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Powerwinch windlass
- Thread starter stmbtwle
- Start date
I've had two Powerwinch's (class 46) fail on me in 5 years. One was still on warranty and when the repair shop took it apart, they could not believe it left that factory the way it did. I ended up with a whole new unit. Both failures had to do with the free spooling feature when you release the anchor. The thing about it is that I only drop the hook a few times a season. When my current unit goes south, I am changing brands.
chiropaul23
Member
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2006
- RO Number
- 20411
- Messages
- 66
Installed a Class 41 on my boat last summer and so far so good. Only complaint is the line. The rope-chain interface was not spliced well in that it was way too large for the gypsy to accomodate. Had to re-splice it myself.
I don't plan to change anchor or rode, I already use a 35# Delta with 5/16 chain and 5/8 nylon. Self-launches no problem; rode self-stows no problem. However current windlass has problems hauling the anchor over the roller and this MIGHT be the cause of the second failure. Anyway I plan to replace the roller with a 5" diameter roller which should make retrieval easier.
The Powerwinch appears to have a higher pulling power than the current one. Doesn't appear to have the pretty stainless steel case but I don't care about that anyway. My interest is function and reliability. I anchor a LOT and that size anchor and chain are hard on my old back.
The Powerwinch appears to have a higher pulling power than the current one. Doesn't appear to have the pretty stainless steel case but I don't care about that anyway. My interest is function and reliability. I anchor a LOT and that size anchor and chain are hard on my old back.
Mine was purchased about 6-mo before they came out with the chain-rode combo. Mine you could use chain OR line. Figured I use it until it broke, then replace it with a combo unit. So much for plans!
It was free-falling, but I found it worked better to have someone speed up the free-falling. I often anchored in swift currents.....
The main thing I didn't like was it required greasing one-a-year. No zirt fittings, so it had to be removed and taken apart to grease, then reinstalled. A big hassle! Otherwise, quality was fine.
It was free-falling, but I found it worked better to have someone speed up the free-falling. I often anchored in swift currents.....
The main thing I didn't like was it required greasing one-a-year. No zirt fittings, so it had to be removed and taken apart to grease, then reinstalled. A big hassle! Otherwise, quality was fine.
Thanks Les I appreciate the link. I wasn't sure you had the Class 46 but I was sure you could get one if required. For now, I understand my existing windlass has been repaired under warranty (again). Next time I'll probably be on my own, and the Powerwinch 46 looks like a good option. Less expensive, more powerful. Again, Thanks.