Anchor winches for boats: how to choose and install?

Anchor winches are an indispensable element of equipping a large boat or yacht. Over the past few years, anchor winches have been installed on small boats - fishing boats (PVC, rubber) and small boats. These devices not only simplify the procedure for lifting the anchor, but also make it the most comfortable, significantly reduce the time of setting and lifting the holding device.

Boat winches are available in a wide variety, and when the watercraft is insignificant, then there is no reason to purchase a heavy fixture. Anchor winches for boats made of polyvinyl chloride are mounted in various places: bow, front or last row of seats, and in addition, additionally created device-blocks.

The simplest method is considered to be fixing on the transom. If it is not included in the design, as an alternative, profile guides are taken, which are installed on protruding rubber pads (they are glued to the base by soldering).

Taking into account what force drives the winch device, the following modifications are distinguished:

• manual (mechanical) devices;
• hydraulic structures;
• electric winches.

The manual device is put into operation by means of human physical strength, which is increased by a system of gears and blocks. In other words, it is not necessary to be a hero to raise a boat restraint from a depth with such a device. This winching device is the most affordable and simplest option, however, it does not provide adequate facilitation of the process.

In this matter, electric or hydraulic boat winches are much more comfortable and attractive. In the first version, the required force is generated due to the energy produced by the electric motor, and in the second - through hydraulic pressure.

At the same time, hydraulic models are deservedly inferior to electric winches:

• the boat anchor is not able to use all the capabilities of the hydraulic systems, in this regard, this option is not very effective;
• hydraulics are sensitive to the quality of the working fluid and to the conditions of use, therefore, they need constant maintenance.

Consider the most popular models that can be purchased ready-to-use. If there is a question about the remaining group of winch devices, then it can definitely be noted that most of the boat owners will be interested in the prospect of creating a makeshift device.The root cause of this situation is rather trivial - the high price of the device, which essentially reaches the price of the watercraft itself.

Complete with a winch device, the anchor itself is also produced, the weight of which is 18 kilograms. Nylon cord, 30 meters long, able to withstand a load of 365 kilograms. This is fully enough to raise the holding device, even when it is hooked in the pond. The winch is operated with one button. The electric motor is powered by a 12 V battery.

The practicality of the application lies in the fact that on the winch device there is a specialized holder that fixes the anchor in the raised state and prevents it from swinging.

The device is considered a striking example of a whole line of winches from Stronger. It can be mounted on light rubber boats up to 4 meters in size. It is equipped with a remote control, which makes it possible to manipulate the anchor without looking up from fishing. The set includes fixing components and holders that are mounted in the front part (nose) of the craft by soldering.

The SH 35i winch is intended for for hidden installation on boats and boats up to 7 meters in size. Together with the winch, there is a rope for connecting the anchor to the water craft, 40 meters in size, 4 mm thick, wound onto the winch spool. The load at the break of the rope is 360 kilograms. The winch comes with a power cable, fasteners, a roller (roller) and a 12-month warranty leaflet.The components of the winch mechanism are made of strong galvanized metal.

The device has a quiet functioning mechanism. The whole design of the anchor winch device is made mechanically, which significantly increases the quality of the mechanism and, as a result, the winch device itself. The SH 35i has a 120 watt electric motor.

Another sample from an American brand, which is known among fans of outdoor activities for its relatively affordable price. The weight of the anchor is 19 kilograms, the footage of the nylon thread is 40 meters. Nevertheless, in the reviews, most users point to a mechanism that does not inspire confidence, which breaks down after 3-4 trips to the water. But despite all of the above, the service is comforting as all appeals in case of revealing hidden manufacturing defects during operation were satisfied by the manufacturer.

If it is necessary to purchase a ready-made winch device with all fasteners and a retainer for the boat, it is advisable to give preference to electric modifications. Additional comfort is provided by an adjustable reel, which speeds up the procedure for winding the rope. Otherwise, winches for boats differ in the degree of quality of the assembly and the characteristics of the load capacity.

Some are interested in the opportunity to purchase a winch device with a "free fall" function. However, it must be recognized that such equipment is suitable mainly for boats. Yacht samples are more expensive, since they already include everything required for mounting on a rigid supporting structure.

Aspects that will make it possible to insure against unpleasant moments:

• pay attention to the size of the rope - there will be little sense from a short one;
• it is desirable to check the presence of an emergency rope release;
• no rope allows "dead" fixation.

Properly selected winch will greatly facilitate the operation of the boat. But the presence of many options is not always necessary, and therefore the most important thing is to find a “golden mean” and not pay extra money for unnecessary device functions.

Boat winches are presented in a wide range, and it should be taken into account that rowing and motor boats require different winch capacities. If you need a winch for anchoring a PVC boat, then first of all you need to select the required range of parameters, since any winch is designed for specific dimensions of a watercraft, for a certain weight and load. Boats made of polyvinyl chloride, on the other hand, have very compact dimensions, low weight, therefore, they also require an anchor that is quite compact and lightweight.

That is, the anchor winch device for a PVC boat should be small in weight and dimensions so as not to produce excessive pressure on the hull. Mostly small electric winches with external power will fit, which, with very compact dimensions, will be characterized by the required power.

Installation of a winch device made of metal profiles, is done in several steps:

• preparation of the area of ​​the craft, where the fastening of the protruding fasteners will be carried out (cleaning the surface from fatty contamination with alcohol);
• gluing overlays (it is advisable to use polyurethane glue and a building hair dryer set to the lowest temperature level);
• fixing the corner in the form of a triangle (it will take on all the resistance of the holding device);
• installation of the coil, roller;
• rope blocker installation.

If an electric winch is used, it is additionally supplied with power (12 V DC). At the same time, the battery must be put into a "pocket" in order to prevent a short circuit (a liquid medium is a conductor).

For an overview of Stronger anchor winches, see the following video.