Choosing the right anchor winch or windlass

Outfitting a professional vessel with the correct anchor winch or anchor windlass is a safety-critical decision. The right system must reliably lift the full anchor and rode in real sea states, fit your deck layout, meet class requirements, and withstand years of saltwater exposure with minimal downtime.

This guide walks you through the key choices and trade-offs, helping you specify the right boat anchor winch or windlass for your vessel with confidence.

 

Heavy-duty drum winch built in marine-grade steel – ready for installation on board.

 

Start with the vessel and how it is used

Before looking at models, define how the system will be used. A vessel that anchors once a month has very different duty cycles compared to one that may heave and drop multiple times a day.

Also map your physical constraints: available footprint on deck, lead angles to the bow roller or hawse, space in the locker (if using a windlass), service access, and foundations.

Good anchor handling begins with good geometry — a key consideration when specifying any windlass anchor system.

 

Foredeck layout with twin anchor winches and chain handling equipment, vessel build by Hvide Sande Shipyard.

 

Drum Anchor Winch vs. Windlass

Drum Anchor Winch

What it is: A self-contained anchor winch with a drum that stores the line or chain, typically paired with a chain stopper.

Strengths: Compact layout with no need for deep locker fall; robust for frequent heavy-duty operation and optional level-wind for tidy spooling.

Pull behaviour: Drum winches deliver variable line pull. With roughly constant torque from the drive, line pull is highest on the core and lowest on the outer layers as the effective radius increases.

Considerations: Drum build-up also increases line speed on outer layers. Rope diameter, construction, and elongation must be matched to the drum and operating loads. If chain is part of the system, use proper chain stoppers so the winch does not carry static anchor loads.

 

Powerful windlass system installed on the foredeck of a classed vessel.

 

Windlass (Horizontal or Vertical)

What it is: A gypsy that positively engages calibrated chain (often with an adjacent warping head for rope).

Strengths: Designed specifically for chain handling; provides clean separation as chain runs through the gypsy into the locker; widely used on classed vessels.

Pull behaviour: Because the gypsy pitch diameter is fixed, a windlass provides essentially constant pull.

Considerations: Requires sufficient chain locker volume and fall so chain self-stows without piling or jamming. Chain must be correctly sized and calibrated for the gypsy. Lead angles from bow roller/hawse to the gypsy must be properly aligned.

 

Powerful windlass system installed on the foredeck of a classed vessel by Aas Mek. Versted.

 

Rule of thumb:

• Limited below-deck space, rope-dominant systems → drum anchor winch.
• All-chain rode, adequate locker, and classed vessels → anchor windlass.

 

Main components of an anchor winch setup

An anchor winch consists of several key components that work together to handle the anchor and chain safely and efficiently.

The image shows a typical hydraulic anchor winch, with the main parts highlighted – including the motor and gear, clutch, chain stopper, brake band, capstan, gypsy wheel, and control lever.

 

Example of an anchor winch with labeled key components.

 

Capacity, performance, and safety

When sizing your anchor winch or windlass, don’t just look at “rated pull.” Ask for:

• Drum winch layer curve: first-layer vs. top-layer pull and speed.

• Windlass continuous pull: confirm continuous pull rating at the gypsy under real conditions.

• Brake holding capacity: must safely hold anchor and chain; verify class requirements.

• Line speed: retrieval speed required in real operations.

• Chain management: chain stopper must take the static load while at anchor.

 

Power and control: Electric or hydraulic?

Hydraulic drive

• Pros: High starting torque, smooth variable control, excellent for continuous heavy duty, compact gear/motor.
• Cons: Requires a hydraulic system and noise.
• What to check: Hydraulic pump capacity and pressure.

 

Hydraulic drives are ideal for commercial ships already equipped with hydraulic systems, where heavy-duty operation is frequent. This setup ensures strong, reliable pull power for large anchor winches and windlasses.

 

Hydraulic drum winch with chain system mounted forward.

 

Electric drive

• Pros: No hydraulic system required; precise speed/torque, efficient and quiet.
• Cons: Electrical load, gearbox and motor require more space than hydraulic units.

 

Electric drive drum winch assembled and tested in AS SCAN’s workshop.

 

Rule of thumb:

• Hydraulic: Best where vessels already have hydraulics and perform frequent heavy-duty cycles.
• Electric: Best where no hydraulic system is available, or where cleaner, quieter installation and easy electronic integration are priorities.

Read also about: Hydraulic vs. Electric Winch

 

Chain, rope, and compatibility

• For windlasses: Chain must match the gypsy pitch—correct diameter, grade, and calibration. Mismatches risk chain jumping or jamming.
• For drum winches: Rope/wire and chain selection—diameter, construction must fit the drum. Splices, swivels, and thimbles must be rated for full load.

 

Class and documentation

If your vessel is classed (DNV, Lloyd's Register, Bureau Veritas, etc.), anchor handling equipment may require approval, load testing, and documentation. AS SCAN provides all documents and certificates required.

 

Where should the winch be operated from?

Most professional setups combine local deck controls for close-quarters operations and a wheelhouse station for routine anchoring. Clear visibility, emergency stops, and communication between operators are just as important as the anchor winch itself.

 

Wheelhouse control station for anchor winch and deck systems.

 

Information you need before choosing an anchor winch or windlass

Be ready with the following information to simplify specification and ensure the right anchor winch or anchor windlass solution:

• Vessel & operation: Length, displacement, typical anchoring/work profile.
• Anchor & rode: Anchor type/weight; chain (size/grade/length) and rope if used.
• Performance: Required pull (working + peak), retrieval speed, duty cycle.
• Installation: Deck footprint/foundations, lead angles, locker capacity.
• Power & controls: Hydraulic vs. electric supply, control locations/safety.
• Materials, class & service: Construction/finish, approvals/testing, spare parts/maintenance.

 

Compact stainless-steel drum winch designed for at autonomous vessel also known as an unmanned ship (MASS).

 

Why AS SCAN

We design and manufacture custom anchor winches and anchor windlasses for professional and commercial vessels. All systems are built in marine-grade steel with proven corrosion protection and are available with either hydraulic or electric drives. For smaller applications, we also supply stainless-steel drum winches.

 

From early layout advice and class engagement to commissioning and lifecycle service, our team ensures you get an anchor handling system that works reliably day after day.

 

Assembly of an electric anchor winch at AS SCAN’s production facility.

 

Contact our team to discuss your vessel and requirements—we’ll help you choose the right anchor winch or windlass solution.