Boat Anchor Winch

[paulgates]

Hi there I own a Haines Signature 492f (16 foot) with 3 kilo anchor and are looking to purchase South Pacific Windlass 700f anchor winch. Would like to know whether these are reliable anchor winches, I would only use the boat maybe 20 times a year so it is not like it is on high demand. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

[fish2eat]

I bought one and had a problem with it. Hope you can speak Chinese when you call Sydney for support and get told to post it back.

Had it repaired in Bris by an auto electrical guy for $60, bad brushes in the motor

I wouldn't buy another one....
Stu

[ozscott]

The South Pacific is a magic little winch. I too had a problem with the brushes - a sticky brush on one side. The thing is very easy to strip down. I did that and took out the sticky brush and gave it a very slight shave with some fine wet and dry sandpaper and for good luck did the same with the other brush, then lubed them with CRC then regreased the BRASS gears (very nice) put it all back together and it works like a dream. Its powerful for its size. Mines on a 21 foot Seafarer with a 16 pound anchor with chain and then 11m nylon rope. It has never had a problem retrieving. The F - freefall is the way to go because it just drops away from the bollard. I designed mine so that it does back into the bollard for completely hands free running.

You must however use heavy wire, I went heavier than what they recommended from the battery direct rather than from bus bars up the front, and it allows the winch to get full current when it needs it.

For the money its a terrific buy and there are plenty of people on this site that like them.

Cheers

[ozscott]

...PS. Buy the stainless Gypsy when the Nylon one wears out.

[paulgates]

Thanks very much for your input it is very much appreciated.