Power & Sail Boat Anchoring Equipment

An Introduction to Maxwell’s Products

To make the proper selection in anchor-handling equipment it is important to give careful
consideration to the style and size of boat, the anticipated anchoring conditions, and the
weight and type of ground tackle. (Refer to 'Which Winch' article)

Maxwell has an extensive range of windlasses for all types of ground tackle, bow
configurations, locker spaces and power requirements including:

• The vertical stainless steel RC Series and the horizontal HRC Series automatically
  handle rope/chain combination rodes and are suitable for boats from 4.5 metres
  (15 feet) up to about 20 metres (65 feet).
• The NEW RC12 Series automatically handles rope/chain combination rodes and is suitable for lighter displacement vessels up to about 20 metres (65 feet).
• The multipurpose VC (Vertical Capstan) Series, which can be used for all types of line handling.
• The traditional rope and chain VW (Vertical Windlass) Series, designed for manually
  handling a rope and chain combination anchor rode.
• The VWC (Vertical Windlass/Capstan) and HWC (Horizontal Windlass/Capstan) Series,
  which handle chain only rodes automatically.

Vertical or Horizontal - Maxwell offers both

Vertical systems have several advantages: They take up less space on deck and are easier to
maintain. They are less expensive than equivalent horizontal models. Chain, or rope/chain, alignment with the bow roller, while not as critical as horizontal windlass alignment, should be within a tolerance of about +/- 2% for smooth retrieval of chain or rope/chain. Rode (rope/chain) alignment with RC Series winches is more critical (consult Owner’s Manual). With vertical systems more chain is in contact with the chainwheel thus minimising the possibility of chain jump. Line-pull on the warping drum can be in any direction, as opposed to fore and aft only on horizontal models.

Horizontal models have the advantage of being better suited to applications where there is
extreme deck thickness (over 200mm - 8”), limited below deck accessibility or when two
anchors must be handled from one winch.

Maxwell rates its anchor winches at the stall load. The loads that the winch will normally be subjected to are substantially less. Each winch is available with a circuit breaker/isolator of
appropriate size to provide electrical protection during normal operation of the winch.

Maxwell capstan winches and anchor windlasses, fitted with chromed bronze capstan drums are manfactured with Maxwell’s unique and registered MAX-grip™ finish. Units fitted with fluted stainless steel capstan drums equally ensure the best possible grip and control of rope lines or rodes.

Maxwell products are distributed and supported worldwide by an extensive service network.