Windlass on a 20' cuddy

Big Lar · #1 01-04-2011, 07:18 AM

Has anyone installed a windlass on a cuddy. My problem is the pulpit is not long enough to install the windlass on it and still have room for the anchor shaft. Because of the sliding access panels, cannot find another place to locate the windlass. Do i need to go to a shorter shaft anchor?

Today will measure the anchor shaft and the pulpit from the roller to the end.

In order to mount the windlass i will have to remove the lifting point which is mounted at the rear of the pulpit.

The windlass is an anchorlift barracuda 600 which is the smallest vertical one they make

Cam · #2 01-04-2011, 05:35 PM

Someone on this site has done just what you are trying to do. maybe they will chime in. If I remember correctly, there are pictures also.

Wolf · #3 01-05-2011, 11:40 AM

I installed a windlass on my '78 V20 cuddy with a stainless pulpit. Works great, hatch opens 99%. I would highly recommend this option, you never have to leave the helm seat.. The second picture you can see the switch on the dash just above the switch panel. If you have any questions let me know.
Doug

captwalt · #4 01-05-2011, 12:59 PM

Am going to do the same thing on mine. what did you use for a backing plate? it seems like it would bust through the fiberglass without one. any advice would be appreciated. thanks Walt

Wolf · #5 01-05-2011, 03:34 PM

I used what I had 2"X2"X1/4 square qalvanized washers in each bolt of the windlass. I used 4"X4X1/4" galvanized plates for the anchor roller. Be sure to motor over the anchor then winch the anchor, rode and chain. Do not use the windlass to pull the boat to the anchor. You will also need to modify the anchor so the flukes do not come in contact with the hull. Thanks Doug

SkunkBoat · #6 01-05-2011, 10:09 PM

Interesting....Does the rode and chain feed right into the cabin? Into the storage space in the bow? What's it like inside?
I don't have a windlass but I want to get the rusty chain off my deck. Now I run the line back and into the door...hate it.

I have a pivoting anchor roller that works great. Tilts down to launch & recover the anchor smoothly while standing inside the cabin. Holds the flukes away from the bow nicely.

Big Lar · #7 01-05-2011, 10:22 PM

Thanks Wolf. I have a pulpit that is about 26" long. My large anchor is 23" so I hope it will work out. Mt windlass is horizontal so I need to drill a hole in front of the windlass for the rode.

did u remove the lifting eye? I believe that is the only way mine will work by removing the eye which I trust I will never need.

Took the boat out today for the maiden voyage and I have placed the windlass as my top priority as anchoring was a real problem especially in a 2 - 3' chop. don't know what I would do in stronger waves as being on top of the cabin is no fun.

phatdaddy · #8 01-05-2011, 10:37 PM

skunk, this is what i did to allow the chain & rode to go directly to the anchor locker below the self in the cabin. it is a piece of 4" plastic drain tile that connects the underside of the cabin roof to the locker in the bow. also directs any water that comes into the deck pipe tothe bilge.

topside shot

Wolf · #9 01-06-2011, 08:13 AM

The rode and chain does feed directly into the cabin, it does not feed directly into the anchor locker which is fine. I like to let the rope sit for a little and dry before it goes into the locker. Interestingly the windlass squeezes most of the water out of the rope before in enters the cabin. When I drop the anchor I don't have to move the cushion or filler board it deploys nice. The windlass is a Horizon 500. I mounted the windlass solenoid under the V-birth seat.

Big Lar · #10 01-06-2011, 11:36 AM

Wolf, I had no idea how large a hole is required for the rode. if that is what is needed that is what it will be. My windlass is an Anchorlift Barracuda 600. The motor is mounted inside the cabin with only the gypsy on the deck. plan on mounting the solenoid and breaker on the back side of the console. will be running 4AWG wire direct from my back up battery

like the idea of the chute since I plan on using the cabin primarily for storage, no need to use the locker and will probably keep the rode in the cabin so it dries etc.

now it is off to the boat to do some items on my to do list, a few were added since my maiden voyage yesterday. Thanks for the pictures they certainly help.