How to Choose a Quick Dylan Windlass: 1500W, 1700W or 2000W

Quick Windlass - DR4 Dylan w/Drum 1500W 12V (12mm Chain, 3/4" Rope)

Pick the Quick Dylan by boat length: the 1500 W suits boats of 33 to 53 ft (10 to 16 m), the 1700 W boats of 46 to 59 ft (14 to 18 m) and the 2000 W (24 V) boats of 49 to 66 ft (15 to 20 m). Then match the gypsy to your exact chain (10 mm or 3/8 in DIN 766, or 12 mm ISO) and decide between gypsy only and gypsy plus drum. Quick notes that the boat-length range may vary with the boat type and the anchor-rode type.

Quick Dylan windlasses at a glance

Power Supply Boat length Gypsy chain Gypsy rope Models in our catalog
1500 W 12 V 33 to 53 ft (10 to 16 m) 10 mm (3/8 in) DIN 766 or 12 mm ISO 5/8 to 3/4 in on the 10 mm gypsy; 3/4 in on the 12 mm gypsy DR4 1500 W, 10 mm, gypsy only
DR4 1500 W, 12 mm, gypsy + drum
DH4 1500 W, 10 mm, gypsy only
1700 W 12 V and 24 V 46 to 59 ft (14 to 18 m) 10 mm (3/8 in) DIN 766 or 12 mm ISO 5/8 to 3/4 in on the 10 mm gypsy; 3/4 in on the 12 mm gypsy DR4 1700 W 12 V, 10 mm, gypsy only
DR4 1700 W 24 V, 10 mm, gypsy + drum
DH4 1700 W 12 V, 12 mm, gypsy only
DR4 1700 W 24 V, 12 mm, gypsy only
2000 W 24 V 49 to 66 ft (15 to 20 m) 10 mm (3/8 in) DIN 766 or 12 mm ISO 3/4 in on the 12 mm gypsy DR4 2000 W, 12 mm, gypsy only
DR4 2000 W, 12 mm, gypsy + drum
DR4 2000 W, 10 mm, gypsy only

Source: the technical specifications on each product page, checked against the Dylan DR4 page on Quick's website.

Quick Windlass - Dylan DR4 1500W Vertical Electric 12V Gypsy Only 10mm - DIN 766
Quick Windlass - Dylan DR4 1500W Vertical Electric 12V Gypsy Only 10mm - DIN 766

How do you size a Quick Dylan to your boat?

Start with boat length, then choose the power tier that covers it: 1500 W up to 53 ft, 1700 W from 46 to 59 ft, 2000 W from 49 to 66 ft. The ranges overlap, so a 50 ft boat sits in all three tiers; in that overlap, check your anchor and rode and your 12 V or 24 V supply. After that, match the gypsy to your chain size and standard.

What is the difference between the Dylan DR4 and the DH4?

Both are vertical electric windlasses with a rope-and-chain gypsy. In our catalog the DR4 comes in 1500, 1700 and 2000 W and has a base in AISI 316 stainless steel and hard-oxide anodized aluminium, while the DH4 comes in 1500 and 1700 W (12 V) and has a base in hard-oxide anodized aluminium. DH4 gypsies support calibrated chains from 6 to 26 mm and are matched with Quick's capstan range.

Quick Windlass - Dylan DH4 1700W Vertical Electric 12V Gypsy Only 12mm - ISO
Quick Windlass - Dylan DH4 1700W Vertical Electric 12V Gypsy Only 12mm - ISO

Do you need a gypsy only or a gypsy plus drum?

Take the drum if you also want the windlass to retrieve rope. The Dylan is available with or without a drum capstan for rope retrieval. The rope sizes in the table are for a three-strand polyester rope spliced to the chain with Quick's Slim Splice system.

Which gypsy fits your chain?

The one that matches both your chain diameter and its standard. The catalog lists the Dylan in 10 mm DIN 766 and 12 mm ISO versions; the 10 mm gypsy corresponds to 3/8 in chain. Measure your chain and confirm the standard before you order.

How much can a 1500 W Dylan pull?

The catalog lists the 1500 W (12 V) with a maximum pull of 2426 lb (1100 kg), a maximum working load of 882 lb (400 kg) and a working load of 298 lb (135 kg), drawing 150 A at working load. Maximum chain speed is 116.7 ft/min (35.5 m/min), falling to 63 ft/min (19 m/min) at working load.

What comes with a Dylan windlass?

The windlass comes complete with solenoid unit, clutch handle and mounting hardware. Features listed across the range: emergency manual lift system, manual free-fall, an integrated sensor and magnet for a chain counter, an easy-to-open inspection lid and an anodized aluminium gearbox. The motor is IP67 watertight on the 1500 and 1700 W units and IP66 on the 2000 W.

Quick Windlass - Dylan DR4 2000W Vertical Electric 24V Gypsy Only 12mm - ISO
Quick Windlass - Dylan DR4 2000W Vertical Electric 24V Gypsy Only 12mm - ISO

Frequently asked questions

What boat length is a Quick Dylan 1500 W for?

Boats of 33 to 53 ft (10 to 16 m). The 1700 W covers 46 to 59 ft (14 to 18 m) and the 2000 W covers 49 to 66 ft (15 to 20 m).

Does the Dylan come in 12 V and 24 V?

Yes. In our catalog the 1500 W is 12 V, the 1700 W is available in 12 V and 24 V, and the 2000 W is 24 V.

Can the Dylan handle rope as well as chain?

Yes. It has a rope-and-chain gypsy, and the drum versions add a capstan for rope retrieval. The rope sizes are 5/8 to 3/4 in on the 10 mm gypsy and 3/4 in on the 12 mm gypsy.

What happens if the battery fails?

The Dylan has an emergency manual lift system so you can still retrieve the anchor if you lose battery power, and a manual free-fall capability.

Can I connect a chain counter?

Yes. Every Dylan has an integrated sensor and magnet for the chain counter connection.

How is the motor protected against water?

The 1500 and 1700 W motors are IP67 watertight; the 2000 W motor is IP66.

Shop all Quick windlasses →

Last updated: October 22, 2026.

Leave a comment

Please note: comments must be approved before they are published.