Lewmar windlasses are vertical anchor windlasses sized by boat length and ground tackle: the V4 series (1600W 12V or 2000W 24V) covers most boats in the roughly 44–70 foot range, while the heavy-duty V6 series — available with 24V electric or hydraulic motor gearboxes — handles larger yachts and commercial-grade anchor systems. This guide explains how to size a Lewmar windlass, choose between electric and hydraulic drive, pick the right gypsy and deck unit, and keep the system serviced with genuine Lewmar spares.
Lewmar windlasses at a glance
| Series | Drive | Typical boat size | Key traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| V4 (1600W) | 12V electric | ~44–70 ft | Compact vertical unit; suits 35–75 lb anchors and chain-rope rodes; works with standard 12V house banks |
| V4 (2000W) | 24V electric | ~44–70 ft | About 20% more pulling power than the 1600W unit; lower current draw and smaller wire gauge over long runs |
| V6 electric | 24V electric | Large yachts / heavy tackle | Modular heavy-duty design; separate motor gearbox and deck unit; gypsy sold separately to match your chain |
| V6 hydraulic | Hydraulic motor gearbox | Large yachts / commercial | Continuous duty without overheating; consistent pull regardless of battery state; needs onboard hydraulic power |
How do I size a Lewmar windlass for my boat?
Start with boat length, displacement, and the weight of your complete ground tackle (anchor plus chain and rope rode). For boats in the roughly 44–70 foot range, the Lewmar V4 (1600W 12V or 2000W 24V) delivers ample pulling power for typical recreational anchoring, where anchors run roughly 35–75 pounds on mixed chain-rope rodes. Larger vessels, or any boat carrying heavier all-chain tackle, should step up to the V6 series, Lewmar's heavy-duty line engineered for anchor systems that can exceed 100 pounds.
Electrical capacity matters as much as motor wattage. A 12V windlass typically draws 80–120 amps under working load, so your battery bank, charging system, and conductor sizing all need to support that draw. 24V systems pull fewer amps for the same power, which reduces voltage drop and allows smaller wire gauges over the long cable runs common on bigger boats.
Should I choose an electric or hydraulic Lewmar windlass?
Electric windlasses (12V or 24V motor gearbox assemblies) are the straightforward choice for most cruising boats: installation and maintenance are simpler, and the sealed motor housings and corrosion-resistant components are designed for the marine environment. The V4 and V6 electric models cover the full recreational size range.
Hydraulic windlasses, such as the V6 with hydraulic motor gearbox, deliver a superior power-to-weight ratio and can run continuously under heavy load without overheating. They pull consistently regardless of battery state and avoid the very high current draw of large electric units. The trade-off: they require existing hydraulic infrastructure or a dedicated hydraulic power unit, which is why they are most common on large yachts and commercial vessels that already run hydraulics.
Gypsy-only or gypsy-and-drum: which deck unit do I need?
The deck unit configuration should match your rode. A gypsy-only unit is built for all-chain rodes: the pocketed gypsy wheel engages standard chain sizes positively, giving maximum control and minimal slippage under load. A combined gypsy-and-drum unit adds a rope drum above the gypsy, handling mixed rodes where rope makes up most of the length and chain runs near the anchor.
Lewmar deck units are offered in left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) orientations, indicating the chain feed direction viewed from the operator position, so you can match the unit to your deck layout. On the modular V6 series the gypsy is sold separately, letting you pair the deck unit with the exact gypsy size and pitch for your chain — commonly 10mm, 12mm, or 14mm.
How do I keep a Lewmar windlass running reliably?
Lewmar's modular design is a real ownership advantage: motor gearboxes, bearing/seal kits, control arms, fastener kits, and chain-counter sensors are all available as individual spares, so a worn component can be replaced without buying a new windlass. Bearing and seal kits (for the V700 through V4/V5 models) refresh the watertight integrity of the below-deck drive; complete 12V and 24V motor gearboxes are stocked for the V4/C4, V5/C5, and V6, and a sensor-and-magnet kit restores chain-counter function.
Plan periodic inspection of electrical connections, seals, and mechanical components, and make sure the installation leaves service access to the motor gearbox below deck. Because the windlass transmits substantial loads into the deck, backing plates and structural reinforcement should be checked as part of routine maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Lewmar V4 and V6 windlass series?
The V4 is a compact vertical electric windlass offered as integrated 1600W (12V) or 2000W (24V) units for mid-size boats, while the V6 is the heavy-duty modular line with separate motor gearbox and deck unit, higher pulling capacity, and electric or hydraulic drive options.
Should I choose 12V or 24V for my Lewmar windlass?
Match the windlass to your boat's electrical system: 12V (V4 1600W) suits most recreational boats, while 24V (V4 2000W and V6) gives about 20% more pull, lower current draw, and less voltage drop on larger vessels with 24V house systems.
Can I buy just the motor gearbox for my existing Lewmar windlass?
Yes — standalone 12V and 24V motor gearbox assemblies are available for the V4/C4, V5/C5, and V6, plus units for 3000/3500-series windlasses, so a failed motor can be replaced without buying a complete new windlass.
What does "gypsy sold separately" mean on Lewmar V6 deck units?
The V6 uses a modular design where the chain wheel (gypsy) is a separate part, so you buy the gypsy that exactly matches your chain size and pitch — 10mm, 12mm, or 14mm — along with the LH or RH deck unit.
When does a hydraulic windlass make sense over electric?
Choose hydraulic when the boat already runs hydraulic systems and anchors frequently under heavy load: hydraulic V6 units run continuously without overheating and pull consistently regardless of battery charge, but they need onboard hydraulic power.
How much current does an electric windlass draw?
A 12V Lewmar windlass typically draws 80–120 amps under working load, so the battery bank, charging capacity, and wire gauge must be sized accordingly; 24V systems draw roughly half the amps for the same power.