Windlass Project

This is the new windlass that I just installed on Estancia.  I bought the new Lewmar Concept 1 motor, breaker and solenoid box from a friend, and the found on ebay the all stainless upper part from an Anchorlift Dolphin 1000 windlass. After getting some measures from the seller, I noticed that it can be combined, so I bought it and both parts fitted perfectly. I think I got the best of both worlds. The Lewmar motor is very reliable and the current draw is around 70 amps, and the Anchorlift drains a lot more amps and has less power,
The original upper part from the Concept 1 was aluminum and had only a capstan. The Anchorlift  has a drum/capstan option, and is all stainless. This is a great option, because a can use the drum for a send anchor, or to someone aloft.

Installation is straight forward, there are not too many installation options, unless you don't have an anchor roller already installed.  The motor will go inside the anchor locker. I was thinking about installing it a little bit aft, so the motor will be inside the v- berth, and covered with a wood or fiberglass box, but it will get in the middle if I want to install a chainplate for a staysail. So, inside the locker it is!!

 After aligning the windlass with the anchor roller, I noticed that it will have to be installed over the foreguy track (wich I don't have) channel, so I had to make a fiberglass "adaptor" to compensate for the curved deck 

and the channel dept. Since the C38 anchor locker is not that deep, the chain and rode will probably need some help and been guided, so they won't jam at the windlass, but definitely, it will be less work that pulling a 45lbs CQR and 20'  of 5/16

' chain!!!

A 3/8" fiberglass laminate was installed under the deck for strengh, and the installation ended up pretty well.

The control box was located inside the V berth locker, so humidity wont as much, as if installed in the anchor locker.

Next job is to make somekind of box  over the motor and a hole that leads to the v berth locker for ventilation. This way, it won't be exposed to the salty environment of the anchor locker.