An anchor winch makes anchoring easy and safe, even when the anchor and chain weigh tens of kilograms.

Why an anchor winch is worth it

Hauling an anchor up by hand is heavy and slow, especially in deep water or cold weather. An electric anchor winch raises and lowers the anchor at the push of a button, making anchoring faster and easier on your back and arms.

Rope winches vs. chain winches

Rope winches suit a lighter rope-and-chain combination and smaller boats, while chain winches are built for heavier all-chain rodes and larger boats. Pick the type based on the ground tackle you already use or are about to buy.

Sizing the winch

A winch's power and pulling capacity should match the boat's length and weight plus the combined weight of the anchor, chain and rope. An undersized winch wears out quickly, so leave a healthy margin when sizing.

Installation and accessories

Installing a winch usually requires a control panel or remote, fuses and sufficiently thick cables. Anchor winch switches and remote controls and anchor winch accessories cover the parts you need. Browse the full anchor winch range sized to your boat.

Pairing the winch with the right anchor

A winch doesn't replace properly sizing your anchor and rode. See also our guides on sizing an anchor and mooring your boat at a dock.

Summary

· An electric anchor winch speeds up anchoring and saves your back.

· Choose a rope or chain winch based on the ground tackle you use.

· Size the winch's power to the boat's weight and the total tackle weight, with a margin.

Choosing an Anchor Winch for Your Boat