anchor windlass question

skennelly

Out of curiousity...say I lost power to the boat while at sea including 12v.  Is there a way to manually release the windlass if I had to anchor in an emergency?  

Handymans342

What model do you have? I doubt it.

Stodge

There is a wrench for the Horizon windlass that is supposed to release the gypsy which would let it play out.  I carry a spare (stern) anchor.  Could use that if I had to.

Ian

The Lewmar Pro1000 I have allows for an override free fall.

skennelly

I'd have to check my model.  Read an article today about a boat that lost engine power and captain was close to the rocks.  That's what sparked the question in my mind.

reneechris14

I also carry a stern with 100'.hope never have to use it for that.also with 4 batteries hope I have some power.

Handymans342

skennelly said:

I'd have to check my model.  Read an article today about a boat that lost engine power and captain was close to the rocks.  That's what sparked the question in my mind.

He lost engines but should not have lost battery power

skennelly

@Handymans342 - That is true...I was just thinking absolute worst case scenario and I needed an anchor out.

J3ff

Yeah, just pull it out of the gear/teeth and let it drop..

jhofmann

I believe my Lewmar Pro-Sport has a release you unscrew to release the tension on the clutch to let the anchor (plow type) free-fall. I also carry a second anchor (danforth) with 10 feet of chain and 100 feet of line. I have only had to use it to run a second anchor off the stern to keep it facing land.