Best Boat Windlasses of 2026
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Boat windlasses are an essential piece of equipment for any boater. These devices are designed to help lift and anchor boats with ease. They come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit any type of boat. Some windlasses are manual, while others are electric or hydraulic. They are typically mounted on the bow of the boat and are used to hoist the anchor up and down. Windlasses can make a huge difference in the ease and safety of anchoring, as they take the strain off the crew and ensure that the anchor is secure.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Boat Windlasses
Lewmar Guarded Rocker Switch for Boat Anchor Windlasses 12/24V
The Lewmar Rocker Switch is designed to control the up and down movement of your boat’s anchor windlass with ease. Made in Wales, this switch assures quality craftsmanship you can trust. Its compact size, with a height of 11.6 cm, length of 5.6 cm, and width of 11 cm, makes it easy to install without taking up much space on your boat’s control panel. Designed specifically for marine use, it ensures reliable performance in wet and harsh environments, giving you peace of mind when managing your anchor. This switch supports both 12 and 24-volt DC systems and handles up to 5 amps, making it versatile for various boat setups.
Lewmar PRO-Series 700 Pro-Series Windlass
This boat windlass features a powerful motor that offers fast line speed, manual emergency recovery with a common 1/2 socket wrench, and maximum pulling power of 320kg (700 lb.) for boats up to 12m (38ft).
Lewmar 0052519 25A Toggle Switch
The Lewmar Toggle Switch is built with high-quality materials, ensuring it lasts through tough marine conditions. You’ll appreciate the careful craftsmanship that meets strict quality standards, giving you a reliable and safe product. It’s designed to provide excellent performance while being affordable, making it a great choice if you want quality without overspending. This toggle switch is perfect for boat windlass systems, offering you dependable control and peace of mind when you’re out on the water.
NEWMAIX Electric Marine Anchor Winch
The NEWMAIX Electric Marine Anchor Winch is a heavy-duty towing winch designed for fishing boats and pontoon boats. It comes with a wireless remote control, allowing you to easily control the windlass from a distance. The product also features an over-current protector, which automatically cuts off power when the current exceeds the maximum allowable current. With simple operation, you can easily lower and raise the anchor using the switch panel or the wireless remote control. The anchor winch is suitable for both fresh water and salt water environments, thanks to its additional corrosion protection, UV inhibitors, and stainless steel hardware. To minimize corrosion, it is recommended to rinse off the winch with fresh water after each use.
Five Oceans Atlantic 900W Windlass Kit
The Five Oceans Atlantic Windlass offers a complete anchoring solution with a powerful 900W horizontal motor that helps you lift anchors quickly and efficiently, making boating easier and safer. Its high pulling power and fast line speed ensure smooth operation even under heavy loads. You can manage both rope and chain with a single gypsy, which simplifies handling and reduces the need for extra equipment. Built with marine-grade stainless steel and durable components, this windlass is designed to resist corrosion and withstand tough saltwater conditions, giving you confidence in its long-lasting performance.
Five Oceans Windlass Anchor Rode
The Five Oceans Anchor Rode is a high-quality combination of chain and rope that provides excellent strength and reliability for your boating needs. The 3-Strand Nylon Rope is hand-spliced for maximum durability and prevents wear, loosening, and fraying. This rope type is known for its elasticity, strength, and resistance to abrasion, water, and UV damage. The G4 Hot-Dipped Galvanized Steel Chain is designed specifically for marine applications and offers superior strength and durability. It is rust and corrosion-resistant, ensuring long-lasting performance. The Five Oceans Anchor Rode is compatible with a wide range of windlasses, making it a versatile choice for boaters. Upgrade your anchoring system with this reliable and convenient anchor rode.
Powerwinch Class 36' Automatic Free-Fall Windlass
The Powerwinch Free-Fall Windlass offers a stainless steel rope and chain guidance system that ensures durability and smooth operation, making your anchoring tasks easier and more reliable. Its efficient motor uses less power, helping you save battery life while providing strong performance. The free-fall feature works without needing battery power, so you can drop your anchor quickly without worrying about draining your boat’s battery. Built with corrosion-resistant stainless steel fasteners, this windlass is easy to maintain and remove when needed, giving you long-lasting convenience out on the water.
MAXWELL RC10/10 12V Automatic Windlass
The MAXWELL Automatic Windlass is designed to make anchoring your boat easier and more efficient. Operating on 12 volts, it provides reliable power for smooth rope and chain handling. This automatic feature lets you control the windlass with minimal effort, saving you time and energy. Compatible with rope diameters from 3/8" chain to 5/8" rope, it offers versatility for different anchor setups. With this windlass, you gain convenience and safety, making your boating experience more enjoyable and hassle-free.
SPJIUQI 12V 1500W Quadrupole Anchor Windlass Control Box
The SPJIUQI 12V Windlass Control is designed to handle heavy-duty marine and industrial tasks with ease. It features a powerful quadrupole DC reversing contactor that can support loads up to 6000W, ensuring reliable operation for your electric winch or forklift. The control box includes flexible contact options with two sets of normally open or normally closed contacts, giving you versatile control choices. Made with durable silver alloy contacts, it promises long-lasting performance and resistance to wear. Plus, its efficient coil uses low power, helping you save energy while maintaining strong functionality in temperatures ranging from -30℃ to 85℃.
Five Oceans FO3290 Windlass Rocker Switch Panel
The Five Oceans Windlass Switch is designed to give you easy control over your boat’s anchor windlass, especially if your system uses a dual-direction solenoid control box running on 12 volts. You can conveniently operate the windlass from remote locations like the wheelhouse or flybridge, thanks to the included mounting hardware and user-friendly panel. The switch panel is built with durable, marine-grade materials such as UV-resistant ABS plastic and a stainless steel plate, ensuring long-lasting performance even in harsh marine environments. This product is especially suited for heavy-duty windlass systems, making it a reliable choice for your boat’s anchoring needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the two types of windlass?
There are two main types of windlasses: horizontal and vertical. A horizontal windlass has the main shaft positioned horizontally, while a vertical windlass has the shaft mounted vertically. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the one that suits your specific needs.
2. What are the advantages of a windlass?
A windlass offers several advantages for handling and tensioning mooring chains. Once the chain is hauled in and tensioned, a chain stopper or brake is engaged to hold the chain securely. While a windlass may take up more space compared to a linear chain jack, it provides a fast and reliable method for handling and tensioning mooring chains during both pull-in and pay-out operations.
During our boat windlass research, we found 24 boat windlass products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,489 customer reviews through our big data system to write the boat windlasses list. We found that most customers choose boat windlasses with an average price of $628.05.
The boat windlasses are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of boat windlasses, including Lewmar, NEWMAIX, Five Oceans, Powerwinch, MAXWELL. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.