Windlass Recommendations- 24' Tomcat

[trpsurf]

After a couple months of ownership of our 24’ Tomcat, it is time for a windlass upgrade. We often anchor in 70-100 feet of water and my back is killing me after pulling up our Bruce anchor and 30’ of chain.

Our 1997 boat was the second Tomcat built and has a large hatch opening into the anchor locker. The bow cleat is behind the hatch and I could use some advice on a few things:
• What kind of windlass do you recommend? I have a 16.5lb. Bruce Anchor, 30’ of ¼” chain, and 300’ of ½” 3 strand rope.
• Do you think I need a new anchor roller?
• How do you recommend that I install the windlass? I am thinking of removing the hatch and having a piece of stainless steel plate (maybe ½ thick) cut to fit over the hatch opening, then installing the windlass on the plate. Can anyone think of an easier or better way to do the installation? I am open to ideas.
[img] http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?full=1&set_albumName=album2056&id=photo_1&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php [/img]

[img] http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?full=1&set_albumName=album2056&id=photo_2&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php [/img]

[img] http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?full=1&set_albumName=album2056&id=photo_3&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php [/img]

Also, we recently made the run out to Santa Barbara Island over Memorial Day weekend. It is a wonderful little island and well worth the trip for those in SoCal.
https://vimeo.com/96552165[img][/img]

[Sea Wolf]

Tim-

I'd think your idea of installing a stainless plate over the hatch opening would probably be the simplest in order to install a regular windlass and still use the locker for the rode.

As an alternative, there are windlasses that store the rode on a large drum above the deck, so that you would not have to remove he locker hatch. I've seen these mostly in photos of working boats in Alaska. They appear pretty utilitarian, however, and you could probably do a more aesthetic job with the first method.

I can see your predicament, though, and the lack of an easy, simple, artful solution.

Joe.

[trpsurf]

I seemed to mess up the link to a video I posted above:

https://vimeo.com/96552165

[starcrafttom]

I would go with the SS plate or even build a 1 inch thick fiberglass hatch to cover the existing hole but thru bolt it. use big spin off wing nuts on top so you can quickly open it if you need too.

[redbaronace]

cool video