To choose the right Lewmar windlass, match the unit to your boat's size and weight, pick a vertical or horizontal format that suits your anchor locker, and make sure the gypsy is compatible with your chain and rope. This guide walks through each decision so anchoring becomes safer, faster, and more reliable on every trip.
Lewmar windlasses at a glance
| Series | Format | Best suited for | Key point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lewmar V700 | Vertical | Boats up to about 35 ft | Compact and powerful for its size |
| Lewmar V1–V3 | Vertical | Small to mid-size cruisers | V3 offers heavy-duty performance for larger boats |
| Lewmar V4–V6 | Vertical | Larger cruising yachts | Available with 12V or 24V motor gearboxes |
| Lewmar Pro-Fish | Horizontal | Fishing boats | Automatic free-fall for fast anchor deployment |
Should I choose a vertical or a horizontal windlass?
Vertical windlasses keep the motor and gearbox below deck, so they are more compact topside and generally offer better chain handling thanks to the greater wrap of chain around the gypsy. Horizontal windlasses mount entirely above deck, which makes them easier to install and maintain — a practical choice when the anchor locker is shallow or hard to access. Measure the fall (the vertical distance from the deck to the top of the stowed rode) and the space inside your locker before deciding: vertical units need adequate locker depth, while horizontal units need clear deck space.
What size Lewmar windlass does my boat need?
The size and weight of your boat directly determine the windlass you need. Lewmar builds models for everything from small yachts to large cruisers, and each model carries a recommended vessel range — always check the manufacturer's guidance for the ideal capacity based on your boat's specifications. A widely used rule of thumb is to select a windlass whose maximum pull is at least three times the combined weight of your anchor and rode. Also think about where you typically anchor: deep anchorages and heavy ground tackle call for a larger, more powerful unit than shallow, protected bays.
How do I match the gypsy to my chain and rope?
Different Lewmar models are designed for specific chain and rope configurations, so the windlass you choose must be compatible with your current anchor rode — or you should plan to upgrade the rode accordingly. The gypsy (the chainwheel that grips the rode) is sized to a specific chain dimension and link type, and combination gypsies handle spliced rope-and-chain rodes. If you change your chain size, Lewmar offers replacement gypsy kits so you can adapt the windlass instead of replacing it.
How much motor power do I need — and 12V or 24V?
A more powerful motor raises your anchor faster and copes better with challenging conditions such as deep water, wind, or a heavy all-chain rode. Evaluate your typical anchoring environments — shallow bays are far less demanding than deep anchorages — when choosing motor specifications. Match the motor voltage to your vessel's electrical system: Lewmar supplies its larger V-series windlasses (V4–V6) with both 12V and 24V motor gearbox options.
How do I keep a Lewmar windlass reliable?
A windlass lives in one of the wettest, saltiest spots on the boat, so periodic service matters as much as the initial choice. Rinse the unit with fresh water, inspect the gypsy and stripper for wear, and renew bearings and seals on schedule to keep water out of the drive train. Lewmar supports its windlass range with dedicated service kits — bearing and seal kits, fastener kits, motor gearboxes, and sensor kits — so a well-chosen unit can be maintained for many seasons rather than replaced.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose a manual or an electric windlass?
If you prefer simplicity and are on a budget, a manual windlass may suffice. For ease of use and frequent anchoring, an electric windlass such as the Lewmar V700 or V3 series is the better choice.
Which Lewmar windlass fits a boat up to 35 feet?
The Lewmar V700 is ideal for boats up to about 35 feet — it is compact, low-profile, and powerful for its size.
What is the Lewmar Pro-Fish designed for?
The Pro-Fish is built for fishermen: its automatic free-fall function drops the anchor quickly so you can set up on a spot without delay.
Can one windlass handle both rope and chain?
Yes — many Lewmar windlasses accept a spliced rope-and-chain rode, provided the gypsy is the correct combination type for your rope diameter and chain size.
Why choose Lewmar over other windlass brands?
Lewmar is a leading marine brand known for innovation, quality, and durability, with a wide product range and readily available spare parts trusted by sailors worldwide.
Do I need a 12V or a 24V windlass motor?
Match the windlass motor to your boat's electrical system voltage; larger Lewmar V-series windlasses (V4–V6) are offered in both 12V and 24V versions.