I recently bought a 42 main ship trawler 1984 would like to know what size windlass to buy type and size , the boat didn’t come with one , and this is my first time owning a boat this big thanks
Here was my choice for a similar vessel.
New Lewmar V3 Windlass
AND
Secured for the “big blow” & windlass project update.
This third post discusses my observations about GYPSY model and CHAIN size. Related.
Project Day
Good luck...
If there is NO windlass now on your boat, the size and depth of the anchor locker you have requires some study. The links above also detail deficiencies in the decking where your windlass will be mounted, and some ideas of how to overcome the deficiencies.
When weighing anchor on our MS 390, my Admiral goes up forward to pull chain backwards in the rode locker. Chain "cones" up under the windlass, and we find every 10-15 feet or so, needs to be "pulled aft" in the locker to make room for more chain to come up and drop into the locker. Otherwise, the "cone" of chain blocks more chain to come down into the locker.
If I was single handled, I would have to leave the helm to use the foot switches at the bow to do what my Admiral does. There are therefore some weather and/or current situations when I would be unable to retrieve the anchor safely. I would have to WAIT for those conditions to improve to safely weigh anchor and get underway again.
If you have no windlass now, the electrical requirements and design will require your attention.
Windlasses require less current than bow thrusters, but they still require a healthy current load, and so conductor size and distance from the battery bank needs to be considered.