To select the correct gypsy for your Lewmar windlass, first identify your windlass model from the nameplate on its gear case, then match the gypsy number to the exact type and size of chain you run — Lewmar makes a specific gypsy for each chain specification (DIN 766, ISO 4565, ACCO G4/G43, BBB, or Campbell). This guide covers how to identify your windlass and lists the gypsy numbers with their matching chain and rope sizes for the VX, Pro-Series/Fish, CPX, and V-Series windlass families.
Lewmar gypsy selection at a glance
| Windlass family | Gypsy options | Chain sizes covered | Rope size |
|---|---|---|---|
| VX1 | 68100033, 68100034 | 6–8 mm DIN 766 / ISO 4565; 1/4"–5/16" ACCO G4, BBB | 1/2–5/8 in (12–16 mm) |
| VX2/3 | 68120040–68120043 | 6–10 mm DIN 766 / ISO 4565; 1/4"–3/8" ACCO G4, BBB, G40 HT | 1/2–5/8 in (12–16 mm) |
| Pro-Series / Fish (700, 1000G) | 502, 503, 504, 516 | 6–8 mm DIN 766; 1/4"–5/16" ISO G4/G40, BBB | 1/2–5/8 in (12–16 mm) |
| CPX 1–4 & V-Series V1–V5 | Assemblies 000–006; kits 201–204 | 6–13 mm DIN 766 / ISO 4565; 1/4"–1/2" G40, BBB, Campbell S3/S4 | 1/2–3/4 in (12–20 mm) |
| V-Series V6 | 10 mm, 11 mm, 14 mm, 1/2" ISO G4 | 10–14 mm DIN 766 / short link; 3/8"–1/2" ISO G4, G30/G40 | Chain-only gypsies |
What is a gypsy and how do I identify my Lewmar windlass?
The gypsy is the notched wheel on your windlass that meshes with the links of the anchor chain to hoist the anchor; it can rotate on a vertical or a horizontal axis. The head (or drum) is the smooth cylinder that raises the rope part of the rode. Both are driven by a series of gears that multiply the motor’s force, which is why the gypsy must match your chain exactly — a mismatched gypsy will skip, jam, or wear prematurely.
To identify your windlass, look at the nameplate located on the gear case: it lists the model and serial numbers. If your windlass is vertical, the gearbox and motor are below deck; if it is horizontal, the entire unit sits above deck. Other identification clues include the size and brand of your boat, the diameter of the deck plate, the number of deck bolts (vertical units), or whether the motor is exposed or enclosed in the gear case (horizontal units).
Should you choose a horizontal or vertical windlass?
The terms horizontal and vertical refer to the orientation of the windlass shaft. A quick visual check: watch the chain wheel — if it spins like a merry-go-round, the windlass is vertical; if it turns like a Ferris wheel, it is horizontal.
When replacing a windlass, the odds are you will stay with the same type. If you currently have a vertical windlass, you can probably fit either a vertical or a horizontal replacement. If you have a horizontal windlass, however, you will likely need another horizontal unit because of space constraints below the deck.
Which gypsy fits my Lewmar windlass model?
Find your windlass family below, then match the gypsy number to the chain you carry (or plan to carry). Chain standards matter: a 10 mm DIN 766 gypsy will not run 10 mm ISO 4565 chain reliably, so always match the full specification, not just the diameter.
VX1
| Windlass model | Gypsy number | Chain fit | Rope size |
|---|---|---|---|
| VX1 (300 gypsy) | 68100033 | 8 mm DIN 766, 8 mm ISO 4565, 5/16" ACCO ISO G43 (G4) | 1/2–5/8 in, 3-strand hard lay |
| VX1 (300 gypsy) | 68100034 | 6 mm DIN 766, 6 mm ISO 4565, 7 mm DIN 766, 7 mm ISO 4565, 1/4" ACCO ISO G43 (G4), 1/4" ACCO BBB (3B) | 1/2–5/8 in, 3-strand hard lay |
VX2/3
| Windlass model | Gypsy number | Chain fit | Rope size |
|---|---|---|---|
| VX2 (700 gypsy) | 68120040 | 6 mm DIN 766, 6 mm ISO 4565, 7 mm DIN 766, 1/4" ACCO ISO G43 (G4), 1/4" ACCO BBB (3B) | 1/2–5/8 in, 3-strand and 8-plait (5/8 only) |
| VX2 (900 gypsy) | 68120041 | 8 mm DIN 766, 8 mm ISO 4565, 5/16" ACCO ISO G43 (G4) | 1/2–5/8 in, 3-strand and 8-plait (5/8 only) |
| VX2/3 | 68120042 | 10 mm DIN 766 | 1/2–5/8 in, 3-strand and 8-plait (5/8 only) |
| VX2/3 | 68120043 | 3/8" ACCO G40 HT | 1/2–5/8 in, 3-strand and 8-plait (5/8 only) |
Pro-Series / Fish
| Windlass model | Gypsy number | Chain fit | Rope size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pro-Fish 700 | 502 | 6 mm DIN 766 | 1/2 in (12–14 mm), 3-strand and 8-plait |
| Pro-Fish 700 | 503 | 7 mm DIN 766, 1/4" ISO G4, 1/4" BBB | 1/2 in (12–14 mm), 3-strand and 8-plait |
| Pro-Fish 1000G | 516 | 5/16" ISO G40 | 9/16–5/8 in (14–16 mm), 3-strand and 8-plait (5/8 only) |
| Pro-Fish 1000G | 504 | 8 mm DIN 766, 8 mm ISO 4565, 5/16" BBB | 9/16–5/8 in (14–16 mm), 3-strand and 8-plait (5/8 only) |
CPX 1/2/3/4 & V-Series V1/V2/V3/V4/V5
| Gypsy | Number | Chain fit | Rope size | Fits windlass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPX 006 Gypsy Assembly | 006 | 6 mm ISO 4565, 1/4" G40, 1/4" BBB | 1/2 in (12–14 mm) | CPX1/2/3 |
| CPX 000 Gypsy Assembly | 000 | 6 mm ISO 4565, 1/4" G40, 1/4" BBB | 1/2 in (12–14 mm) | CPX1/2/3 |
| CPX 001 Gypsy Assembly | 001 | 8 mm DIN 766, 8 mm ISO 4565, 5/16" G40 | 1/2–5/8 in (12–16 mm) | CPX1/2/3 |
| CPX 002 Gypsy Assembly | 002 | 10 mm DIN 766, Campbell 3/8" S4, 5/16" G40 | 1/2–5/8 in (12–16 mm) | CPX1/2/3 |
| CPX 003 Gypsy Assembly | 003 | 10 mm ISO, Campbell 3/8" S3, Lewmar 9.5 mm G40 | 5/8 in (16 mm) | CPX1/2/3 |
| CPX 201 Gypsy Kit | 201 | 8 mm DIN 766, 8 mm ISO 4565, 5/16" G40, 5/16" Campbell S4 | 1/2 in (12–14 mm), 3-strand | CPX4 |
| CPX 202 Gypsy Kit | 202 | 10 mm DIN 766, 5/16" Campbell S3, 3/8" Campbell S4, 9.5 mm G30 | 5/8 in (16 mm), 3-strand | CPX4 |
| CPX 203 Gypsy Kit | 203 | 10 mm ISO 4565, 3/8" Campbell S3, Lewmar 9.5 mm G40 | 5/8 in (16 mm), 3-strand | CPX4 |
| CPX 204 Gypsy Kit | 204 | 12 mm ISO 4565, 13 mm DIN 766 | 3/4 in (18–20 mm), 3-strand | CPX4 |
V-Series V6
| Gypsy | Chain fit |
|---|---|
| 10 mm | 10 mm DIN 766, 3/8" ISO G4, Lewmar 9.5 mm G40 |
| 11 mm | 11 mm short link, Lewmar 12 mm G30/G40, 13 mm DIN 766, 7/16" G40 |
| 14 mm | Lewmar 14 mm G30/G40, 14 mm DIN 766 (remote chain pipe version recommended) |
| 1/2" ISO G4 | 1/2" ISO G4, Lewmar 12 mm G30/G40, Lewmar 1/2" G30/G40 |
While you have the windlass apart to swap a gypsy, it is a good moment to inspect the wear parts — bearings, seals, and fasteners are available as service kits for each V-Series size.
What type and size of chain do I need?
With an anchor windlass your choices are limited: you must use only the type and size of chain specified by the windlass manufacturer, normally a G4 or BBB chain. Galvanized chain comes in a variety of materials and link sizes, and the link geometry must match the gypsy. Look for chain built to ISO specifications (International Organization for Standardization) rather than NACM (North American Chain Manufacturing) — most windlasses sold in the U.S. are designed to fit ISO chain.
If you run a rope-and-chain rode, splice the rope directly to the chain — a shackle passing through the gypsy is bad news. You can purchase a pre-spliced rope-and-chain package or splice your own. Stainless-steel chain is also available, but it is not all the same: again look for ISO specs, and keep in mind that stainless is expensive and difficult to return if you get the wrong size.
What if the boat doesn’t have a bow roller?
If there was no windlass on the boat previously, there is a good chance you will have to add a bow roller. Installation varies from boat to boat and may require modification if you have tall or metal toerails — you may need to mount the roller on top of the toerail, pass through the rail, or pass under it. Sometimes it is as simple as a bolt-on installation; often, owners adding a bow roller also switch from a single red-and-green navigation light on the centerline to separate red and green lights mounted farther outboard.
The bow roller itself needs to match the weight and type of your anchor so the anchor seats properly when raised. It does not have to sit exactly on the centerline, but there should be no more than five degrees of deflection to either side. In our experience most bow rollers end up slightly to port of center, which helps clear deck hardware or the headstay fitting on a sailboat.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my Lewmar windlass model number?
Check the nameplate on the gear case of the windlass — it lists both the model and serial numbers. On vertical units the gear case is below deck; on horizontal units it is above deck.
Can I run rope and chain on the same gypsy?
Yes — most Lewmar gypsies handle a spliced rope-and-chain rode. The rope must be spliced directly to the chain, because a shackle will not pass through the gypsy.
Does it matter if my chain is ISO or NACM?
Yes. Link dimensions differ between the standards, and most windlasses sold in the U.S. are designed for ISO chain. Match the gypsy to the exact chain specification, not just the diameter.
Can I replace a horizontal windlass with a vertical one?
Usually not — a horizontal windlass is typically replaced with another horizontal unit because of space constraints below deck. A vertical windlass can generally be replaced with either type.
What chain works with a Lewmar V6 windlass?
The V6 uses chain-only gypsies in 10 mm, 11 mm, 14 mm, and 1/2" ISO G4 sizes, covering chain from 10 mm DIN 766 up to Lewmar 14 mm G30/G40.
Is stainless-steel anchor chain a good idea?
It can be, but stainless chain is not all made to the same standard — verify ISO specifications before buying, and remember it is expensive and often difficult to return if the size is wrong.