Windlass installation

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nicholas burnett

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Apr 22, 2025, 8:02:15 AM4/22/25
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Hi All

I am about to install a Lewmar Pro Series 1000 windlass in my NS33 and have reviewed the Lewmar installation manual, where it says “lead from the roller should be led horizontally back to the top of the gypsy and along its centerline within 6 degrees.” The accompanying illustration shows a true horizontal path for the line.

However, looking at the many discussions of people installing a windlass I don’t see anyone worrying about a horizontal run- all of the pictures show the winch bolted directly to the deck, except for Matt Hidinger (1/22/24), who installed his on a 1 1/2” plinth. I assume that all these winches have worked well. (Paul Miller, 8/30/24, Joe Valinoti, 5/3/24)

In order for the anchor rode to run horizontally from the pulpit roller to the entry point on the winch I would need a 4” plinth, which seems excessive! Installing the windlass with no plinth would still allow the rode to clear all hardware. A 2” high teak (to match all other woodwork) plinth would make up half the height. I would use G10 for a backing plate.

I have never had a windlass- is the supplied switch, mounted in the cockpit, and 2 foot switches mounted forward sufficient, or would a wired handheld control that would allow me to move about, moving forward along the side deck to see the anchor and windlass, be preferable?

Nick Burnett
Sugar Blues
2001 33 Wiggers
Portland, ME

Rob Cohen "Soave" NS33 Westport, CT

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Apr 22, 2025, 8:51:20 AM4/22/25
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Hi Nick,
( HERE ) is a photo of Soave's windless and ( ANOTHER PHOTO ) showing her plinth thickness.  So far ( first season) the setup has worked OK.

We have the wireless remote.  I'm used to toe switches from other boats and I do find it mildly annoying to have to worry about dropping the remote, but thankful to have fewer holes in Soave's deck.  

Using the windlass did cause a low volt warning to show on my instruments once requiring a reboot of my autopilot. I haven't gotten round to investigating the wring yet to see if it's sized properly.  I might err on the side of heavier wire or a remote battery to mitigate the affect of startup load on system voltage.

The power main winch and the windlass are both very nice to have on the '33.

Good luck with the install, I hope your mast is out, not sure I can even reach the far side bolts on Soave's windlass with the mast in.

Rob Cohen
s/v SOAVE
NS33 #009
Cedar Point YC
Westport, CT


Ward Woodruff

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Apr 22, 2025, 9:04:57 AM4/22/25
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Nick,

The block under the winch can be tapered so that you can aim the winch’s centerline at the bow roller. 

Ward Woodruff
N33 #8 Margery
Niantic Bay, CT

On Apr 22, 2025, at 8:02 AM, nicholas burnett <nick3d...@gmail.com> wrote:

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nicholas burnett

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Apr 22, 2025, 9:53:06 AM4/22/25
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Thanks Ward

Are you suggesting that height doesn’t really matter, just  the angle from the windlass to the roller? That would be a whole lot easier.
Nick Burnett
Sugar Blues
2001 33 Wiggers
Portland, ME

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nicholas burnett

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Apr 22, 2025, 10:05:02 AM4/22/25
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Rob

Thanks for your quick reply.

Your setup is exactly what my proposed setup would look like.

My mast is out, so install should be doable without too much access ache.

I have had a auxiliary battery installed just to starboard of the chain locker, so wiring should be easy. Yes, the electric haliard winch is a necessity, especially as my mate has osteoporosis.

I’m thinking that mounting the plug for the wired control on the coaming, just after of the dodger support bracket would allow the most movement forward and aft. I can plug it in only when anchoring for the night, keeping it in the cockpit locker.

Nick Burnett
Sugar Blues
2001 33 Wiggers
Portland, ME

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nicholas burnett

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Apr 22, 2025, 10:07:16 AM4/22/25
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One more thing. Where did you purchase your mast boot?

Nick

On Tue, Apr 22, 2025 at 8:51 AM Rob Cohen "Soave" NS33 Westport, CT <rob....@gmail.com> wrote:
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Brian Godfrey

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Apr 22, 2025, 10:07:59 AM4/22/25
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The angle to the gypsy is important. That's why people make the angled plinths. The picture of the lead being perfectly level was the illustrator drawing a neat and tidy illustration. 

Brian Godfrey
-- Brian Godfrey

Ward Woodruff

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Apr 22, 2025, 11:18:35 AM4/22/25
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I looked at the installation instructions. My interpretation is that the chain needs to enter within 6 degrees of the windlass horizontal centerline.  Nothing says that centerline needs to be level. 

That said, double check the instructions regarding any required angle from plumb for the chain fall into the locker. 

Ward Woodruff
N33 #8 Margery
Niantic Bay, CT

On Apr 22, 2025, at 9:53 AM, nicholas burnett <nick3d...@gmail.com> wrote:


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