|
Post by zamboni on Jan 29, 2021 7:32:13 GMT -5
I am ordering a new 245dc and cannot decide on adding a windlass or not. The negative is that it sits on the bow and takes up room. The plus is not having to pull the anchor up by hand. Looking for feedback on to add or not!
|
|
|
Post by lainiej on Jan 29, 2021 7:49:04 GMT -5
I think it's a great option. I don't have one on my 2360 but did on my last boat and I miss it dearly. If I was ordering a new boat it would definitely be on my short list. Another option I would add is an auto pilot, again had one on my last boat but not on my 2360. I bought the 2360 used and it didn't have those options.
|
|
|
Post by Dirty D on Jan 29, 2021 8:41:41 GMT -5
What lainiej said. Pulling an anchor is a pain especially if you bottom fish in deeper water. Say 80 feet or more. Also if you fish offshore I think the auto pilot is a must for those long runs. Had it on my other boat and it was the first thing I did when I got my 2660. Congrats and good luck.
|
|
|
Post by fishnfool on Jan 29, 2021 9:10:24 GMT -5
Definitely
|
|
|
Post by hookedup on Jan 29, 2021 14:46:50 GMT -5
I have one on my 245DC. Didn't on my previous boat and SO glad I do now. GKids like me to anchor over the sandbars near the beach and I use it then, and when fishing, and when just relaxing on the water, and when.... the list goes on. With my previous boat I avoided anchoring as it was such a pain pulling in the anchor when in wind and waves. Now, it's push a button (while paying close attention and using the motor to reduce strain on the windless) and it's up.
|
|
|
Post by Twisted on Jan 29, 2021 15:31:09 GMT -5
I would definitely have that as an option on your boat for all of the reasons stated above. Congrats on the new rig!! Post pictures when you can.
|
|
|
Post by finatic on Jan 29, 2021 20:38:38 GMT -5
I love my windlass. If you ever fish alone it's a must.
|
|
|
Post by footy3 on Feb 1, 2021 11:21:36 GMT -5
I have a 245 DC, 2018, had the windlass added when I purchased the boat. Very glad I did, the space it takes up is not really usable, it doesn't interfere in any way with the bow seating. I would never buy a boat without one now that I've had one.
|
|
osunpb13
Seaman
Owner 2021 241CC
Posts: 28
|
Post by osunpb13 on Feb 1, 2021 17:13:09 GMT -5
Not sure this helps but I just ordered a new 241CC and opted against the windlass. My thinking was I would rather put that money towards something else (I chose radar) since I don't anchor a ton offshore. Also, I am still pretty young and don't mind pulling up the anchor on the sandbar or inshore. Plus gotta teach my kid its not always as easy as hitting a button and make him earn his stripes by pulling up anchor! For whatever its worth, I talked to a few people who have them and said they are nice at first but as they get used, they tend not to work as well. They told me not to bother with it. Not sure if that's true but just what my research and questions to others had come back with. Otherwise, it seems like a nice option if fits for how you will use it and is in our budget. Probably can't go wrong either way though, in my opinion!
|
|
|
Post by Kelley on Jun 7, 2022 13:00:36 GMT -5
For those of you who recommended getting a windlass, do you ever have problems getting it up on the first try? We have a 2020 Sail fish 242 and have the windlass and I swear I would prefer pulling the anchor up myself, the windlass gets stuck so many times we have gotten into really sticky situations where we drift into other boats because we have to go up and down so many times because the line and then chain kink up so much in the process of pulling the anchor up.
Any suggestions!?
|
|
|
Post by fishnfool on Jun 7, 2022 14:01:17 GMT -5
What kind of rode and chain do you have eg 8 plait, 3 strand nylon, 5/16's? It can make a big difference in how reliably the windless functions.
|
|
|
Post by hookedup on Jun 7, 2022 18:41:27 GMT -5
Agree with fishnfool's questions. You've got something wrong. I got factory installed windless rode, chain and anchor and it rarely has a problem.
|
|
|
Post by Kelley on Jun 7, 2022 19:34:57 GMT -5
Ya I am not sure, its a brand new boat so I would assume whatever came from the factory
|
|
|
Post by fishnfool on Jun 7, 2022 19:43:55 GMT -5
Something to try, soak your rode in a bucket with fabric softener. It will soften up the cheap nylon rode they probably through in your locker and it will help it lay better and not kink up.
Alternatively if that doesn't work, looking into a higher quality rode.
|
|
|
Post by fishnfool on Jun 7, 2022 19:45:52 GMT -5
From Lewmar:
8-Plaited nylon rope eliminates some of the service problems associated with the 3-strand ropes. 8-Plait uses 8-individual braided strands woven together that allow the rope to be relaxed. But, when under load, it tightens up to a firm lay. The higher the load the harder the lay becomes.
8-Plait carries the same tensile strength as 3-Strand.
8-Plait does not coil or create a "birds nest" in the locker like 3-Strand will. 8-Plait flakes and falls upon itself.
8-Plait will not twist and knot up.
8-Plait will not loop over onto itself.
8-Plait has less stretch so it will not bury itself deep into the gypsy's grip when overloaded, which means less damage to the stripper when the windlass is abused or overloaded.
8-Plait pays off of the windlass into the locker much like chain, allowing for better use of smaller locker designs.
8-Plait is 80% less prone to becoming stiff when used in salt water than 3-Strand.
8-Plait nylon rope is 1/3 more absorbent than 3-Strand rope. More absorbent means more weight; more weight means better fall into the anchor locker.
8-Plait should be soaked in water (salt or fresh - it does not matter) to pre-lubricate the rope so it can be used in the windlass initially. When rope is used dry and new, we have seen either slippage or sticking in the rope pocket of the gypsy. Once the rope is wet and used, it out performs the 3-Strand. The longer it is used the better it gets.
|
|