342 - Time for a new windlass

McGarnicle · June 8

The last few years my windlass has been temperamental but still functional. This year, though, it will only drop the anchor and does nothing when trying to retrieve it, so I think it’s finally time to replace the unit.

I’ve been doing some research and it looks like the Lewmar 700 or 1000 may be the replacement options for the Horizon 600. Has anyone done this upgrade?

I’m trying to figure out if it’s truly a simple windlass swap where the existing wiring and helm controls still work, or if the wiring, breaker/solenoid, and controls all need to be replaced as well.

Mostly trying to gauge whether this is something I can handle myself or if I’m better off having the marina take care of it.

davidbrooks · June 8

I swapped out for the 700. And wished I had done it years ago. It's pretty straightforward to get to you simply have to remove the mirror to get to the access hole for the chain. You also need long arms or a decent extension to get to the bottom of the bolts. The bolts all line up and the wiring calls for the same gauge wiring so it is a pretty straightforward replacement.

McGarnicle · June 8

davidbrooks said:

I swapped out for the 700. And wished I had done it years ago. It's pretty straightforward to get to you simply have to remove the mirror to get to the access hole for the chain. You also need long arms or a decent extension to get to the bottom of the bolts. The bolts all line up and the wiring calls for the same gauge wiring so it is a pretty straightforward replacement.

Awesome, thanks! I will go with the 700.

davidbrooks · June 8

You won't regret it. When you get it you will see that they made some very simple but obviously smart engineering changes that make it work so much better.

McGarnicle · June 8

davidbrooks said:

You won't regret it. When you get it you will see that they made some very simple but obviously smart engineering changes that make it work so much better.

Is this what you went with?

https://defender.com/en_us/lewmar-pro-series-700h-horizontal-windlass-kit-6656011967-310

McGarnicle · June 8

Actually, looks like they have one that doesn't include the whole kit too.

https://defender.com/en_us/lewmar-lewmar-pro-series-700-horizontal-windlass-6656011967

Ian · June 9

I replaced my 600 with the 1000 but had to add a relay and rewire.

davidbrooks · June 9

Just my opinion. But I would replace the switch as well as the circuit breaker at the same time. I think the one that has all that included is the better deal. Even if you decided not to replace it it's good to have those spares on hand just in case.

Ian · June 10

Yeah mine came as a kit of all,

Howdy, Stranger!

Quick Links

Categories

342 - Time for a new windlass

Comments