If you have decided to get into motor sports, you will want to make sure that you have all of the gear and accessories that you need. I am not some kind of expert but I do have some experience of taking part in various motor sports such as track racing in cars and high-speed sailing in a powerboat. My girlfriend introduced me to these activities and I suddenly realised what fun it was when I had a go. It didn't matter that I wasn't very good. I hope you like my blog and that it inspires you to get out there and have some fun.
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Motor Sports & Accessories: Get Out There and Have Fun
5 Reasons to Choose a Horizontal Windlass Over a Vertical One for Your Cruising Yacht
Jeffrey Gregory
An anchor windlass is something every cruising yacht will need — it's the special winch that's used to raise and lower your anchor, and choosing the right one is extremely important. One of the most crucial things to think about is whether you want a horizontal windlass or a vertical windlass. Here's how they differ:
- Horizontal Windlass: The motor and gypsy are configured horizontally.
- Vertical Windlass: The motor and gypsy are configured vertically.
Easy enough, and each option comes with its own pros and cons. That said, here are just five reasons you should pick a horizontal windlass.
1. They Require Less Locker Space
The minimum fall above the rode pile is going to be lower with a horizontal windlass than with a vertical one, so one of the first things to think about is the size of your anchor locker. If it's on the smaller side and you have plenty of deck space, a horizontal windlass is probably the way to go.
2. They Offer Easy Installation
With the motor and gypsy configured horizontally, horizontal windlasses are fitted completely above the deck. While that does take away a little deck space compared against a vertical windlass, it does mean installation is far more straightforward and therefore usually less expensive.
3. They Make Maintenance More Convenient
Having the windlass sitting above the deck is convenient when it comes to maintenance as well as installation. With everything exposed, you'll be able to carry out any repair work much more easily than you would with a vertical model. You'll also be better able to perform any quick checks to ensure small issues aren't allowed to turn into larger ones.
4. They Provide Superior Protection
No windlass is going to be immune from damage, but you should consider a horizontal over a vertical setup if corrosion is something you're worried about. That's because all the parts of a vertical windlass will be sitting in a locker, and that locker may get damp, especially if you frequently find yourself raising and letting out the anchor. That persistent dampness can lead to corrosion problems.
5. They're Less Likely to Snag
With a vertical windlass, the anchor rode needs to make a 180-degree turn around the gypsy followed by a 90-degree turn that goes into the locker. In contrast, the rode only needs to take a single 90-degree turn with a horizontal windlass. As such, snaps and hang-ups are less likely.
For more information about anchor windlasses, such as a Maxwell anchor winch, contact a boating equipment supplier.
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