$2,135.42 $2,179.00
$3,556.42 $3,629.00
$2,625.42 $2,679.00
$2,674.42 $2,729.00
$2,880.22 $2,939.00
$3,027.22 $3,089.00
$616.55 $649.00
$4,222.82 $4,309.00
$74.96 $78.90
$74.96 $78.90
$256.41 $269.90
$256.41 $269.90
$123.41 $129.90
$502.55 $529.00
$379.91 $399.90
$730.55 $769.00
$778.05 $819.00
$1,224.02 $1,249.00
$2,017.82 $2,059.00
$303.91 $319.90
$607.05 $639.00
A boat anchor winch takes the hard work out of setting and retrieving your anchor, letting you handle the job cleanly from the bow, helm or cockpit depending on your setup. Whether you're overnighting in a bay, fishing offshore or making regular coastal runs with the family, a powered anchor winch saves strain and speeds up the process particularly useful when singlehanding or anchoring in deeper water. Choosing the right unit starts with your boat size, anchor weight, chain diameter and the type of rode system you're planning to run.
The starting point for any anchor winch purchase is matching the winch's rated capacity to your complete anchor system weight anchor, chain and any rope combined. Many installers look for a winch rated to comfortably exceed that combined weight, though the correct figure depends on the specific product and your setup. Always check the manufacturer's rated capacity and recommendations before purchasing, and never size down to save money on a piece of gear you'll rely on when anchoring in exposed conditions.
Customers reviewing boat anchor winches can use the How to Choose a Boat Anchor to compare anchor style, boat size and holding-ground considerations.
Beyond capacity, consider the winch footprint on your bow. Most units are designed for a flat or slightly angled deck surface, and the chain fall needs to align cleanly with your chain locker or pipe below. Measure your available space carefully before ordering, particularly on trailerable boats where bow space is limited.
Capacity requirements increase significantly with boat size, anchor weight and chain length. As an illustrative guide only, smaller trailerable runabouts in the 46 metre range running a lightweight anchor with minimal chain often suit lower-capacity compact electric units check product specifications for voltage and capacity. Mid-size powerboats from 58 metres with a plough or delta anchor and a full chain rode generally need more substantial winches. Larger cruisers and offshore powerboats above 8 metres running heavier anchors and longer chain runs are better served by high-capacity winches or a dedicated horizontal windlass setup.
These are starting guides only suitability depends on your specific anchor, chain weight, water depth and conditions. Check product specifications and consult the manufacturer's sizing guide for your boat.
There are two main formats worth understanding. Some compact electric winches mount low on the deck with all components in a single housing they can suit trailerable boats and smaller powerboats where deck space is limited and the anchor system is lighter. Check product specifications for voltage and capacity requirements. Horizontal anchor windlass units are designed for heavier chain loads, larger anchor systems and vessels where a proper chain pipe and below-deck locker arrangement is already in place.
If you're looking specifically at electric units for a compact setup, browse our electric anchor winches range. For windlass-specific options for larger vessels, see the dedicated anchor windlass category.
Not all anchor winches can handle rope. Many compact electric winches are designed for an all-chain rode only, using a calibrated gypsy drum matched to a specific chain diameter. Some models include a capstan drum or combo gypsy that handles a rope-and-chain rode where a length of chain at the anchor end transitions to rope for the bulk of the rode. If you plan to run rope or a combo, check the product specifications carefully before purchasing. For complete rode options, browse our anchor rope and chain range to match your system.
Electric anchor winches draw high peak currents during operation and should be wired with an appropriately rated fuse or circuit breaker between the battery and the winch motor. The correct cable gauge depends on the winch's rated current draw and the cable run length always follow the manufacturer's wiring guide for the specific model. Most installations also use a dedicated solenoid relay for high-current models, and many winches include one in the kit.
For winch-specific parts including solenoids, footswitches, remote controls and covers, browse anchor winch accessories. For a complete anchoring setup, pair your winch with a suitable anchor from our boat anchors range.
Capacity requirements depend on the combined weight of your anchor, chain and rope, plus the depth you typically anchor in. As a general starting point, choose a winch rated to comfortably handle your system weight, but always check the manufacturer's capacity specifications and sizing guide for the specific model requirements vary between products and setups.
The terms are often used interchangeably, but in practice a windlass refers specifically to a horizontal or vertical unit with a calibrated gypsy drum designed for chain, commonly used on cruisers and larger powerboats. An anchor winch is a broader term that includes compact electric units for lighter rodes on smaller vessels. If you need a windlass-style unit, see our anchor windlass range.
It depends on the model. Many compact electric winches are calibrated for an all-chain rode only. Some models include a capstan or combo gypsy for a rope-and-chain combination check the product specifications for your chosen winch before purchasing, and confirm the rope diameter is compatible if a capstan is included.
Electric anchor winches draw high peak current during operation and should be installed with an appropriately rated fuse or circuit breaker between the battery and the motor. Follow the manufacturer's wiring instructions for the protection rating required for the specific model refer to the product manual and use a qualified installer where required.
Yes some compact electric winches can suit smaller trailerable runabouts and centre consoles check product specifications for voltage requirements, and confirm the bow layout has room for the unit and suitable chain locker or storage for the rode. A secure, flat mounting surface and a proper bow roller are both needed follow manufacturer installation instructions and check that your bow layout suits the unit before purchasing.
After each salt water use, rinsing the winch with fresh water helps extend the life of the gypsy, drum, seals and any exposed electrical contacts. Check the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for your specific model, as service intervals and lubrication requirements vary.
ABN: 99 423 721 756
