Lewmar vs. Maxwell Windlass

Boat Systems
1

This is a follow up to my Dec. 2008 post concerning my stuck Simpson Lawrence Seawolf 520 windlass on my F38. It remains stuck, so I am replacing it. Options are a horizontal windlass or a vertical. I’m leaning towards a vertical. Next question is Lewmar vs. Maxwell. Since my original post, anyone with new thoughts?

Thanks.

Brien

2

I had a Lewmar horizontal on my F33/35 ck (installed myself) and I now have a Maxwell vertical on my F44. As far as I dare say and based on my own experience, the Maxwell is a top of the line expensive overly strong built piece of equipment. Maxwell is more targeted towards high-end luxury yachts. The Lewmar is a middle of the range, competitively priced and therefore built up to spec piece of equipment for the general yachting market. In other words, you get what you pay for, i.m.h.o…

3

I looked at both and went with the Maxwell RC 10. I had it modified, the winch takes 5/16" chain and 5/8" line, but had the motor for the winch that takes 3/8" chain and has a max pull of 1500 lbs vs 1200 lbs. Had it for a couple of years on the Chesapeake and am very happy with it.

Jim Demerest
F36/38 Lady of Remes

4

Thanks Michel and Jim. I’ve ordered the Maxwell RC 10/10 with capstan and will exchange the stock gypsy for one that accepts 5/16 G4 chain and connect it all to a Rocna 20 on the bow.

Brien

5

Brien,
How do you like your Rocna? I junked my 35# Delta and went to the Rocna 20 last year and so far it has lived up to its advertizing. We’re sailing in the Chesapeake.

Jim
F36/38
Lady of Remes

6

I’ve been using a 25 Kg Rocna since 2007 and absolutely love it. I had previously used a 45 Lb CQR and always had to dive and hand-set it in order to get a good set. It always ended up on it’s side and needed help get the tip down and really dug in. It was funny, but we were recently watching an episode of Latitudes and Attitudes where a couple was in the Med and they filmed themselves having to hand-set their CQR and we got quite a laugh out of that.

Anyhow, since switching to the Rocna, I don’t need to hand-set it anymore. If the anchor is going to set, it will do so and stay set. We sleep very well at night when on the hook. The biggest issue is retrieving it. Most of the time we have to pull it out using the engine, which is a nice problem to have.

– Geoff

7

Jim-
My Rocna 20 is on order. I thought about the Rocna 25, but I think the 20 will do just fine. Good to hear that your experience is a good one. My Maxwell RC 10/10 arrived just this week. I’ll install a new bow roller and will post pics when it is all done. Based on all the research and opinions that I have read, I’m really looking forward to this combination.

Brien

8

Hi Brien,

Found this old thread and wanted to ask if you still have the old SL 520. I have a Pearson 42 with the same windlass (made at the same plant as the Freedoms I believe) and would be interested in yours for spare parts.

By the way, I also have the Rocna 20 and love it so far. However planning an extensive cruise and thinking about moving up to a 25 or even 30, just in case. Somewhere I read that you know when your anchor is big enough when people strolling through your marina stop and comment on the size.

Thanks
Skip

9

Hi Skip-

Yes, I have the old SL 520. In fact, it is in the back of my SUV as I write. The motor, gypsy and capstan are fine. I could never get the clutch to loosen so the anchor could not free fall, hence my decision to replace it. Make me an offer! If you like, send me a message off the board. bbarnewolt on gmail.

Brien