Every boat owner understands why installing a boat anchor winch is important. However, setting and retrieving an anchor is challenging, especially if you are a beginner. For a smoother and quicker installation process, you need one thing – the Manual Boat Anchor Winch.
While picking the right anchor winch, you need to consider a few factors like how much space you have unrestricted on your boat, the weight capacity of the winch, the length of your anchor rope, etc. Nonetheless, you don't need to worry too much since we will look at the best manual anchor winches you can purchase and the factors you need to consider. Read on to find out more!
What are the Advantages of an Anchor Winch?
Hand winches are tools that require human effort to operate. Unlike the electric anchor winches, they are not automated, meaning they are not powerful enough to handle big loads. Most of the best hand winches can only handle a ton of weight, around 2000 lbs. However, the manual anchor winches can do a perfect job, especially for the small boats which require small anchors.
In addition to doing an excellent job for small boats, the manual anchor winches are super easy to operate and are safer to use. With the boat anchor winches, you will also be able to try more sites. Again unlike an electric boat anchor winch, the manual anchor winch occupies less space, meaning you have enough room for storage, which is a high-demand thing on any boat.
Having understood the benefit of a manual anchor winch, let's dive in and look at the best manual boat anchor winches you could purchase for your small or pontoon boats.
Best Anchor For Recreational Boats
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1. Scotty Anchor Lock Side Deck Mount Winch
Sale
Scotty 620767 #276 Anchor Lock w/ #241 Side Deck Mount, BLACK, Small
- An anchor lock system for small boats in still water fishing...
- Tough construction and roller bearing for smooth, quiet...
- Easy lock and release action allows anchor line adjustments
- For use with rope up to 1/2″ diameter (rope not included)
- Mount Dimensions: 4” x 2” x 2”; Bolting Dimensions: 1...
Scotty Anchor Lock Side Deck Mount is one of the best manual anchor winches you could get on the market if you want an anchor lock system for small boats in motionless water fishing cases. It has Mount Dimensions of around 4 by 2 by 2 inches and Bolting Dimensions of about 1 5/16inchyes by 3 3/16 inches.
Image source: Scotty Store
These boat anchors are easy to use, and they can be easily mounted on the deck of your boat. It also features an easy anchor and lock system, which permits anchor line adjustments and makes it even easy for beginners. Additionally, you could attach it on a flat deck surface or the side of your transom or gunnel for this anchor.
Furthermore, this unit has a strong construction that makes it super durable. It also features a roller bearing for a smooth and quiet operation. The major downside of the Scotty Anchor Lock Side Deck Mount winch is that it is highly-priced and can only be used for small boats.
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2. Reese Towpower 74337 600 Pound Capacity Winch
Reese Towpower 74337 600 Pound Capacity Winch , Black
- Includes comfort grip handle for a positive hold while cranking
- Zinc-plated finish for superior corrosion resistance
- Full-length drum bushing and oil impregnated shaft bushings...
- High carbon steel gears to resist wear and last longer
- Easy-to-use one-way ratchet
Reese Towpower 74337 600 Pound Capacity Winch is another ideal anchor winch that you could go for. First off, the wich is from a reliable brand that has been known to manufacture the best hand winches for a couple of o years now. This winch model is not specifically designed for anchoring, yet, it can get the job done perfectly.
Image credit: reesetowpower.com
This manual winch provides a maximum anchor capacity of up to 600 lbs. It is also constructed with high-quality material and is zinc coated, making it corrosion and rust-resistant. Its gears are designed using carbon steel material, enabling it to do well for heavy tasks. Additionally, this winch is super easy to use, and it has a one-way ratchet that provides you with full control.
What's more, this boat anchor winch works great for small boats and you are guaranteed its durability. The disadvantage of this anchor is that it is also pricey and does not come with a rope.
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3. TR Industrial 600 lb. Boat Anchor Winches
TR Industrial 600 lb. Trailer Winch
- Built to last all steel frame and gears. Premium steel...
- 600 lb. capacity and versatile drum design lets you use straps,...
- Easy installation. The trailer winch is ready to mount out of the...
- Smooth ergonomic rotating handle makes cranking that much easier
- Efficient 3.2:1 gear ratio helps you load faster
Suppose you want to purchase the best hand winches for boat anchors, TR Industrial 600 lb. Boat Anchor Winches is an ideal option. The winch is fairly priced yet very powerful and durable. This winch is technically designed for trailers, but it will do an excellent job of dropping and drawing an anchor. In addition, it is constructed with heavy gauge steel and is coated with high-quality zinc making it ideal for underwater.
Image credit: m.media-amazon.com
The winch can hold loads of up to 600 pounds winch is ideal for holding your boat in position while fishing. It is also pretty easy to install, and it can be mounted out of the box. In addition, the anchor winch has a gear ratio of 3:2:1, which helps deliver easy and quick cranking.
The TR Industrial 600 lb. Boat Anchor Winch is compatible with up to 36 feet of 1/4 steel cables or more than 40 feet if you are using synthetic rope. However, with all the great features, the wich has its drawbacks. In the first place, it does not have a braking system, and the rope is not included in the package.
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4. VZCY 3500 lbs Capacity Heavy-Duty Manual Anchor Winch
VZCY 3500 LBS Capacity Heavy Duty Hand Winch, 10m(32.8 ft) Nylon Strap 2 Gear Manual Crank Winch for...
- 【High-quality material】Trailer winch whose surface is...
- 【Super performance】The pulling force of the heavy-duty steel...
- 【Ergonomic design】The portable non-slip handle provides you...
- 【Two way ratchet】Manual winch with cable is equipped with a...
- 【Application range】Towing winches are suitable for trucks,...
VZCY 3500 lb capacity Heavy Duty Manual Anchor Winch is another great option you could go for. The wich has great construction, and its surface is galvanized to limit corrosion and rust effectively. Again the sturdy construction ensures that the wich is durable and can bear heavy weights without breaking.
Image credit: VZCY
The VZCY 3500 lb capacity Heavy Duty Manual Anchor Winch also features a nylon mesh belt that provides strong tensile force and promotes durability. In addition, the winch can fit a cable that is up to 32.8 feet, and it offers a gear ratio of 4.1:8, which helps in delivering easy and quick cranking.
Additionally, this manual winch has an ergonomic design that will help reduce hand fatigue and improves your work efficiency. It is also equipped with a safety pawl which allows forward and backward ratchets. The downside of this wich is that it is expensive to buy.
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5. SeaSense Locking Anchor Control Winch
SeaSense Locking Anchor Control
- Holds Up To A 20 Lb. Anchor
- Package Height Of The Item Is 2.0"
- Package Length Of The Item Is 6.5"
- Package Width Of The Item Is 4.0"
If you want the best anchor to add to your fishing boat, then the SeaSense Locking Anchor Control winch is a perfect option. This winch is specially designed for smaller boats, and it has a maximum anchor capacity of around 20 lbs. The amazing bit is that you could use it as a mushroom or river anchor.
Image credit: i.ytimg.com
The winch is super easy to use, and it is an ideal option for beginners. It also has a sturdy construction and is coated with a zinc plate to withstand harsh weather conditions. Additionally, this SeaSense Locking Anchor Control winch can fit a rope of up to 7/16 inches long, and it has a line capacity of 3/16 inch nylon braided rope.
The winch features self-lubricating nylon rollers, which makes maintenance super easy. Again it is fairly priced and has a very impressive anchor lock that makes pulling and dropping smooth.
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Types of Winches
1. Electric Anchor Winch
The electrical winches are the models that are operated by a battery. These winches use an electric motor and require a power source to operate. Best electric boat anchor winches are designed with a mechanical toggle switch kit that allows them to retrieve and deploy river and mushroom anchors quickly.
Usually, an electric boat anchor winch is lightweight and easy to use. Again, you can easily find one and use it even on a dead engine.
2. Hand Winch
The hand or manual winch is the type that uses human effort to operate. These winches are designed to be used with a rope, strap or cable. Most hand winches are for the light task since you use your strength to get the job done. In most cases, these winches are used in remote areas where getting a power outlet is hard.
3. Mechanical Capstan Winch
The mechanical capstan winch is the one that draws its power from the engine of your crankshaft. These Capstan winches will only work if your engine is running. They usually have a vertical winch drum that pulls horizontally, and they are mostly used for aquatic operations.
5. Mechanical Drum Winch
The mechanical drum winch functions similarly to the mechanical capstan winch since it also depends on an engine to operate. These Drum winches are considered more powerful than the electric anchor winches in most cases. These winches are also ideal for anchoring since they provide quick drop and retrieve.
Factors to Consider While Purchasing a Manual Anchor Winch
1. Anchor Winch Weight Capacity
When selecting an anchor winch for your boat, you need to look at the weight capacity. This is to know whether the winch you get can handle your boat's anchor. To be on the safe side, it would be great if you got an anchor that can at least handle the basic weight of your anchor.
2. Anchor Chain Length
Again it is necessary to know the approximate length of your anchor rode before buying your anchor winch. Anchor winches will give the recommended rope, chain or rope lengths in most cases. So you will require to get a winch that fits your anchor setup. Additionally, you will need to consider the links in the chain. Long and standard link chains should not be employed to anchor windlasses.
3. Space Below Deck
Before deciding which anchor you will purchase, it is vital to check and determine the space you have in your boat. The amazing bit is that the manual winch will take up less space, unlike an electric boat anchor winch.
It is urged that you at least have a minimum 400mm fall and that your winch can hold or accommodate 50 meters of rope with 10 meters of chain attached or 60 meters of chain only. However, this may differ depending on the size of the boat you own.
4. Anchor Winch Durability
One important feature that most people overlook is durability. You have to be keen and ensure you get a winch constructed with quality material. Again since, in this case, you will be using your winch underwater, you need one tha is rust and corrosion-resistant.
5. Anchor Winch Installation
When purchasing the best anchors, it is necessary to find one that is easy to use ad install. If you want to enjoy your fishing experience, trust me, you need a winch that will give you an easy time using it.
Frequently Asked Questions about Manual Boat Anchor Winch
1. What is the main difference between manual and electric anchor winches?
Electric boat anchor winch and manual anchors can get your job done effectively, but they both function differently. The main difference is that the electricity relies on a battery to function while the hand or manual winch operates on human effort. Again electric winch will take up more of your boat space than a manual one.
2. What is the function of the anchor winch?
An anchor winch is a tool that secures and controls the anchor chain on a boat, allowing the anchor to be lifted and dropped by employing a rope or chain cable.