A windlass helps boaters raise or lower heavy anchors. Ships may have horizontal or vertical windlasses, with the latter offering more flexibility. Windlasses can be manual or electronic, and must be carefully chosen to meet the needs of the vessel.
A windlass is a mechanical device used to help boaters raise or lower a heavy anchor. Many boats use a large steel anchor that can weigh hundreds of pounds or more. Due to their substantial weight and size, these anchors are difficult or impossible for a single boater to raise or lower without assistance. A properly sized windlass allows boaters to operate the anchor with ease, and can be used by a single operator in many cases.
Ships may feature a horizontal or vertical windlass depending on design and function. Most larger vessels include a horizontal unit, which may be referred to as a windlass or capstan. In this type of application, the anchor rope or chains are wound around a cylinder that is parallel to the platform. The motor and related equipment are housed within a sealed container, helping to keep them protected from moisture damage.
A vertical windlass, or capstan, features a cylinder positioned perpendicular to the deck. Most of the related equipment for the device is located below the deck, helping to give the ship a low center of gravity. The vertical winch offers more flexibility in terms of anchor placement and operation than the vertical winch in most applications. This vertical design is commonly found only in smaller glasses.
During windlass operation, the anchor chain or rope is wound around the cylinder to raise the anchor and unwinds to lower the anchor. Each unit can feature a manual operation, such as a manual handle on one side of the cylinder, or an electronic operation. Electronic windlasses make it easier to raise the anchor, and also allow boaters to stay protected while raising or lowering the anchor rather than venturing out into a storm. Very large boats are fitted with hydraulic windlasses, which are capable of lifting very heavy loads with a high level of efficiency.
Each windlass must be carefully chosen to meet the needs of a particular vessel. It must be large enough to accommodate all the ropes and chains used to operate the anchor, and it must be easy for the boater. The size of each windlass is determined by the total weight of all ropes and chains, as well as the anchor itself. Most boaters choose a larger windlass to account for the force created by wind or rough seas. A more powerful windlass can accommodate these types of conditions with ease to avoid problems raising and lowering the anchor.
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