Every experienced boater knows that maneuvering at anchor is not always the romance of calm, but often hard physical labor, especially in strong winds or currents.
It is at such moments that the need to automate the process of lifting anchor cargo becomes obvious, and the help comes to the rescue. anchor-winchIt can turn a tedious struggle with a chain into the press of a button.
The modern market offers many solutions, from compact devices for small PVC boats to powerful braspiles for heavy boats, and the right choice of equipment directly affects the safety of the parking lot and the comfort of the crew.
Principle of operation and types of anchor winches
Fundamentally, all devices are divided into two main types according to the principle of operation: horizontal (braspeech) and vertical (windgames), and the choice between them depends on the design of the bow of the boat.
Braspies are installed horizontally, the anchor chain circles the star at an angle of 90 degrees and goes down through the lock, which allows you to place the mechanism and motor in the hunduk under the deck, saving space on the upper part.
Windspiles have a vertical star through which the chain runs in a straight line, which reduces chain wear, but requires significant space under the deck to accommodate the overall gearbox and engine.
By type of drive, the equipment is classified as mechanicalwhere the force is hand-transmitted through the gate, and electricThe sleeve is operated from the onboard network, with the latter option being the standard for boats longer than 4 meters.
⚠️ Attention: When choosing an electric winch, it is critical to consider the onboard network voltage; for high-power models over 1000 watts, switching to the system is often required.
24 Into avoid overheating of the wiring.
Key technical specifications
When selecting equipment, you can not rely only on the length of the vessel, since the decisive factor is the real weight of the anchor along with the chain and the dynamic loads that arise during rolling.
The main parameter is traction, which must be at least 3-4 times the weight of the anchor complex, so that the device copes with the anchor suction pump to the ground and the inertia of the vessel.
Also, pay attention to the sampling speed of the circuit, which in household models usually varies from 15 to 25 meters per minute, which is the optimal balance between speed and current consumption.
Equally important is the Protection rating of the mechanism, which is indicated by the marking. IPwhere for marine use the minimum acceptable standard is IP67guaranteeing complete tightness from splashes and short-term immersion.
- 🔋 Current intake: specifies requirements for the battery and cross section of power cables.
- ⚓ Chain diameter: It must be strictly in line with the caliber of the asterisk (usually 6 to 10 mm for amateur boats).
- ⚙️ Material of the gearbox: Bronze or stainless steel is preferred, as silimine may not withstand a jerk load.
The power of the engine directly affects the life of the device, and an attempt to save money by choosing a “back-to-back” model by the weight of the anchor often leads to a rapid failure of the electric motor.
Comparison of popular models and brands
The market is dominated by several proven manufacturers, such as Maxwell, Lewmar and Quickoffering solutions of various price segments and constructive execution.
Budget Chinese counterparts are often attractive at low cost, but can yield as used bearing materials and corrosion protection, which is critical for salt water.
| Model | Type | Power | Workload | Weight. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Prince 500W | Vertical | 500 watts | 180 kg | 8.5 kg |
| Lewmar V1 | Vertical | 700 W. | 250 kg | 11.2 kg |
| Maxwell RC 600 | Horizontal | 600 watts | 270 kg | 9.8 kg |
| Sea Tiger 1000 | Vertical | 1,000 watts | 450 kg | 14.0 kg |
When choosing between brands, it is worth considering the availability of service and the availability of remixes, since complex nodes require periodic prevention.
⚠️ Note: Not all winches are equipped with a built-in reverse relay; some models require separate purchase and installation power-controller (solenoids).
Secrets of the durability of the reducer
The winch gearbox requires regular lubrication with specialized marine lubricants that are resistant to leaching. If you operate a boat in salt water, flush the mechanism with fresh water after each exit, even if it has a high degree of IP protection. The accumulation of salt in the teeth of the asterisk can lead to a chain jamming.
Instructions for installing winches yourself
Installation of the anchor device requires careful preparation of the installation site, since the deck must withstand significant loads and vibrations without deformation.
The first step is always to fit the winch into place and marking the holes, after which you need to make sure that under the deck of the place to place the nuts of the mount and motor.
Mounting should be carried out through reinforced washers or a special mounting plate to distribute point pressure on the fiberglass or aluminum shell.
☑️ Checklist for installation
The most important stage is wiringwhere the use of an insufficient cross-section cable will lead to a voltage drop and overheating of the contacts.
Only copper tin cables must be used to connect, and all connections must be thermally protected and treated with preservative lubricant to prevent oxidation.
A mandatory element of the scheme is the installation of an automatic switch in the immediate vicinity of the battery for emergency power outage.
- 🔌 Cable cross section: is calculated from the length of the route and the current consumed (usually from 16 to 35 mm2).
- 🛡️ Defense: The cable must be laid in a corrugated or cable channel to protect against mechanical damage.
- 🔋 Source: It is recommended to power the winch from a separate traction battery, and not from the starter.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use twists to connect power wires; use only soldering or crimping tin tips of the appropriate size.
Operation and maintenance
Proper use of the winch prolongs its life, so it is important to avoid jerks and overloads that can damage the gears of the gearbox or electric motor.
When lifting the anchor, it is recommended to help the winch, approaching the boat's nose to the anchor, to reduce the angle of tension of the chain and reduce the load on the mechanism.
Regular maintenance includes a visual inspection of the chain for stretching of the links and wear, as well as checking the condition of the asterisk.
If you notice that the winch is running slower than usual or emits extraneous noise, this is the first signal of the need to diagnose the engine brushes or lubrication level.
Extend the life of bearings: After a season in salt water, it is recommended to remove the winch casing and wash the exposed parts of the mechanism with fresh water, then re-canned with lubrication. This is a simple procedure that will prevent corrosion of internal components.
Seasonal conservation involves the removal of the winch (if the design allows) or careful lubrication of all exposed metal parts with an anticorrosion composition.
Regular lubrication and washing with fresh water increase the life of the winch by 2-3 times, especially in an aggressive marine environment.
Frequent errors in selection and installation
One of the most common mistakes is to buy a winch with a power reserve "for the future" without taking into account the capabilities of the boat's electrical equipment.
Owners often forget that a powerful motor consumes huge currents, and a standard wiring or weak battery simply will not be able to ensure its operation, which will lead to a voltage drop and the mechanism stops.
The other extreme is the savings on the anchor chain: the use of a chain of smaller diameter than designed for an asterisk will lead to slippage and rapid wear of teeth.
Installation is also often ignored. cock-button In a cockpit, which in a critical situation can cost time and nerves.
- ❌ Wrong calculation: Ignoring the weight of the chain in the total weight of the anchor complex.
- ❌ Bad contact: Use of low-quality terminals that oxidize in one season.
- ❌ Lack of protection: installation without automatic protection, which creates a risk of fire in the short circuit.
Careful attention to detail during the planning stage will avoid expensive alterations and ensure reliable operation of the system in any situation.
Why is the engine warming up?
The winch electric motors are designed for short-term operation (S3). Prolonged work under load without interruption causes the windings to overheat.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I install an electric winch on a PVC inflatable boat?
Yes, there are compact models designed specifically for PVC boats that are attached to a squirrel board or a bow platform, but it is important to consider the weight of the device and the capacity of the battery that will also need to be taken on board.
Which chain is better: galvanized or stainless?
The galvanized chain is cheaper and stronger, but requires careful care and washing. Stainless steel (AISI 316) looks aesthetically pleasing and doesn't rust, but it's significantly more expensive and tends to have a smaller tear load at the same diameter.
Do I need a separate battery for the winch?
For low-power models up to 500 watts, the main battery is often enough if it is in good condition. For high-power systems, it is strongly recommended to use a separate deep-discharge traction battery to avoid landing the engine's starting battery.
What to do if the winch stops pulling?
First of all, check the voltage on the battery terminals under load. If it is normal, it may have worn the brushes of the electric motor or worn the teeth of the star, and it is also worth checking the tension of the belt (if any) and the level of lubrication in the gearbox.
Can I use a winch for mooring?
Anchor winches are not designed to keep the boat on board in waves or wind, their design and power are designed for the vertical load of lifting the anchor, not for lateral jerks when mooring.