Capstans - discuss the options for me

[Vorpal Blade 89]

Now that the kids are going to be doing more of there own thing on weekends and xmas cruising etc Mrs VB is getting a bit tired of pulling up the anchor so we have decided its time to buy a red button on a remote so it can pull the anchor up for us. Looking at the options there are two main types - a conventional rope/chain capstan and a drum winch type thingy. Given they have similar engine wattage etc - so must have the same pullness - explain to me which is better and why.

We use a chain/rope combination and being a cat we tend to park where its shallow (under 5m).

It will be mounted midships and the battery it will be driven by is about a metre away from it so it will have plenty of ergs available.

Either way there is deck surgery involved and Im reasonably sure can fit the reel thingy inside the locker. 

This way...

or this way..

Discuss

 

[Vorpal Blade 89]

Further to this, there are a lot of different brands, makes models etc, which one do you have experiences with (good and bad) and untimately recommend should you ever have to replace what you have.

[wheels 543]

The conventional winch has a constant pull force all the time. The drum type varies as the line builds up in the drum. And if the drum is full, it's pull speed is fairly fast. The drum type need an extra roller or two to lead the anchor line/chain out of the locker, where as the through deck unit is a straight line pull to the Bowsprit roller. None of those things are major, but that is really the main difference.
As for what to go for, contact KM. They supply probably the best drum winch available on the market and a very excellent price. They also do the Maxwell range of regular through deck winches.
 

[Vorpal Blade 89]

Awesome, some great commentary Im sure a lot of people will find useful.

Ill come and see you after xmas. 

[ScottiE 174]

I was going suggest a gym membership for xmas but Mrs VB might take it the wrong way!