit point of the rope. If this parameter does not match the geometry of your forepeak, the anchor may get stuck when lifting.
Calculation of traction force and power selection
The main parameter in the selection of equipment is tractionA mistake in the calculations will cause the winch to run at its limits, overheat and quickly fail. For boats up to 5 meters long, 300-500 kg is usually enough, whereas for larger boats, 700 kg or more is required.
The weight of the anchor and the length of the anchor rope or chain must also be taken into account. Electric motor It's not just the weight of the metal that you have to deal with, but the water resistance, the silt at anchor, and the wind load on the hull of the boat, and often the manufacturers specify the maximum size of the boat for a particular model, but it's very arbitrary and depends on the operating conditions.
It's important to pay attention to the life cycle of the device. Cheap models are not designed for long continuous operation and require breaks to cool down. If you plan to move around the water area often and constantly raise and lower anchor, you need a winch from the water. high-grade And a metal gearbox.
Formula for calculating minimum thrust
Multiply the weight of your anchor by 3. Add the weight of the chain at the rate of 1 kg per meter of length. Multiply the resulting amount by another 1.5 (the reserve factor for difficult conditions).
Connection scheme and power requirements
And the quality of the installation is the key to long-term service of the equipment. anchor-winch It requires a huge current, the use of regular wiring of the boat is unacceptable. You need to lay separate power cables from the battery directly to the control panel or relay. The wire section must correspond to the length of the track and the current consumed, usually a copper wire with a cross section of at least 16 mm2 (AWG 6) for high-power models.
The circuit must have an automatic circuit breaker or fuse designed for the starting currents of the engine, it is installed as close as possible to the battery to protect the entire circuit from short circuit.
Connection diagram:
[Battery] -- (Plus, thick cable)
[Automatic 5080A] --> [Reverse Relay/Remote] --> [Swan]
[Battery] -- (Minus, thick cable) -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Special attention should be paid to contacts. All connections should be made with tin tips and reliably protected from moisture by shrinkage. galvanic pair Copper and aluminum in salt water conditions will cause rapid corrosion, so use only copper cables and brass or bronze terminals.
☑️ Checking the electrical circuit before starting
Comparison of popular models of anchor winches
The market offers a variety of solutions from different manufacturers, and it is quite easy to get confused in the specifications. Below is a comparison table of popular models that have proven themselves in operation on small and medium-sized vessels.
| Model | Type | Traction (kg) | Food (B) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minn Kota Deckhand 40 | Vertical | 18 | 12 | 14.5 |
| Quick Anchor H5 | Horizontal | 227 | 12/24 | 11.0 |
| Lewmar V1 | Vertical | 450 | 12 | 13.5 |
| Trac Electric Anchor | Vertical | 25 | 12 | 12.7 |
When choosing between brands, consider the availability of spare parts in your area. Anchor winch The mechanism is reliable, but in heavy operation, gearboxes or gears may be required, and market leaders usually have a well-developed service network, which makes maintenance easier.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use car batteries to power the winch in cycling mode. They are not designed for deep discharge and will quickly lose capacity. The optimal choice is traction AGM or GEL batteries.
Choose a winch with a thrust reserve of at least 30% of the estimated mass of the anchor device so that the engine does not work at the limit of capabilities.
Installation of the winch and anchor lock
Installation of equipment requires precision and adherence to technology. Before drilling holes, you must carefully mark the installation site, taking into account the direction of exit of the anchor rope. Anchor lock It must be set so that the rope is placed on the stud at the correct angle, usually not more than 5-7 degrees of deviation from the vertical or horizontal, depending on the type of winch.
Mounting is done on studs using large-diameter counternuts and washers to distribute the load. A metal or textolite plate is often installed under the winch to reinforce the forepeak design. All holes must be treated with anti-corrosion compound, and the places of attachment of equipment to the body must be sealed with polyurethane sealant.
After mechanical installation, the electrical connection is made according to the manufacturer's scheme. It is important to check the operation of the ends and the smoothness of the circuit or rope. If a chain is used, make sure that the caliber of the chain strictly corresponds to the winch star, otherwise slipping or spelling is possible.
When installing a horizontal winch under deck, be sure to provide a removable hatch to access the mechanism, which will allow for lubrication and visual inspection without dismantling all equipment.
Operation and maintenance of the mechanism
Regular maintenance significantly extends the service life anchor-winchAfter each trip in salt water, the device must be thoroughly washed with fresh water to remove the salt that causes corrosion of metal parts. Periodically, moving parts of the gearbox and bearings should be lubricated with special marine lubricants that are resistant to leaching.
Once a season, it is recommended to conduct a full check of electrical contacts, clean them of oxides and tighten the mounts. Pay special attention to the condition of the anchor rope or chain: damaged links of the chain can damage the asterisk, and a shaggy rope can get stuck in the lock.
- 🔧 Check the oil level in the gearbox (if the design provides) once a year.
- 🔧 Clean the anchor of silt and algae before lifting to reduce the load on the motor.
- 🔧 Lubricate the cable actuators (if any) and movable parts of the mechanism.
⚠️ Warning: Never use an anchor winch to tow a boat or pull the mooring ends in high winds. This is not designed for such loads and may cause the gearbox to break or burn out the engine brushes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use conventional car wiring to connect the winch?
The standard wiring of a car or boat has a cross section designed for currents up to 10-15 Amps. The anchor winch consumes 40-80 Amps, which will lead to heating, melting insulation and possible fire. Use only a special offshore cable of increased cross section.
Which battery is better to choose for an electric anchor?
The best solution would be a traction battery, such as an AGM or a deep discharge GEL, that can withstand multiple charge-discharge cycles and can give off high currents, and starter batteries degrade quickly under such loads.
What if the windmill stops working in the middle of the water?
First of all, check the battery protection machine and the contacts. If the electrician is fine and the engine is buzzing but not rotating, it may have jammed the anchor. In such cases, many of the swabs have a manual mode (removable handle) that allows you to select the anchor mechanically.
Do I need to lubricate the chain before storing the boat?
Yes, the chain must be cleaned of dirt, dried and greased abundantly with conservation lubricant or used engine oil to prevent rusting during winter storage.