2010 Journey through the stem Windless install

[gcli56]

I installed a Lewmar windless last spring. Holds 250 ft. of rode in the anchor compartment and forward cabin bin. Most of my anchoring is in 20’ of water or less and very happy with it.

 

[glacierbaze]

BOLD move, looks good!

 

[DennisG01]

I like the idea and the look of it! Couple questions come to mind...

-- I never have liked the idea that (not sure about the newer ones) Grady builds the anchor locker the way they do. An anchor locker should be a separate compartment from the rest of the boat. Meaning, it should be constructed such that it has a direct, overboard drain at the floor of the compartment. Maybe it's just a function of the design of the boat/size of the locker vs waterline. BUT, I would be worried about getting caught in nasty conditions and taking on water. Do you share that concern or am I over thinking things?

-- How has it been getting on/off the trailer? On some boats I've had, and certain ramps, the anchor roller/anchor can contact the winch post. For those boats, this would have made things worse. Now, most ramps I go to allow power loading so that's part of the issue since I'm "cheating" a bit on loading. I can get around the part where the anchor contacts the winch stand by not putting the trailer as far in the water and winching the boat in... but it's so nice to drive right up to the bow stop on the winch stand! Thud - all done!

 

[gcli56]

I like the idea and the look of it! Couple questions come to mind...

-- I never have liked the idea that (not sure about the newer ones) Grady builds the anchor locker the way they do. An anchor locker should be a separate compartment from the rest of the boat. Meaning, it should be constructed such that it has a direct, overboard drain at the floor of the compartment. Maybe it's just a function of the design of the boat/size of the locker vs waterline. BUT, I would be worried about getting caught in nasty conditions and taking on water. Do you share that concern or am I over thinking things?

-- How has it been getting on/off the trailer? On some boats I've had, and certain ramps, the anchor roller/anchor can contact the winch post. For those boats, this would have made things worse. Now, most ramps I go to allow power loading so that's part of the issue since I'm "cheating" a bit on loading. I can get around the part where the anchor contacts the winch stand by not putting the trailer as far in the water and winching the boat in... but it's so nice to drive right up to the bow stop on the winch stand! Thud - all done!

 

[gcli56]

I installed windlass last spring and no water has entered the locker. I have never had any water in the forward bilge, completely dry. when I glassed in the support for the windlass I put it on a pretty good slope towards the opening. Yes you are correct about the winch I will be installing a bow stop like this pic this spring.