Stronger, smarter, Maxwell: the ultimate windlass upgrade

A reliable windlass is essential for any yacht, especially an expedition vessel built for long-range cruising. After struggling with outdated equipment and costly repairs, Benjamin Heslop, an experienced captain turned to Maxwell Marine for a solution. In this interview, he shares why Maxwell was the perfect choice, from seamless installation to powerful performance—proving why it’s a go-to brand for serious yacht owners.

Tell us a little about yourself and the yacht

I’ve been with the M/Y LOTUS yacht for almost ten years now. She’s an expedition-style vessel built by Newcastle Marine in the U.S. around the early 2000s. At 40 meters in length, she was originally designed based on a Canadian trawler hull, making her incredibly sturdy and well-suited for long-range cruising.

What led you to replace the windlasses?

The original windlasses on board were from an American manufacturer that had been acquired, making parts and support almost impossible to find. If we needed replacements—like the main shaft or gear motor—they would have to be custom-manufactured, leading to high costs and long wait times.

During a major yard period in 2022, we noticed signs of wear, making it clear that a replacement was the smarter long-term solution. We needed something reliable, powerful, and supported by a company that could provide parts and service when needed.

How did you choose Maxwell Marine?

We considered several alternatives, but Maxwell came highly recommended by a local electrical company in San Remo, Italy. At first, I wasn’t familiar with the brand, but after researching their products, I realized they offered exactly what we needed. Their windlasses were well-engineered, robust, and designed to handle the demands of serious yachting.

Coincidentally, a former crew member’s wife, Inge, had moved to Maxwell’s parent company, VETUS. This connection made it even easier to get the information and support we needed.

How was the installation process?

We carried out the refit at Halkitis Shipyards S.A. Shipyard in Athens, with Golden Yachts overseeing the work. Everything—from welding to hydraulics and electrics—was handled efficiently, with the team even working late nights and weekends to keep us on schedule.

While unexpected shipping delays meant adjusting our installation timeline, we used the time to ensure every aspect of the project was optimized. By November, the windlasses were installed, tested flawlessly, and are now ready for real-world performance.

What features of Maxwell windlasses stood out to you?

The power output is impressive—you can feel the load on the generator when they’re in operation, which speaks to their strength. I also appreciate the gypsy’s versatility, allowing for chain size upgrades in the future if needed.

From a design perspective, they’re sleek, durable, and function exactly as expected. My engineer mentioned he would have liked a knurled drum section for added grip, but aside from that, we’re extremely happy with the product.

Would you recommend Maxwell Marine to other yacht owners and captains?

The windlasses have been incredibly reliable, powerful, and well-built—I only wish every system on the yacht operated as seamlessly. Maxwell Marine has truly exceeded our expectations, not just in product quality but also in customer support. Their windlasses are a top-tier investment for any yacht, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to others.

Any anchoring tips you’d like to share?

A common misconception is that more chain is always better in strong winds. However, we’ve found that too much scope causes excessive yawing, which can trip the anchor. For our yacht, a 5:1 scope provides the best balance of stability and security, regardless of conditions.

What’s your favorite place to drop anchor?

That’s a tough one! Over the years, I’ve anchored in so many incredible locations, but one of my favorites is Rhodes. It offers stunning shallow waters, great shelter, and plenty of activities for both crew and guests.

Experience the Difference with Maxwell Marine

At Maxwell Marine, we’re not just providing equipment—we’re transforming the way you experience the open water. Join mariners like Captain Ben and trust in anchoring solutions that prioritize your safety, comfort, and peace of mind.