Freefall windlass

[rslifkin]

Agree. The unexpected can happen during drop or retrieve, unless single handing it makes sense someone is on the bow.

That, and you can see what's going on better from the bow. Especially on a boat like mine where the helm is fairly far aft.

 

[jclays]

Usually the wife is by the pulpit to watch for any bunching up during the drop and to watch how the line lays in the anchor locker during the retrieve. I control the drop and retrieve with the remote control from up above in the upper helm station. I have an unobstructed view from here. We all have our methods. Whatever works best for each of us.