Lewmar Series V Windlass

Choosing a Series V windlass means committing to a mechanical unit that must perform in a hostile environment. Constant contact with salt water requires careful maintenance, but the starting point must be solid. The gearbox and motor fitted to these models are built to resist water ingress, a critical factor for those who use their boat intensively. As Nautiba technicians, we know that an undersized windlass suffers unnecessarily, overheating and shortening the life of the electric motor or causing dangerous voltage drops in the vessel's electrical system.

The Series V stands out for its ability to handle mixed rope and chain without jams. Before placing your order, always verify that the gypsy diameter matches the chain you use on board. A mismatch between chain caliber and the gypsy profile is the leading cause of chain jumping or jams during retrieval. Also consider the space available in the anchor locker: the windlass needs sufficient drop clearance to prevent chain from piling up under the gypsy and blocking the passage.

Electrical installation is the other pillar of long-term system reliability. Always use wire gauges appropriate to the run length from the battery to the windlass to minimize voltage losses. Excessive voltage drop dramatically reduces the motor's effective pulling torque. If you have doubts about wire sizing or the choice of contactor and circuit breaker, ask for guidance before installation; preventing an electrical sizing error means avoiding premature failures.

What to Verify Before Purchasing

• Check your boat's displacement to determine the required motor power.
• Make sure the gypsy caliber exactly matches your chain, including tolerance for wear.
• Verify under-deck space in the anchor locker to ensure chain will not pile into a cone that blocks the windlass.
• Assess whether you need a remote control or chain counter to manage anchoring independently.
• Verify the watertight integrity of the deck mounting flange to prevent leaks into the compartment below.

How do I choose the right motor power for my boat?

Electric motor power must be proportional to the total weight of the anchor and chain you intend to lift. For boats over 10 meters, you must also factor in hull hydrodynamic resistance in strong winds or adverse currents.

Can rope and chain be used together?

The Series V is designed specifically to handle the smooth transition between rope and chain. Make sure the rope-to-chain connection is made properly, preferably with a tapered splice that allows the joint to pass through the gypsy without jamming.

What determines recovery speed?

Recovery speed depends on the working load, the actual electrical voltage supplied to the motor, and the chain diameter. A properly sized system maintains a steady speed, while voltage drops caused by undersized wiring noticeably slow the operation.

Why does the windlass jam during retrieval?

Jamming is often caused by chain accumulating in the locker and preventing the gypsy from clearing. In other cases, it may be due to excessive wear on the gypsy profile that no longer grips the links correctly, or insufficient electrical voltage preventing the motor from developing the necessary torque.