Vertical windlasses have the motor mounted below deck with only the chainwheel visible above. They’re sleeker, better protected from salt spray, and the below-deck motor keeps the weight lower. The trade-off is that they require access space below deck and are slightly more complex to install.
For most cruising sailboats in the 28–40 foot range, vertical windlasses are the preferred choice — they look cleaner on the bow and the motor stays drier. For smaller boats or installations where below-deck access is limited, horizontal windlasses are more practical.
Sizing a Windlass for Your Sailboat
Choosing the right windlass size depends on three factors: boat length and displacement, anchor weight, and rode type (all-chain or rope-chain combination).
General Sizing Guidelines
| Boat Length | Displacement | Anchor Weight | Recommended Pull Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20–25 ft | Up to 5,000 lbs | 10–15 lbs | 400–600 lbs |
| 25–30 ft | 5,000–10,000 lbs | 15–25 lbs | 600–800 lbs |
| 30–38 ft | 10,000–18,000 lbs | 25–35 lbs | 800–1,000 lbs |
| 38–45 ft | 18,000–28,000 lbs | 35–55 lbs | 1,000–1,200 lbs |
Top Anchor Windlass Recommendations for 2026
Best Overall: Lewmar V700 Vertical Windlass
The Lewmar V700 Vertical Windlass is the benchmark for sailboats from 20 to 35 feet. It’s a 12V, 700W unit with a maximum pull of 700 lbs and 100% 316 stainless steel deck construction. The motor housing is IP67 rated — meaning it’s sealed against water ingress even during heavy weather.
What makes the V700 stand out is its fall-safe anchor lock, which prevents chain from running out accidentally, and its fast line speed that retrieves anchor quickly when you need to move. The flush-mount design hides the motor below deck, giving your bow a clean look. Lewmar backs it with a 5-year warranty — the longest in its class.
The gypsy accepts both 6mm DIN766 and 1/4″ G4 chain, covering the most common sizes for sailboats in this range. Installation is straightforward with the included drilling template and mounting hardware.
Best Horizontal Option: Lewmar Pro-Series 700W
For boats where below-deck access is tight, the Lewmar Pro-Series 700W Horizontal Windlass offers the same pulling power with an above-deck motor. It’s designed for boats 20–38 feet and includes everything you need for installation: solenoid, 70A circuit breaker, guarded rocker switch, and a drilling template.
The horizontal design means you can install it without cutting large holes in your deck — a significant advantage on boats with limited locker space. The 316 stainless steel construction and sealed gearbox handle saltwater exposure without issues.
Best Value: Five Oceans Atlantic 600W Horizontal Windlass
The Five Oceans Atlantic 600W Horizontal Windlass delivers impressive performance at a significantly lower price point than Lewmar options. With 600W of motor power and a 1,200 lb maximum pull, it’s suitable for sailboats up to 32 feet with anchors up to 25 lbs.
The package includes a 4-wire solenoid, 60A circuit breaker, up/down foot switch, and rocker switch — everything you need except the wire. The horizontal design keeps installation simple. Where it differs from Lewmar is in fit and finish — the stainless steel isn’t quite as polished, and the motor isn’t IP-rated — but at roughly half the price, it represents outstanding value for coastal cruisers.
Best for Small Sailboats (Under 25 ft): TRAC Outdoors Anchor Winches
For smaller sailboats and daysailers, a full marine windlass is overkill. The TRAC Outdoors Pontoon 35-G3 Electric Anchor Winch is designed for boats up to 24 feet and handles anchors up to 35 lbs. It includes 100 feet of pre-wound double-braid anchor rope and operates on 12V DC.
For slightly more capability, the TRAC Outdoors Deckboat 40 AutoDeploy-G3 adds automatic deployment — press the button and it pays out the anchor at a controlled rate. This feature is surprisingly useful when you’re single-handing and need to drop the anchor while steering.
Best Budget Anchor Winch Kit: YUASDUU 35 LBS Electric Anchor Winch
The YUASDUU 35 LBS Electric Anchor Winch is a complete kit with wireless remote control and 100 feet of pre-wound rope for under $200. It’s designed for boats up to 24 feet and includes a circuit breaker, remote, and all mounting hardware.
While it won’t match the durability of a Lewmar on a blue-water passage, it’s more than adequate for lakes, bays, and protected coastal waters. The wireless remote is a particularly nice touch — you can control the anchor from anywhere on the boat.
Best for Larger Sailboats (35–45 ft): 45 LBS Marine Electric Windlasses
For heavier displacement sailboats, Electric Anchor Winch rated for 45 LBS with wireless remote and 45 LBS Marine Electric Anchor Winch with 100ft pre-wound rope handle anchors up to 45 lbs with 12V operation and 220 kg (484 lbs) maximum working load. These are suited for sailboats in the 30–40 foot range that need more pulling power than entry-level winches can provide.
Both include wireless remote controls and heavy-duty construction rated for saltwater use. They’re not in the same category as a Lewmar V-series for ocean crossings, but for coastal cruising and island hopping, they provide reliable performance at a competitive price.
Anchor Windlass Comparison Table
| Windlass Model | Best For | Pull Rating | Boat Size | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lewmar V700 Vertical | Overall best (20-35 ft) | 700 lbs (12V/700W) | 20–35 ft | Amazon → |
| Lewmar Pro-Series 700W Horizontal | Horizontal installation (20-38 ft) | 700 lbs (12V/700W) | 20–38 ft | Amazon → |
| Five Oceans Atlantic 600W | Best value (up to 32 ft) | 1,200 lbs (12V/600W) | Up to 32 ft | Amazon → |
| TRAC Outdoors Pontoon 35-G3 | Small boats (under 25 ft) | 35 lbs anchor capacity | Up to 24 ft | Amazon → |
| YUASDUU 35 LBS Winch | Budget wireless (under 25 ft) | 35 lbs anchor capacity | Up to 24 ft | Amazon → |
| 45 LBS Marine Electric Winch | Larger boats (35-45 ft) | 220 kg (484 lbs) | 30–40 ft | Amazon → |
Installation Considerations
When installing a windlass, consider the electrical system. Most 600-700W windlasses draw 40-60 amps during retrieval — you’ll need adequate battery capacity and properly sized wiring. The circuit breaker should be mounted close to the batteries, not the windlass, to minimize voltage drop.
The control switch location matters too. A helm-mounted rocker switch with a foot switch at the bow is the ideal combination — you can operate the windlass while handling the anchor from the bow, or from the helm while monitoring the boat’s position.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Windlass
For most sailors, the Lewmar V700 represents the sweet spot between performance, durability, and value. It’s well-suited for boats in the 20–35 foot range and backed by a 5-year warranty.
If budget is a concern, the Five Oceans Atlantic 600W delivers solid performance at roughly half the price. For larger boats needing more pulling power, consider the 45 LBS Marine Electric options with wireless remotes.
