The best Lewmar windlass for your boat depends on displacement and ground tackle: the V700 suits compact sailboats, the Pro-Fish 1000 fits fishing boats and cruisers, the H3 handles mid-size yachts, and the V3 powers large sailboats and powerboats. Below we compare maximum pull, motor size, and rope/chain compatibility so you can match the right model to your vessel.
Lewmar windlasses at a glance
| Model | Best for | Max pull | Motor | Rope/chain compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lewmar V700 | Compact sailboats | 700 lbs | 12V / 320W | 1/2" rope & 1/4" chain |
| Lewmar Pro-Fish 1000 | Fishing boats & cruisers | 1000 lbs | 12V / 700W | 5/16" chain & 5/8" rope |
| Lewmar H3 | Mid-size yachts | 1,962 lbs | 12V or 24V | 3-strand rope or chain |
| Lewmar V3 | Large sailboats & powerboats | 1,962 lbs | 12V / 1000W | 3/8" chain |
Why choose a Lewmar windlass?
Lewmar has decades of marine engineering experience, and its windlasses are built specifically for harsh saltwater environments. They are low-maintenance units with a reputation for reliable performance season after season, and the range covers a wide variety of rope and chain combinations, so there is a gypsy configuration for almost any anchoring setup. Just as important for long-term ownership, Lewmar supports its windlasses with a deep catalog of replacement parts, from seal kits to complete motor/gearbox assemblies.
How do I size a Lewmar windlass for my boat?
Start with your boat's size and displacement: larger, heavier boats need more pulling power to break the anchor free and recover the rode. Then weigh your ground tackle - a heavier anchor and a longer chain rode demand a stronger motor. A common rule of thumb is to choose a windlass whose maximum pull is at least three times the combined weight of your anchor and rode, which keeps the motor working well inside its comfort zone.
Finally, match the voltage to your boat's electrical system. Most Lewmar windlasses run on 12V, while models like the H3 are offered in 12V or 24V versions, and larger vertical units are available with 24V motors for bigger battery banks.
Should I choose a vertical or horizontal Lewmar windlass?
Deck layout decides this one. Vertical windlasses, like Lewmar's V-series, mount most of the unit below deck, keeping the foredeck clean and putting the motor and gearbox out of the weather - they need enough fall (vertical drop) in the chain locker below the deck. Horizontal windlasses, like the H3, keep the whole mechanism above deck, which simplifies installation on boats with shallow chain lockers or limited space below the foredeck.
If your anchor locker is deep and you want a low-profile foredeck, go vertical. If locker depth is limited or you want an easier retrofit, a horizontal model is usually the better fit.
What rope and chain do Lewmar windlasses accept?
Each model is built around a gypsy sized for a specific rode. The V700 handles a spliced 1/2" rope and 1/4" chain combination, ideal for boats that anchor with a mostly rope rode. The Pro-Fish 1000 steps up to a 5/16" chain and 5/8" rope combination for a heavier rode. The H3 accepts 3-strand rope or chain, while the V3 is set up for an all-chain 3/8" rode. Because the gypsy must match your chain's size and link pattern exactly, Lewmar offers interchangeable gypsy kits - if you change your rode, you can often swap the gypsy instead of replacing the whole windlass.
How do I keep a Lewmar windlass running reliably?
Windlasses live in the wettest part of the boat, so periodic care pays off. Rinse the unit with fresh water after use, inspect seals and bearings each season, and check electrical connections for corrosion. Lewmar's parts support makes long-term ownership straightforward: bearing and seal kits, fastener kits, control arms, chain counter sensors, and complete motor/gearbox assemblies are all available, so a worn component rarely means replacing the entire windlass.
Frequently asked questions
What size Lewmar windlass do I need?
Choose a windlass with a maximum pull of at least three times the combined weight of your anchor and rode. Larger, heavier boats and all-chain rodes push you toward higher-pull models like the H3 or V3.
Are Lewmar windlasses 12V or 24V?
Most models run on 12V, including the V700 (320W), Pro-Fish 1000 (700W), and V3 (1000W). The H3 is available in 12V or 24V, and larger vertical windlasses can also be had with 24V motors.
What is the difference between a vertical and a horizontal windlass?
A vertical windlass mounts its motor and gearbox below deck and needs a deep chain locker, while a horizontal windlass keeps everything above deck. Vertical units give a cleaner foredeck; horizontal units suit shallow lockers and simpler retrofits.
Can a Lewmar windlass handle both rope and chain?
Yes - the V700 is designed for a spliced rope-and-chain rode (1/2" rope with 1/4" chain), the Pro-Fish 1000 pairs a 5/16" chain with 5/8" rope, and the H3 accepts 3-strand rope or chain. The gypsy must match your rode exactly.
Which Lewmar windlass is best for a small sailboat?
The Lewmar V700 is the usual choice for compact sailboats: a 700 lb maximum pull, a 320W 12V motor, and compatibility with a 1/2" rope and 1/4" chain rode.
Can I change the gypsy on my Lewmar windlass?
Yes. Lewmar sells gypsy kits for its windlass ranges, so if you switch chain size or move to a different rode, you can often swap the gypsy rather than replace the windlass.