To select the right Quick windlass, match the model to your boat length, then match the gypsy to your exact anchor chain size and standard (DIN 766, ISO, G4, or BBB). Quick's range runs from the compact Prince DP2E for boats as small as 20 ft up to the Duke DK6 for yachts to 95 ft. This guide condenses Quick's selection tables so you can compare models, power ratings, and chain/rope compatibility at a glance.
Quick windlasses at a glance
| Model | Mount | Power options | Boat length | Gypsy sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prince DP2E | Vertical | 500 W / 800 W | 20–40 ft (6–12 m) | 6, 7, 8 mm – 1/4, 5/16 in. |
| Prince DP3 | Vertical | 700 W / 1000 W / 1500 W | 23–49 ft (7–15 m) | 8, 10 mm – 5/16, 3/8 in. |
| Aleph AL3 | Vertical | 700 W / 1000 W / 1500 W | 23–49 ft (7–15 m) | 8, 10 mm – 5/16, 3/8 in. |
| Rider R3 | Vertical | 700 W / 1000 W / 1400 W | 23–49 ft (7–15 m) | 8, 10 mm – 5/16, 3/8 in. |
| Hector HC3 | Horizontal | 700 W / 1000 W / 1500 W | 23–49 ft (7–15 m) | 8, 10 mm – 5/16, 3/8 in. |
| Dylan DR4 | Vertical | 1500 W / 1700 W / 2000 W | 33–66 ft (10–20 m) | 10, 12/13 mm – 3/8, 7/16 in. |
| Dave DV5 | Vertical | 1700 W / 2000 W / 2300 W / 3000 W | 39–79 ft (12–24 m) | 10, 12/13, 14 mm – 3/8 to 1/2 in. |
| Duke DK6 | Vertical | 3000 W / 3500 W | 60–95 ft (16–29 m) | 12–16 mm – 7/16, 1/2 in. |
Quick also offers the Genius series, which covers boats in roughly the 20–45 ft range and overlaps the Prince and Aleph families.
How do I size a Quick windlass to my boat?
Boat length is the first filter: each Quick model family is rated for a specific length range, and within a family the motor power steps up with boat size. On the Aleph AL3, for example, the 700 W version suits 23–33 ft (7–10 m) boats, the 1000 W version 33–46 ft (10–14 m), and the 1500 W version 39–49 ft (12–15 m).
When your boat sits at the top of a model's range — or you carry heavy ground tackle, anchor deep, or cruise in exposed areas — step up to the next power rating or the next model family. A windlass should recover your anchor and rode comfortably, not at the limit of its motor.
Should I choose a vertical or horizontal Quick windlass?
Most of Quick's range — Prince, Aleph, Rider, Dylan, Dave, and Duke — is vertical: the motor and gearbox sit below deck, leaving a low, clean profile on the foredeck, and the chain wraps roughly 180 degrees around the gypsy for excellent grip. Vertical models need sufficient depth in the anchor locker below the deck fitting.
The Hector HC3 is Quick's horizontal option for 23–49 ft boats. A horizontal windlass mounts entirely above deck, which makes it the practical choice when the anchor locker is shallow or below-deck access is limited. Chain alignment from the bow roller to the gypsy is especially important on horizontal installations.
How do I match the gypsy to my chain and rope?
A windlass gypsy is cut for one chain size and one calibration standard — 8 mm DIN 766 and 8 mm ISO chain are not interchangeable on the same gypsy. Quick offers gypsies for metric DIN 766 and ISO chain as well as US G4 (High Test) and BBB chain, so identify your chain before ordering.
For rope/chain rodes, the smaller gypsies (8 mm – 5/16 in.) on the Prince DP3, Aleph, Hector, and Rider handle three-strand or 8-plait rope from 1/2 in. (12.7 mm) up to 5/8 in. (15.8 mm); the 10 mm – 3/8 in. gypsies take 5/8 in. rope. The larger Dylan and Dave gypsies (12/13 and 14 mm) are matched with 3/4 in. (19 mm) rope. Aleph, Prince, and other vertical models are also available with a drum for handling a separate rope rode or mooring lines.
What accessories complete a Quick windlass installation?
A complete installation needs more than the windlass itself. Plan for a control circuit (deck foot switches, a helm switch, or a remote), a contactor sized to the motor, a dedicated circuit breaker, and appropriately sized cabling for the run from the battery to the bow. Quick's T6315 ContaCT 150 A contactors, in 12 V and 24 V versions with IP66 protection, handle the up/down switching for the motor.
A chain counter is a worthwhile upgrade: it displays how much rode you have deployed so you can set an accurate scope without counting chain markings. Quick's QNC CHC flush-mount chain counter integrates with the windlass control circuit, and radio remotes such as the RRC P902 pocket transmitter add wireless up/down control.
Which Quick windlass model should I choose?
20–40 ft: the Prince DP2E (500/800 W) is the compact entry point for small cruisers with 6–8 mm or 1/4–5/16 in. chain. 23–49 ft: the Prince DP3, Aleph AL3, and Rider R3 (vertical) or Hector HC3 (horizontal) cover the mainstream cruising range with 700–1500 W motors. 33–66 ft: the Dylan DR4 steps up to 1500–2000 W and 10–13 mm chain. 39–79 ft: the Dave DV5 offers 1700–3000 W with gypsies up to 14 mm / 1/2 in. 60–95 ft: the Duke DK6 (3000/3500 W) handles chain up to 16 mm.
Where ranges overlap, choose by chain size, locker depth (vertical vs. horizontal), and whether you want a drum version for rope handling.
Frequently asked questions
What size Quick windlass do I need for a 40-foot boat?
A 40 ft boat falls in the range of the 1000 W Aleph AL3, Prince DP3, Rider R3, or Hector HC3, typically with a 10 mm or 3/8 in. gypsy. If you carry heavy tackle or anchor deep, the 1500 W versions give useful reserve.
What is the difference between the Prince DP2E and the Prince DP3?
The DP2E is the smaller unit (500/800 W) for boats of 20–40 ft with chain up to 8 mm / 5/16 in.; the DP3 (700–1500 W) serves 23–49 ft boats and adds 10 mm / 3/8 in. gypsy options.
Do Quick windlasses handle both chain and rope?
Yes. Quick gypsies for rope/chain rodes handle spliced rope from 1/2 in. up to 3/4 in. depending on gypsy size, and many vertical models are offered in gypsy-only or gypsy-plus-drum versions.
What is a gypsy on a windlass?
The gypsy (chain wheel) is the notched wheel that engages the chain links. It must match your chain's diameter and calibration standard — DIN 766, ISO, G4, or BBB — exactly, or the chain will jump or jam.
Do I need a contactor for an electric windlass?
Yes. The control switch only carries a signal; a contactor such as Quick's T6315 ContaCT (150 A, 12 V or 24 V, IP66) does the heavy up/down switching of motor current.
Is a vertical or horizontal windlass better for my boat?
Vertical windlasses (most of the Quick range) keep the deck profile low and grip the chain over a longer arc but need locker depth below deck; the horizontal Hector HC3 mounts entirely above deck and suits shallow lockers.