# AnchorMax Capstan + Self-Tailing Winch Configuration on a Nonsuch 26 — Looking for Photos

**URL:** <https://nonsuch.discourse.group/t/anchormax-capstan-self-tailing-winch-configuration-on-a-nonsuch-26-looking-for-photos/10259>\
**Category:** General\
**Created:** [March 8, 2026, 10:37pm UTC](https://nonsuch.discourse.group/t/anchormax-capstan-self-tailing-winch-configuration-on-a-nonsuch-26-looking-for-photos/10259 "2026-03-08T22:37:52Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![siva](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7c8e57/32.png) [@siva](https://nonsuch.discourse.group/u/siva)\
**Post date:** [March 8, 2026, 10:37pm UTC](https://nonsuch.discourse.group/t/anchormax-capstan-self-tailing-winch-configuration-on-a-nonsuch-26-looking-for-photos/10259/1 "2026-03-08T22:37:52Z")

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I have a spare **12V AnchorMax capstan** that I’m considering installing on my **Nonsuch 26** in combination with the existing **self-tailing winch** for **raising the sail only**.

The idea is to use the **AnchorMax as the powered hauling capstan** and let the **self-tailing winch automatically tail the line** , instead of hand-tailing while hoisting. I would **not** use the AnchorMax to hold the sail load. The final load would sit on the **rope clutch / stopper** , and **lowering or reefing would still be done manually**.

I understand a few owners may already have a similar setup, with the AnchorMax mounted in front of the self-tailing winch.

If anyone has done this, could you please share:

- **Photos** of the installation

- **Close-ups of the line routing**

- **Mounting location** of the AnchorMax relative to the self-tailing winch

- Any notes on **what worked well** or **what to avoid**

I’m especially interested in seeing how cleanly the line feeds from the capstan into the self-tailer, and whether any special deck reinforcement, fairleads, or spacers were needed.

Thanks in advance — photos would be incredibly helpful.

Siva Surendira  
’Inner Peace’ NS26C #42  
Jersey City

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**Author:** ![Breezin](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/user_avatar/nonsuch.discourse.group/breezin/32/861_2.png) [@Breezin](https://nonsuch.discourse.group/u/Breezin)\
**Post date:** [March 9, 2026, 12:43am UTC](https://nonsuch.discourse.group/t/anchormax-capstan-self-tailing-winch-configuration-on-a-nonsuch-26-looking-for-photos/10259/2 "2026-03-09T00:43:48Z")

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Hi, my boat a NS30U has an electric capstan winch I believe installed by original owner. The halyard goes through a Spinlock jammer, then to the electric winch. Once sail is about 95% raised, I remove it from electric winch and transfer to self-tailing winch and crank it the rest of the way by hand. The electric winch is controlled by a foot switch in the cockpit floor near the companion way. The Spinlock jammer must be closed before hoisting. Care must be taken when raising the sail with an electric winch as it’s difficult to tell if there’s a problem with a jammed rope. Down below the underside of the electric winch, motor and gear box, are covered by a teak box. See photos attached. Hope that helps, Don

> **(attachments)**
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> ![3370ce44-475e-40cc-8504-64d11fc2af5b-1_all_639.jpg](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/uploads/n26_115_233/original/2X/0/08f1dae8a840a2a3d6c19ce9271a4c99f2525b6b.jpeg)  
> ![3370ce44-475e-40cc-8504-64d11fc2af5b-1_all_483.jpg](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/uploads/n26_115_233/original/2X/7/77e49cc4d65dbdf2a6ded8d7b0eb792ba07cf1bc.jpeg)  
> ![3370ce44-475e-40cc-8504-64d11fc2af5b-1_all_967.jpg](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/uploads/n26_115_233/original/2X/6/6d77872a2041e85e94114d19ddc90abe998461a6.jpeg)