Boating is a very fun outing that the entire family can enjoy. Those who have invested in an actual pontoon boat, bass boat or speed boat will definitely want to have the right equipment and accessories to make each and every trip enjoyable and hassle free. One of the best and most helpful pieces of equipment to have is an electric boat anchor winch.
After all, who wants to spend their precious time working a manual winch when with a decent 12-volt electric boat winch you can lower and raise your boat at the touch of a button, with very little hassle.
Having equipment on your boat that is both durable and long lasting is very important, especially when this winch is going to act as the strongest point on the boat and keep you in place, even in bad weather.
With so many choices available on the market with different options and accessories, it can be confusing to work out which is best for your pontoon boat, bass boat or speed boat. So with that in mind, we have reviewed the top 3 electric boat anchors to help you make an informed choice.
So, sit back and take a look at the best electric anchor winches and find out which is best for your boat.
Electric Boat Winch Quick Reference Table
1. MinnKota Deckhand 40 Electric Anchor Winch
The Minn Kota DeckHand 40 Pontoon Anchor Winch is a complete anchoring kit designed for pontoon boats (or any boat), which allows control of the winch from the helm as well as flexibility to remove the winch from the boat, leaving the deck clear.
The Deckhand 40 Pontoon comes with a quick release bracket and corded remote control so you can have complete control over your vessel!
More DetailsAble to support anchor sizes from 20 to 40 pounds, the Deckhand 40 also has many convenient features such as smart auto-drifting sensing which stop the motor when the anchor hits a solid mass, push-button control, 12 volt battery (not included) operation and complete control over your boat!
Looking for something a bit more economical? Consider the standard Deckhand 40 Anchor Winch.
DeckHand 40 Pontoon Includes:
- Standard DH-40 anchor winch.
- MKA-16-02 quick release bracket.
- DH-40 corded remote accessory. (25′ corded remote control)
- MKR-12 quick connect plug.
How easy is it to operate the Deckhand 40? Take a look at this short video to see how great this anchor winch really is.
2. Deckboat 35 AutoDeploy Electric Anchor Winch
Next up is the Deckboat 35 AutoDeploy Electric Anchor Winch from Trac Outdoor which is little beauty. Trac Outdoor Products are a Tennessee based family run business and they have created a great, simple to use anchor winch with the Deckboat 35.
It comes with 3 buttons for controls, including an auto deploy option which drops the anchor until it senses that it has got to the bottom and stops, as if by magic, so you can deploy and forget. Personally, from my experience of using this feature, it works great and I literally use it every single time!
It is recommended to use a 30 pound anchor with the Deckboat 35, but as the name suggests, it’s built to handle a 35 pound anchor just fine.
More DetailsFeaturing an all-steel high-efficiency motor this 12 volt electric anchor winch is less power hungry than its friends and has all of the parts you need for mounting, including a built in davit. So you will be setup in no time.
Wireless Remote
Out top choice does not have a wireless remote, which does let it down a little, but this little beauty has you covered, meaning that wherever you are on your boat, you can raise or lower the anchor to fix your point or get under way again. Users seem to love this feature and so do I.
Want to see the auto deploy in action? Take a look at this video.
Verdict
If you are looking for a solid electric boat anchor winch, you are not going to go far wrong with the Track Deckboat 35, it is a solid choice for everyone, especially with the wireless remote control. Whilst the Minnesota winch might have taken top spot in our review but this is an excellent choice, especially if you are looking for a winch with a remote control.
3. TRAC Outdoor Products T10108 Fisherman 25 Electric Anchor Winch
Next up in our top 3 electric boat anchor winch list is another Trac Outdoor winch, the Trac Fisherman 25 electric anchor winch. This winch is very similar to its big brother the Deckboat 35 but it is a little smaller a bit cheaper.
The 25 in the Fisherman 25 name indicates that it is designed for a maximum anchor weight of 25 pounds. Even though this is 15 pounds lighter than our number one choice, Trac Outdoor say that it is capable of anchoring a 20 foot long boat. So for a lot of people, this is sufficient, regardless of if you are a pleasure boater or fisherman, this electric anchor winch will make sure you stay in place.
Unlike the other Trac winch in our review, the Fisherman 25 has a separate anchor davit which is actually quite useful for smaller size boats and comes with 100 foot of pre-spooled braided anchor rope, which means you are pretty much good to go for installation.
More DetailsUsers rate this winch very highly giving it an average of 4.1 stars on Amazon, which is pretty good and especially like how easy it is to install. I agree with them, an excellent little boat anchor winch.
Like the Minn Kota, the Fisherman 25 also does not have a remote control, but as it is more than $100 cheaper, we can forgive it for that. All in all, an excellent electric boat anchor winch for smaller boats and a perfect fit for many who want to go electric and save themselves some effort and hassle.
Other Electric Anchor Winches to Consider
Powerwinch 36 Ft. Class Anchor Windlass
Anyone looking for a new windlass should consider the Powerwinch 36 Ft. Class Anchor Windlass. With a number of beneficial aspects, any serious boater should consider this model.
This Powerwinch anchor windlass can be expected to withstand even the most inclement weather. Both casual boaters and those in more extreme climates such as Alaska can rely on the full aluminum housing to protect the integrity of the Powerwinch 36 Ft. Class Anchor Windlass. Finished with extremely durable polyester paint, even the appearance can be expected to last!
Description
Designed to be mounted on the deck, there is a protective rubber gasket to protect the deck from scratches or dents that may result from other products. In addition, the specific design of this product saves space by allowing room for a much-needed rope locker.
As with any electric anchor windlass, this item functions through the use of internal gears. In the case of this model, the gears and stainless steel drive shaft have been heat-treated and saturated with oil to ensure smooth and consistent function.
More DetailsUnlike some other electric anchor windlasses on the market today, this type of windlass offers the convenience of a foot switch saving time and allowing the boater’s hand to address other tasks.
Features of the Powerwinch 36′ Class Anchor Windlass:
- Internal stainless steel drive shaft
- One-piece heat-treated oil-impregnated gears
- Protect-a-deck gasket – 1/8 rubber
- One-piece cast aluminum housing
- All aluminum housing with a durable polyester paint finish
- Foot switch included
- Deck mounted design saves space for rope locker
- Amp draw: 8 – 12amps
- Dimensions: 10–9/16″ L x 8″ W x 6–5/16″ H
- Line Size: Up to 5/8″
- Line Speed: 85 ft/min
- Maximum Pull: 300 lbs.
- 2 year limited warranty
In regards to specifics, the Powerwinch 36 Ft. Class Anchor Windlass has a maximum pull capability of up to 300 pounds, with a line speed of 85 feet per minute. Line sizes up to 5/8” may be used with this model. Suitable for vessels up to 26 feet.
Powerwinch Deckmate 25 Anchor Winch
Are you looking for a push-button, helm-operated anchor system for your pontoon boat or fishing boat? The Powerwinch Deckmate 25 Anchor Winch offers the following features:
- Power-up/free-fall down design with built-in light
- Anchor deployment speed of 620 fpm with no battery drain
- Quick retrieval speed of up to 85 fpm with no load
- Measurements 10 by 8.876 inches; 2-year warranty
Description
The ideal anchor system for both fishing boats and pontoon boats, the Powerwinch Deck Mate 25 push-button anchor system makes easy work of dropping and raising an anchor. The Deck Mate 25 anchor winch is one of Powerwinch’s strongest and most durable winches, with the ability to lift a 50-pound anchor.
The power-up/free-fall down system also offers an impressive retrieval speed of up to 85 feet per minute with no load, or up to 33 feet per minute with a maximum 60-pound load. And boaters will love the built-in light, which makes the anchor easier to use in dimly lit conditions.
Additional features include an anchor deployment speed of 620 feet per minute, with no drain on the battery and zero amp draw; a 3/16-inch-diameter nylon rope, and a smaller footprint than its nearest competitor. The Deck Mate 25 is one of the strongest and most durable winches capable of lifting a 50 lb. anchor.
Specifications
- Power source: 12 volts
- Max pull: 100 pounds
- Retrieval speed: 85 feet per minute
- Line size: 3/16 inches
- Minimum suggested wire size: 10 gauge (50-foot run)
- Max rope: 100 feet
- Dimensions: 10 by 8.876 inches
- Warranty: 2 years
Things To Consider When Choosing An Electric Boat Winch
What do you need to look for in an anchor windlass? The market today is inundated with choices when it comes to purchasing almost everything. Even just a simple loaf of bread can leave a consumer wandering the bread aisle for much longer than necessary, wanting to find the best product at an affordable price to fit their needs. Since this is also the case with products such as anchor windlasses, read on for tips on how to make the best selection for you.
Ease of Use
Anyone with an anchor windlass knows that once a hands-free electric anchor windlass has been used, there is no going back. Any electric anchor windlass should offer the ability to simply press a button to operate it, oftentimes with your foot.
Storage Options
Due to the potential danger of interacting with the rope or chain with bare hands, an electric anchor windlass is recommended for everyone. Models should be designed specifically with rope lockers (or chain lockers) in mind to prevent the possibility of injury from this operation. After all, there are plenty of other dangers of sea for boaters to be mindful of.
Pulling Power
The ideal pulling power of anchor windlasses has been a recent subject of debate. The most popular point of view is that the pulling power should be three times the weight of the anchor and rope or chain. Reasons for this include the very real possibility of a stuck anchor, items getting caught on the rope, chain, or anchor (causing drag and additional weight), and a malfunctioning boat motor.
Rope or Chain Size
Every anchor windlass, as well as almost any other electric anchor windlass, has a rating specifying the rope or chain size. This is extremely important as if this factor is ignored, the windlass simply will not work. With that in mind, always purchase an anchor windlass knowing the specifications necessary for your boat.
The above tips cover the most important information any consumer needs to know when selecting anchor windlasses. By taking all of these ideas into account when you are ready to buy, you can rest easy knowing that you have purchased the right product to fit your personal boating needs.
Selection Guide For Anchor Winches
There are several things to consider when choosing anchor winches. Your choice should be based on windage, displacement, anchor size, vessel size and rode selection. Check whether your options are practical in terms of depth of fall and locker space. Measure the overall length of your boat. The most appropriate windlass would depend on the displacement of your vessel.
Types of Windlass
There are two main types of windlasses and they are distinguished by the shaft orientation. Most boats require vertical winches. Its primary advantages are minimal slippage and maximum chain control. When using vertical winches, the capstan and gypsy are placed above deck, while the gearbox and motor are placed below. Horizontal windlasses, on the other hand, are installed above deck. The capstan and gypsy are located on its sides. Unlike vertical windlasses, these have a 90 degree wrap around the chainwheel.
Thickness of the Deck
The thickness of the deck and underdeck space determines which kind of windlass needs to be installed. It may help to measure the rodes depth of fall into the locker. Take note that the method for measuring the depth differs depending on the windlass.
Rode selection is crucial when setting up anchor winches. Aside from vessel size, the size of the ground tackle should also be considered when choosing the most suitable winch. Some windlasses are equipped with automatic chain or rope systems. This is commonly found with lengths of up to 65 feet. They are preferred by many for their capacity to handle heavier rodes without burdening the bow with too much weight.
Are you Using a Chain System
Chain systems are seen on motor yachts and heavy displacement sails. There are 2 kinds of anchor chains: stud link chains and short link chains. Short link chains are ideal for medium or small vessels, while large boats should have calibrated short link chains. Stud link chains are characterized by a stud bar that connects both sides of the link. This prevents them from getting deformed when overloaded.
The chains are available in different lengths and sizes. This must be taken into consideration when deciding on the most appropriate windlass. Choosing the right grade and size is crucial, or else the chain will not fit through the gypsy. An incorrect match creates problems with the chain wheel. The chain might jump off the gypsy or it can get jammed when it cannot flow smoothly through the pipe.
Anchor Winch Capacities
You should determine the pull capability and work load capacity of the anchor winch. Pull capability is also known as the stall load, or the instant pull of the windlass. Working load is approximately 30 percent of the maximum pull. This should be equivalent to the weight that the windlass is carrying once the anchor is lifted off.
Decide which motor to use based on your vessel. AC-powered windlasses are ideal for bigger vessels. They are compact yet powerful. Hydraulic systems, on the other hand, are recommended if you are looking for constant speed combined with versatility in running under different conditions. They are easy to maintain and are able to provide adequate power.
How To Anchor A Boat The Best Way
With a risk of losing a very large sum of money invested in your boat, it is an absolute necessity to know the right technique on how to anchor a boat. The first basic choice that a person has to make is choosing the correct type of anchor, which is dependent on size and the weight of the vessel.
Consider the Weather
Another consideration in choosing the right location is the weather conditions that are generally expected in the place you want to dock. Larger vessels require a larger anchor and vice versa. Though there is no governing law, it is suggested that you carry one that is adequate in size and strength to keep the vessel in its position for a night or in stormy weather.
Hooks
It is also a good idea to carry two sets of hooks, one a lighter weight “lunch hook” that can be used to harbor in calm weather when your crew is on guard. The other set should be a storm hook that is usable when the crew is off duty or the wind is blowing at a speed exceeding thirty miles an hour.
Terminology
The common name that is given to all the equipment that is used to dock a boat is “ground tackle” and is inclusive of the anchor, chain, rope and all the other connecting mechanisms. The anchor line which also includes the chain is known as the “rode”.
Which is the Best Line for your Anchor
The finest line for anchoring is a nylon line that is twisted in to three strands. To determine the rode that is required a ratio of 7:1 is common, this implies for one foot of the depth of the water, you will need seven feet of rode.
Checkout the video below for a great guide on how to anchor your boat and what you need to consider when choosing the right anchor.
How To Choose A Boat Anchor
There are several different types of anchor, so knowing the specifics of each will come in handy when choosing an anchor for your boat. There are anchors for small, medium and large boats. So knowing exactly what size your boat is, will help when trying to choose the most appropriate anchor for your boat.
Also knowing the bottom conditions helps in determining the anchor. If you are unsure about this, simply think about where you most frequently go and the type of lake or sea bed that is there, then make your choice based on this.
The anchors purpose is to resist movement of water by its size or by it being embedded in the river, lake or sea bed. There are permanent and temporary anchors. A permanent anchor is very seldom moved. A temporary anchor is carried on the boat while the boat is in motion.
Northill
This anchor was designed with an antique farm plow in mind. It uses both its shape and force to attach itself to the bottom of wherever you may be located. This type of boat anchor is ideal for most every bottom condition.
Hall
This anchor is ideal for small boats. It does not move as the water or wind changes. These are great anchors for bottoms that have a lot of weeds.
Grapnel
This anchor does not bury itself up in the bottom. It is made up of tines which dig their way into the bottom leaving some tines above. This is a very lightweight anchor, but is not the most compact of boat anchors. This type also is not adequate for sand, clay or mud because it usually will not hold. If you need something retrieved from the water these particular anchors are great for retrieving.
Danforth
These anchors are constructed of two long flukes. The flukes pivot and will bury under the tension. Rock and grass bottoms are not good bottoms for this particular anchor. They do best in conditions that are sandy, muddy and gravelly. They are lightweight and are made very compact.
Mushroom
The anchor known as a Mushroom is usually a permanent anchor. They are not recommended for boats that are for recreation due to it being quite heavy. They usually weigh thousands of pounds. This anchor settles on the bottom helping the boat stay in place ensuring that it does not break free and float away from the dock or harbor. These anchors are best suited for sand and mud bottoms.
When about how to choose a boat anchor you want one that settles to the bottom fast. You want one that is easy to store when it is not in use. Also, you want to find an anchor that is easy to use and handle. However, you also want to find one that is going to work and keep you anchored to where you want to be instead of crashing into the shore and rocks.