Quick windlasses are Italian-built vertical electric anchor windlasses, ranging from the 700W, 12V Aleph AL3 for small cruisers up to the 3500W, 24V Duke DK6 for vessels of roughly 75 to 95 feet. This guide compares the main Quick series — Aleph AL3, Dave DV5, Duke DK6, and Tumbler TB6 — and the controls and chain counters that complete the installation.
Quick windlasses at a glance
| Series | Power | Voltage | Configuration | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aleph AL3 | 700W–1500W | 12V or 24V DC | Vertical, gypsy only or gypsy + drum (8mm DIN 766 or 10mm ISO chain) | Small to mid-size cruisers |
| Dave DV5 | 1700W–3000W | 12V DC (1700W) or 24V DC (2000W–3000W); 230/400V AC variant also available | Vertical gypsy | Boats roughly 40–80 ft |
| Duke DK6 | 3000W–3500W | 24V DC | Vertical gypsy, heavy-duty construction | Vessels roughly 60–95 ft, offshore and commercial |
| Tumbler TB6 | 2300W–3000W | 24V DC | Drum for rope rode | Rope or rope-chain anchor systems |
How do I size a Quick windlass to my boat?
Windlass sizing depends on your boat's displacement, windage, and typical anchoring conditions rather than length alone. As a starting point, the Aleph AL3 (700W–1500W, 12V or 24V) suits small to mid-size cruising boats running 8mm or 10mm chain, the Dave DV5 series (1700W–3000W) covers most boats in the roughly 40–80 ft range, and the Duke DK6 (3000W–3500W) handles vessels from about 60 to 95 feet.
When choosing a power rating, factor in your anchor weight, chain size, and maximum rode length, then add a safety margin for retrieval in heavy weather or from difficult bottom types. Quick's published specs rate the 3000W Dave DV5 at a maximum pull of about 5,300 lb (6,834 lb on the 230/400V AC version), while the 3500W Duke DK6 is rated for a maximum pull of about 8,818 lb, delivering more torque and faster retrieval for larger ground-tackle systems.
What is the difference between a gypsy and a drum windlass?
A gypsy is a shaped wheel whose pockets grip anchor-chain links, giving positive, slip-free engagement during retrieval — but it must exactly match your chain size and standard (for example 8mm DIN 766 or 10mm ISO on the Aleph AL3). Most Quick windlasses, including the Dave DV5 and Duke DK6, use a vertical gypsy design with a compact deck profile.
A drum handles rope rode, spooling line evenly with consistent tension control. The Tumbler TB6 (2300W–3000W) is Quick's drum model, built for rope or rope-chain systems and popular where weight savings in the ground tackle matter. Aleph AL3 “gypsy + drum” versions combine both mechanisms on one unit, so a single windlass can work chain on the gypsy and rope on the drum.
What electrical system does a Quick windlass need?
Most larger Quick windlasses run on 24V DC, the standard on modern mid-size and larger vessels; the Aleph AL3 and the entry-level 1700W Dave DV5 are also available in 12V DC for boats with conventional 12V house systems. Current draw is substantial and varies by series: Quick's published working-load current is about 120A for the 3000W Dave DV5, roughly 173A for the 3000W Duke DK6, and about 197A for the 3500W Duke DK6, so plan on heavy-gauge wiring (typically 4/0 AWG or larger on the larger models), a dedicated circuit breaker, and a battery bank rated for sustained high current.
Every electric windlass also needs a properly rated contactor between the control circuit and the motor — Quick's T6215 contactor units are IP66-rated 150A contactors available in 12V (T6215-12) and 24V (T6215-24) versions. For vessels with three-phase shore or generator power, the Dave DV5 230/400V AC model connects directly to AC without a large battery bank or inverter. Professional installation is recommended to meet marine electrical standards.
Which controls and accessories complete a Quick windlass installation?
Quick offers a full ecosystem of windlass controls. Wired handheld options include the HRC 1002 up/down remote for basic control and the six-button HRC 1006 for boats that also run thruster or additional functions from one handset. The RRC P902 pocket radio remote gives two-button wireless up/down control, letting you work the foredeck or drop anchor from anywhere on board.
A chain counter is a worthwhile addition: it shows how much rode you have deployed so you can set scope accurately without counting chain markings. Quick's CHC-family counters include the flush-mount QNC CHC display and the OSP kit sensor that mounts at the gypsy to read rode as it pays out.
Which Quick windlass series should I choose?
Choose the Aleph AL3 if you have a 12V or 24V boat with 8mm or 10mm chain and want a compact 700W–1500W vertical unit, with or without a rope drum. Choose the Dave DV5 for the best value on boats around 40–80 ft — it is Quick's proven mid-range line at 1700W–3000W and typically runs $4,880–$7,810.
Step up to the Duke DK6 (about $10,300–$11,400) for vessels over 60 ft, frequent anchoring in demanding conditions, or heavy ground tackle: it adds upgraded motors, enhanced gear ratios, and premium construction in 3000W and 3500W versions. Pick the Tumbler TB6 drum model if your boat runs rope or rope-chain rode. Note that pricing for a given model varies with gypsy size, chain standard, drum option, and included accessories, so confirm the configuration matches your rode before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Quick Duke DK6 and Dave DV5?
The Duke DK6 is Quick's heavy-duty premium line (3000W–3500W) for vessels roughly 60–95 ft, with upgraded construction and higher line speeds under load. The Dave DV5 is the mid-range option (1700W–3000W) suited to boats up to about 80 feet.
Are Quick windlasses 12V or 24V?
The Aleph AL3 is available in both 12V and 24V DC. The Dave DV5 is available in 12V DC (1700W) and 24V DC (2000W–3000W), while the Duke DK6 and Tumbler TB6 run on 24V DC only. Quick also offers a Dave DV5 230/400V AC model for boats with three-phase generator or shore power.
Can a Quick windlass handle both chain and rope rode?
Yes — gypsy + drum versions such as the Aleph AL3 Gypsy + Drum work chain on the gypsy and rope on the drum. The gypsy must match your exact chain size and standard (e.g., 8mm DIN 766 or 10mm ISO) for safe engagement.
How much current does an electric windlass draw?
Current draw varies significantly by series and wattage. Quick's published working-load current is about 120 amps for the 3000W Dave DV5, roughly 173 amps for the 3000W Duke DK6, and about 197 amps for the 3500W Duke DK6, which is why heavy-gauge wiring (4/0 AWG or larger on the bigger models), a dedicated breaker, and a strong battery bank are required.
Do I need a chain counter with my windlass?
It is not mandatory, but a counter such as the Quick QNC CHC flush-mount display shows exactly how much rode is deployed, making scope setting faster and more accurate than counting chain marks.
Why do prices vary for the same Quick windlass model?
Identical motors are sold in multiple configurations — different gypsy sizes and chain standards (8mm, 10mm, 12mm), gypsy-only versus gypsy + drum, and different included accessories — and each configuration is priced accordingly.