Vertical Anchor Windlasses
Horizontal Windlasses | Manual Windlasses
Windlasses Control Switches | Remotes & Chain Counters | Circuit Breakers, Cable & Control Boxes | Maintenance Kits
Vertical anchor windlasses provide a practical and space-efficient solution for recovering your anchor and chain. Popular with sailing yachts and cruising boats, vertical windlasses feature a compact deck design. Their motor and gearbox are positioned below deck within the chain locker.
This concealed installation helps reduce deck clutter while maintaining a clean appearance around the bow area. Vertical windlasses are particularly suited to boats where deck space is limited. They do need sufficient room below deck to accommodate the motor, gearbox and chain fall.
Force 4 Chandlery supplies a range of vertical electric windlasses from trusted marine brands including Lewmar, Lofrans and Quick. You can find options suitable for different boat sizes, chain dimensions and anchoring systems.
Benefits of Vertical Windlasses
Vertical windlasses offer several advantages:
- Cleaner deck installation with less equipment visible above deck
- Efficient anchor recovery with powered operation
- Suitable for yachts and cruising boats where space is important
- Available with chain and rope gypsies for different anchoring setups
- Compatible with remote controls, foot switches and chain counters
Choosing a Vertical Windlass for your Boat
When selecting a vertical anchor windlass, consider:
Boat size and anchor weight
Your windlass should be matched to your boat's displacement, anchor size and chain weight.
Chain size
Windlasses are designed for specific chain diameters. Check compatibility before purchasing.
Electrical requirements
Most vertical windlasses operate on 12V systems, although larger boats may require 24V versions. Correct battery capacity and cabling are essential for reliable performance.
Installation space
Although vertical windlasses save deck space, ensure your chain locker has enough room for the motor and gearbox below deck.
Compare vertical windlasses with our range of Horizontal Windlasses. Find the right anchor windlass set up for your boat.
Read our handy guide to installing a windlass here.
