260 Sundancer/Windlass/Lewmar vs Lofrans

Por Fin!

New Member
Apr 12, 2009
32
Tampa Bay, Florida
Boat Info
2006 260 Sundancer
Engines
Mercruiser Bravo III
I'm considering installing a windlass on my 260. My dealer, Clearwater (FL) MarineMax, installs Lofrans. They quote the install (parts/labor) at approximately $3,000.00

For you guys with windlasses:

1. Is it worth the money? I just need to convince myself I'm not doing it because its cool to have one, but rather safe and convenient.

2. If I have a lot of clearance so the way to go is vertical, right?

3. Your thoughts on Lewmar vs Lofrans...

Sorry for the lenghty post :smt101

Willie
 
For starters having a windlass is by no means just a 'cool addition'. OK it is cool, but it is also very useful for retrieving an anchor when you are alone, or in a combination of wind, current and waves. You can retrieve while staying at the helm controlling the boat. This is priceless in a crowded anchorage, or when you are in proximity to rocks.

Our boat has a Lofrans because that is what came with it. I have had some problems, but Imtra the US distributor was first rate at helping to diagnose the problem and get me the parts I needed.

Henry
 
I'm considering installing a windlass on my 260. My dealer, Clearwater (FL) MarineMax, installs Lofrans. They quote the install (parts/labor) at approximately $3,000.00

For you guys with windlasses:

1. Is it worth the money? I just need to convince myself I'm not doing it because its cool to have one, but rather safe and convenient.

2. If I have a lot of clearance so the way to go is vertical, right?

3. Your thoughts on Lewmar vs Lofrans...

Sorry for the lenghty post :smt101

Willie


Wille,

We had a 260 that didn't have a windlass, our 38DA has a windlass. As mentioned this is one option, along with a spot light, that is worth the extra $. The 260 is a relatively big boat and hauling the anchor in took some work, having the windlass make this task much easier. 3K seems like a fair price considering the actual windlass and cabling cost, plus the cable routing from the rear located batteries to the bow will surely get involved. All 3 of our boats have come from Clwr MM, they seem to do a good job from my experience.

BTW our 260 did not come from the factory with a genny and Clwr MM installed it, actually AAA Marine Products from St Pete did the install and did a superb job...might want to see if MM uses them.
 
If I add one I'll do it myself for about $1k, not $3.
It's low on the priority list because we don't anchor out too often.
 
If you're going to use it, and keep the boat a while, sure. You can do it yourself a lot cheaper. And, you coud probably do it a bit cheaper if you shop the price.

I didn't have a windlass on my 290DA, but do on my 380DA. We boat and anchor a lot in shallow water, and I've pulled the anchor lots of time by hand. Now, I just touch the foot switch, and hose it off as it goes in the locker...love it. Some people never use their anchor, or their boat for that matter, but for me it's a must. All boils down to how much you are going to use it.

And by the way, I've seen the Lofrans units for sale on E-Bay for sale (new) by the U.S, distributor, Imtra. I think they were either returns or had damaged packaging.
 
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If you're going to use it, and keep the boat a while, sure. You can do it yourself a lot cheaper. And, you coud probably do it a bit cheaper if you shop the price.

I didn't have a windlass on my 290DA, but do on my 380DA. We boat and anchor a lot in shallow water, and I've pulled the anchor lots of time by hand. Now, I just touch the foot switch, and hose it off as it goes in the locker...love it. Some people never use their anchor, or their boat for that matter, but for me it's a must. All boils down to how much you are going to use it.

And by the way, I've seen the Lofrans units for sale on E-Bay for sale (new) by the U.S, distributor, Imtra. I think they were either returns or had damaged packaging.

I do anchor a lot and we like to "sandbar hop" a lot. My wife gets intimidated behind the wheel so most of the time is a one man operation. Its a pain in the %&*, specially when windy.
 
Thank you guys. It will be high on my priority list installing it. I don't feel confortable drilling the boat myself. I'll take it in for peace of mind.

Willie
 
I wouldn't own a boat without one. You may want to make sure they install one that will handle both chain and rope on the rode. I have an all chain rode of a 100' and will be adding about 300' of rope so I can hit deeper water. All chain to that length would be too much weight on this boat IMHO.
 
I wouldn't own a boat without one. You may want to make sure they install one that will handle both chain and rope on the rode. I have an all chain rode of a 100' and will be adding about 300' of rope so I can hit deeper water. All chain to that length would be too much weight on this boat IMHO.

Thanks Chuck
 
Wille,

We had a 260 that didn't have a windlass, our 38DA has a windlass. As mentioned this is one option, along with a spot light, that is worth the extra $. The 260 is a relatively big boat and hauling the anchor in took some work, having the windlass make this task much easier. 3K seems like a fair price considering the actual windlass and cabling cost, plus the cable routing from the rear located batteries to the bow will surely get involved. All 3 of our boats have come from Clwr MM, they seem to do a good job from my experience.

BTW our 260 did not come from the factory with a genny and Clwr MM installed it, actually AAA Marine Products from St Pete did the install and did a superb job...might want to see if MM uses them.

The phone # for AAA Marine is 727-521-1385. They do work for MM or direct and install windlass systems.
 
The Lofrans looks to be a nice windlass. My dock neighbor installed a Lewmar - around $600 online on his and bragged about how cheap it was. His jammed and tripped the breaker - all the time. Lofrans can have issues - but I was not impressed with Lewmar. Maxwell is a decent low profile windlass as well. Personally - I would go for a factory look - Lofrans.
 
The Lofrans looks to be a nice windlass. My dock neighbor installed a Lewmar - around $600 online on his and bragged about how cheap it was. His jammed and tripped the breaker - all the time. Lofrans can have issues - but I was not impressed with Lewmar. Maxwell is a decent low profile windlass as well. Personally - I would go for a factory look - Lofrans.

What causes a windlass to jam and trip the breaker so often? What are some of the issues associated with windlasses? How can they be avoided?

Willie
 
What causes a windlass to jam and trip the breaker so often? What are some of the issues associated with windlasses? How can they be avoided?

Willie

Being undersized for boat and weight of anchor, chain and rope.

Have a battery installed closer to windlass, smaller wires run from aft fwd. For charging purpose.

Having a windlass installed this week on my 340.

Problem with typing on here. Have to wait for each letter. Only this site.

Good luck takes too long to type.
 
Hi Folks ... I am upgrading my 270da panel with new switches, breakers, and panels from FlounderPounder. They do not have the momentary windlass switch for cockpit operation of the stock Lofrans Marlin and I'm not able to find any documentation on the switch amp rating, and I'm having trouble finding a replacement. So, question please ... how many amps should the switch be rated for? Thanks ...
 

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