Anchor Windlass Sizing Calculator
Size windlass and electrical system for your ground tackle per ABYC standards
Windlass Specifications
Minimum Windlass Rating
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Recommended Rating
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Total Ground Tackle Weight
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Maximum Working Load
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Chain Weight (full rode)
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Motor Power Required
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Expected Current Draw
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Minimum Wire Size
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Circuit Breaker Size
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Chain Weight Reference (BBB)
| Chain Size | Weight/Foot | Weight/Meter |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4" (6mm) | 1.4 lbs | 2.1 kg |
| 5/16" (8mm) | 2.1 lbs | 3.1 kg |
| 3/8" (10mm) | 3.0 lbs | 4.5 kg |
| 7/16" (11mm) | 4.2 lbs | 6.3 kg |
| 1/2" (12mm) | 5.6 lbs | 8.3 kg |
Windlass Installation Guidelines
Sizing Considerations
Windlass should be rated for 3x the total weight of anchor plus maximum deployed chain (at max depth with 7:1 scope).
Always size up - windlass works hardest when retrieving from deep water or breaking anchor free.
Vertical windlasses are more powerful but require more below-deck space.
Electrical Requirements (ABYC E-11)
Use dedicated circuit with properly sized breaker. Wire directly to battery with proper fusing.
Voltage drop should not exceed 10% under load (3% recommended for optimal performance).
Install windlass breaker within 7 feet of battery per ABYC requirements.