ideal windlass

mintregila

mintregila

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I have an Ideal capstan windlass. It is basically for rope only and only retrieves, not lowers by design. It is pretty sturdy looking and seems to work well for what it is.

I contacted the company to see about a direct replacement so that I would not have alot of repair work to do. They do have a rope/chain model which will fit the hole with only a minor enlargement for the accomodation of the rhode to the locker.

They will give me a 25% discount on the new one for a trade-in of the old one. Even with that, with tax, the new one will come in around $3k for just the windlass.

My question is this: is this a Cadillac of windlasses or just expensive? Anyone have any experience with them?

I don't know that I have many alternatives given the size of the hole that is there, but I thought I would ask.

Thanks
 
$3k sounds awfully expensive for a windlass! I got mine for $1k and that included 300 ft of rode and 6 ft of chain. Sounds like a Cadillac to me, but I may just be out of touch!
 
Ideal has always had the reputation of building a top quality rugged windlass. With a heavy 38' boat you will probably want to keep that quality level. After saying that, I would also check with George & elsewhere on line to see what you would actually pay for one.
Al
 
I drive a Cadillac, and I resent those remarks! :)

However, $3,000 is way too high! Especially since it is a capstain design. Look into the new Lewmar 1000 for about $8-900. All stainless, and is rope & chain. Check Boatfix for this and others.
 
A 38' flybridge is a whole different category in anchoring requirements(or should be) than a 22' or a 29' express style boat.
Boatfix appears not to have a listing for Ideal windlasses. Did a search on another Northeastern supplier & the Ideal rope/chain windlasses are in the $2500 price range.
Al
 
What model Ideal do you have on the boat Mark? What model are you looking at?

I have a VC-3 and it is a heavy duty windlass, chain only wildcat with a capstan for rope. They are up there in quality, you should see the custom windlasses they make for the large mega yachts. Serious hardware.

Jonathan
 
I just had a turnkey removal of a rope only windlass and replaced with a heavy duty windlass with new rode, chain and anchor by Good and it cost $2600.00. I was given a trade on my old Good unit.
So it sounds to me like you are getting a fair deal for your money. Regards Bill
 
Thanks to all for the input.

The current one is a Model A Vertical electric capstan. They are suggesting a PF2R (with capstan) or PF2Q (without). The model without is $2624.25 net after my trade-in.

Looks like I will push this off till next year as the budget is already blown.

Thanks again.
 
It's not possible to convert to a C model and add a relay to control the motor to go in or out?

Jonathan
 
No. It's a fairly basic model that only handles rope. In addition, it does not feed directly into the locker. It looks nice but is not very practical.

I'm really looking for something that can do rope and chain and that I can control from the bridge.
 
Had the same model on my Atlantic 44. Unit has an oil bath for the gears below deck which in time will corrode and start leaking oil all over your rode. I made inquiry with Ideal about converting to up-down with gypsy and capstan about 5 years ago and price was over $2K (and this was for a 20 year old windlass!!).

Wound up pulling the windlass and replacing with a Good Stealth with rope-chain gypsy which I control from the bridge. Did the install myself using same opening for shaft of the Ideal windlass. At the time I purchased the windlass at the Norwalk show with 20' of chain and 200 feet of 9/16 line for about $1200.

Love the Good. Use it on a 33,000lb boat with a 45lb CQR and works like a champ.
Paul
 
In my case the factory came out removed the rope only windlass and installed a Good F850 Stealth with 300' of 5/8" color coded rope and 60' of chain. I also had a 45lb CQR installed. I forgot to mention they upgraded all the wiring and replaced my control switches. I am very happy with the service and product. My boat's only 40' and 23,000lbs.
 
Paul, seems 200 ft of rode is rather short for such a large boat......unless you only anchor in 20 ft of water all the time! I have 300 ft on my little 22 footer.
 
Flutterby,
Here on the east coast (Long Island and Chesapeake for me) most anchorages are shallow, 10-20feet, with mud or sand bottoms. The 200' if fine unless you fish offshore where many use up to 600 feet.

Since I don't do much fishing off an aft-deck trawler, the 200 feet is more than adequate.

Paul
 
Yup, it all depends on the conditions where you anchor. Frankly, I've never needed even 200 ft, but I have the room and feel better having that extra if I ever need it!

Have a great boating season!!!!
 
I also have an Ideal model A on my 46' I talked to the company about 3 months ago concerning upgrading. He said they would completely rebuild and convert to chain wheel and rope drum for $1860.00 parts plus labor.
 
quote:
Originally posted by swimpy

I also have an Ideal model A on my 46' I talked to the company about 3 months ago concerning upgrading. He said they would completely rebuild and convert to chain wheel and rope drum for $1860.00 parts plus labor.

Click to expand...


That's what I'm talking about Mark!!!

Good post Swimpy.

Jonathan
 
The problem with this setup is that it does not extend or retrieve directly into the locker as it was not designed to. So the rope comes out of the hause pipe.

My understanding is that the conversion would only replace the rope drum with a combination unit but not alter the design. They gave me that option. At $1860 for parts, we are looking at a difference of $500 or less after labor is factored in for unit designed to feed directly into and out of the locker.

Paul also made a good point. I am going to change the gear oil since I don't know when if ever it was done. Then I will be able to see the condition of the pan as to corrosion and that may force my hand.

Thanks to all for the input. First winter with the boat and have alot I want to get done so I feel like I'm being two and three granded to death.
 
I know the feeling Mark, first winter with my new ride. Lottsa stuff to update and change out.

Jonathan
 
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