The 7 Best Boat Windlass (2023 reviews)

We consider a boat windlass to be a worthy investment in the long run. We are here to help you choose the right one for your purposes from all the best available products in market today.

Our review process: Show/Hide

Our Top Picks:

Lewmar Boat Windlass Buy: READ REVIEW

Maxwell Boat Windlass Buy: READ REVIEW

Maxwell New fully Automatic Windlass Buy: READ REVIEW

Powerwinch Boat Windlass Buy: READ REVIEW

Five Oceans Atlantic Series Windlass Buy: READ REVIEW

Powerwinch Boat Windlass Buy: READ REVIEW

Five Oceans Boat Windlass Buy: READ REVIEW

Lewmar Boat Windlass

Buy on Amazon

Next on the list, we've got yet another windlass that manages to win our hearts. It's the lewmar boat windlass and it's widely considered as one of the best convenient windlass you can buy. The Lewmar anchor windlass is quick and easy to install on your boat's deck. It features a do-it-yourself above-deck installation and a push button control for easy anchoring. It is the vertical distance between the top of the anchor locker and the top of the anchor rode when the entire rode is completely stored inside. It comes with a breaker and switch for your dash.

The hole in the deck is directly under the exit end of the capstan. It's recommended for 20'-30' vessels. It's a marine grade switch.

• Wire to dash, very easy to install
• Half-inch rope and quarter inch chain that's made for a winless
• Good investment for long term

Maxwell Boat Windlass

Buy on Amazon

If you want nothing but the best reliable windlass, then maxwell boat windlass is the one you should definitely consider, as it manages to bring a lot to the table. These horizontal, fully automatic rope / chain windlasses have been designed to meet the demands for use on larger vessels up to 52 feet, which require a completely above deck installation system. It is superior to the traditional 'jam cleat' manner of holding the rope. It provides high efficiency output drive via precision worm and wormwheel.

The rope / chain wheel incorporates two unique design concepts that greatly improve the handling and control of the rope / chain spliced rode. It is fitted with Maxwell's unique wave design chainwheel. The integral chain pipe and huge, through deck hawse pipe throat ensures easy entry of the rope / chain rode into and out of the anchor locker.

The hrc10 handles 5/8 " rope and 3/8 " chain, including the thick rope to chain splice.

• Lot of satisfied buyers
• Delivers what they promise

Maxwell New fully Automatic Windlass

Buy on Amazon

Not everyone likes to purchase windlass for their daily purpose, but the maxwell new fully automatic windlass would be an anomoly. The all new stainless steel RC8 fully automatic rope/chain windlass is designed to effortlessly retrieve and deploy 6mm/7mm (1/4”) chain spliced to 12mm (1/2”) three strand or 8-brait (plait) rope. It is made for atvs for like 20 bucks and works flawless. The heavy duty stainless steel pressure arm is designed to effectively help grasp the rope/chain splice, giving the RC8 an unparalleled level of performance.

The Sealed oil bath and marine-grade hard anodised alloy gearbox provides maximum output via a precision worm and worm wheel. It is easy to install as well. The size of your boat dictates anchor weight. It is made from marine grade 316 stainless steel for long term durability.

• Manual override and free fall, using the emergency crank/clutch handle provided
• Works perfectly and has for almost 2 years
• Lot of satisfied buyers

Powerwinch Boat Windlass

Buy on Amazon

The powerwinch boat windlass is capable of outshining several other windlass featured in this list in overall features for the price point.

• Durable materials stand up to years of use
• Exclusive stainless steel rope and chain guidance system
• Ultra smooth motor uses less amps
• Smoother operation, resists corrosion, lasts longer

Five Oceans Atlantic Series Windlass

Buy on Amazon

Next on the list, we've got yet another windlass that manages to win our hearts. It's the five oceans atlantic series windlass and it's widely considered as one of the best convenient windlass you can buy. This series can work only with 3 Strands Rope. It includes 4-wire solenoid, 60a circuit breaker, up/down foot switch, rocker switch, manual top-cap handle, owner manual, mounting hardware, and mounting template. The power 600 watts motor provides a maximum limit pulling power of 1200 lb / 540 kg and a max limit working load of 400 lb / 180 kg. Most of the components are made by hot forging and they are able to withstand the high-load strain.

The windlass manages the rope and chain with the use of a special spring. The motor is around from the hole in the deck so any water that does make its way to the motor would not be a problem. The motor is also sprayed with a Teroson multiwax 103 to keep the water off the motor.

• Designed of solid polished and anodized 316 stainless steel housing
• Delivers what they promise

Powerwinch Boat Windlass

Buy on Amazon

Powerwinch offers a variety of windlass for personal choice and yet maintaining quality in all the variants.

• Drops up to 4 times faster (350 fpm) than power-down anchors
• Stainless-steel rope and fasteners and watertight seals
• One of the new comers and featured product

Five Oceans Boat Windlass

Buy on Amazon

The five oceans boat windlass should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. The High-Power 900 Watts provides a maximum pulling power of 1455 Lb / 660 Kg and a maximum working load of 485 Lb / 220 Kg. It requires a 1/2 inches (12 mm) 3 strand rope and 1/4 inches (7 mm) HT G4 chain. It provides a maximum pulling power of 1455 lb / 660 kg and a maximum working load of 485 lb / 220 kg. Most of the components are made by hot forging and they can withstand the high-load strain. The windlass manages the rope and chain with the use of a special spring.

All that’s missing from this kit is the right anchor for your boat and you'll have everything needed to anchor down and enjoy the open ocean. Features a vertical rotation of the deck which allows a reduced volume above the deck as the electric motor and the gearbox are sitting in the chain locker. It is suitable for boats up to 35 feet in length.

• Designed of solid polished and anodized 316 stainless steel housing
• Good investment for long term