Anyone have experience with anchor windlass on a Nonsuch 30. I am thinking that might be a goodChristmas present to myself. I think I would need one that has motor on deck as I don’t believe there is enough access to mount motor below unit with mast in place.
Randall Baldwin 30U #372
I had a Lewmar heavy duty windlass installed, mast down, about 10 years ago. The immediate result was a head-slap followed by a “Why didn’t I do this sooner.” And a perfect accessory for the winch has been “marriage-saver” headsets that allow normal voice level communication from the bow to the cockpit.
Phil Harmeson
Catharsis.
NSU30 #295
Traverse City, MI
I believe a windlass install should be done with mast down as you can install it properly. I installed my Maxwell 1000 a few years ago and never regretted it. ( I also upgraded chain and anchor - aka, heavier)
I can have the chain go right into the locker but choose instead to leave it on deck after I haul it up as to rinse with fresh water or rain and then put back into the locker. Avoids that stale mud smell often found on boats. Been doing it this way since we bought Aloki back in 1986. Never regretted it. One item of interest is to elevate the windlass such that the angle of the chain is horizontal to the roller to prevent unnecessary strain on the windlass motor.
I used the spot where the old chain pipe had been to install a 6” deck plate. The deck plate allowed enough access below the deck to easily install a Lewmar windlass with the mast up. Since that time I have used the access to install a wash down pump outlet and to remove the bowsprit frame for vinyl application.
Paul M
NS30U #211, Sandpiper
Cowichan Bay, B.C.
I was just able to install a Lewmar Horizontal Windlass Pro 1000 on my 26 with the mast in place. Unlike Paul, I did not have an access port. Life would have been easier with the mast down. One challenge was holding the backing plate and washer in place while I started the nut.
I installed a switch in the starboard cockpit locker by the fuel gauge and purchased a wireless remote so I did not have to drill more holes in the deck for foot switches. The wireless has not been completely reliable so I have purchased a wired remote. The plug will be mounted on the toe rail near the bow. We already had a pair of Marriage Savers, great purchase. I chain counter would have been nice.
Lewmar also sells a vertical windlass with a vertical motor that you should be able to install with the mast in place provided you arms are long enough to reach the bolts or you have, or install an access port like Paul.
Mark Powers
