FreedomYachts.org

I need to buy a windlass as mine didn't come with the boat. What are your ideas for a freedom 45
what about a manual windlass. Is there anything I should look out for.
Thanks

A manual windlass is very slow and some amount of work. Never runs out of battery power, though. I recommend a vertical windlass like I put on my F36 (too small for your boat) but the advantages are- you can pull from any direction (ie: kedging off when aground) providing the windlass is powerful enough; and you have a chain gypsy for your primary rode and a capstan for a second rode.

I also meant to add- go electric! Run a couple of stout electrical cables and enjoy the convenience and faster-than-manual retreival

I will go on that for more info