Jack,
Like you say they are very popular up here w the fishing fleet. I don't recall seeing a fish boat without one. They use cable/chain, rope/nylon and all chain. They build them to hold any amount of rope or chain you want. About 2/3rds use rope and chain and the rest use all chain and a few use cable. These drum winches look heavy but they are not being made out of mostly aluminum so how much the thing weighs is determined by the rode they carry. They don't look yachty enough for most yachts and I think they are more like 3,000 dollars. I know where one is that came off an old gillnetter for a bit under $1000 here on the island. Probably be had for less as it's still in his yard.
www.kolstrand@msn.com - 206 784 2500 - Seattle WA
www.kinematicsmarine.com 360 659 5415 - Marrysville WA
Eric Henning