Houseboat Electric Windlass Anchors - Horizontal or Vertical Installations?

by Ray
(Phoenix, AZ )

When it comes to houseboat electric windlass anchors, any tips on whether horizontal or vertical installations are the easiest?

The reason I ask, has anybody installed a windlass on a Gibson houseboat? It would be nice to conceal it under the front hatch, but we are concerned about structural support.
Has anybody had any trouble? Do any of the readers have any ideas?

Thanks for any help, Ray.

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Reply - Answer
Well Ray, welcome to the houseboat forums, and congratulations on your decision on installing an electric windlass on your boat. I can hear "my wife" cheering in the background, as she wants me to install one as a Xmas present :)

In our houseboating lives, my wife and I have mastered the techniques involved in the smooth operation of raising and lowering an anchor. Yet all of this was accomplished with many episodes of trial and error. The handiest tip for people who don't have an electric anchor is to use gloves.

The addition of a windlass on a boat is one of those items, or options that just makes good sense. Especially considering the size and weight of some anchors on these large boats nowadays.

Naturally the easiest option is to have it pre-installed by the manufacturer before purchasing a new boat, however what to do when you have a houseboat without one installed.

When it comes to a new installation, each case or boat has to be analyzed to see how, and where the best location is, to achieve the greatest structural and physical strength.

Electric Anchor Battery Banks

An electric windlass requires a fair amount of torque, which translates into a fair amount of power (or current), so you have a few choices. Install a battery close by in the bow, or run large cables to the engine room, and run it off the houseboat battery banks.

The rest of the installation is circuit breakers for protection, and some type of joystick controls (dual helm) for the raising and lowering.

You can use or install either types of windlasses, whether horizontal or vertical, as both have their advantages, depending on the available space in the bow locker or hatch area.

I would recommend to have a look at what type of rode you want to use. Decide whether you want to use rope, rope and chain, or only chain.

What Windlass Models are Available?

If you're a technical spec type of person, and you're interested in reading more about the different sizes, speeds, torque values, and prices, have a look at models like the Powerwinch windlass, the Maxwell windlass, and the Lewmar windlass.

Now, I have installed windlasses on other boats, but never installed one on a Gibson, so I will leave those specific details to someone that has. I am sure that someone who has, will gladly share their installation tips and ideas.



Lastly, hopefully some of our readers will share and post comments about their electric anchor, or houseboat windlass experiences. Feel free to use the "Click here to post comments." link found near the bottom of this page.


Thanks again for sharing, IAN from all-about-houseboats

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