The right winch is sized to the chain and anchor, not to the brochure photo. Here’s how to pick it.

The line-pull number

Every anchor winch is rated for a maximum line pull — the force it can continuously apply to the chain. A conservative rule: pick a winch rated at three times the combined weight of anchor plus chain. That gives margin for breakout and for pulling the vessel against wind.

Horizontal vs vertical

Horizontal winches sit on deck, chain feeding over the roller. Pros: easy install, easy service. Cons: deck space, exposed motor.

Vertical winches have the capstan on deck but the motor and gearbox below deck. Pros: tidy deck, protected motor. Cons: chain-locker depth needed.

12V vs 24V

Any winch over about 1,000 kg line pull should be 24V — the current draw at 12V becomes unreasonable (300A+). 24V halves the current and lets you use thinner cable.

Battery and cable

Winch draws large but short peaks. A dedicated 100 Ah AGM battery close to the winch, cable sized for less than 10% voltage drop at peak amps, breaker in the circuit near the battery. The battery is kept charged by the engine when running.

Deck reinforcement

A winch pulls up and backwards hard. The deck under the mounting must be reinforced — a steel or aluminium backing plate, bolted through with 10mm bolts minimum. Don’t rely on self-tappers.

Chain stopper

A separate chain stopper takes anchor load when you’re at anchor. The winch isn’t designed to hold ground tackle under sailing-anchor loads — it’s for raising and lowering.

Need advice on your boat’s stern gear or propeller? Call Brian directly on 0413 771 090 or use the contact form — we respond the same day.