Author: Boat Accessories Australia Date Posted: 10 April 2026
If you’ve ever spent a long day on the water only to find yourself wrestling with a heavy, weed-covered anchor at the end of it, you’ll know the value of an anchor winch. Every boat owner has their reasons for installing one.
It might be to save your back from strain, reduce the risk of falling overboard, or simply allow you to change your fishing position five times in a single afternoon without breaking a sweat. An anchor winch is a fantastic addition to any vessel, but it is only a valuable piece of gear if you choose the right model for your specific needs.
To get this right, you have to look beyond just the price tag. You need to consider the available space on your deck, the total weight of your ground tackle, and the depth of the water you usually fish in. Before you start shopping, make sure your current anchor is the correct size for your boat length, as this dictates the capacity your new winch will need to handle.
In this guide, we lay out all the factors you need to consider when choosing your new boat anchor winch. However, let’s start by quickly explaining exactly why you need an anchor winch.
For skippers of larger vessels carrying heavy anchors that are impossible to retrieve by hand, a boat anchor winch is a necessity. However, even owners of smaller boats are increasingly choosing to let an electric anchor winch do the heavy lifting. There are several clear advantages to making this upgrade:
With different styles and dozens of sizes on the market, selecting the right model can feel complicated. Knowing the answers to a few specific questions will help you find the correct match for your boat.
First, you must know the length and weight of your vessel. This helps you determine the size of the anchor required to hold the boat safely. Once you have your anchor weight, you can calculate the total weight of your anchor rode (the rope and chain).
A good rule of thumb for Australian waters is a 3:1 ratio of rode length to water depth. For example, if you are in 10 metres of water, you need at least 30 metres of chain and rope out to hold securely.
You also need to confirm the capacity of your anchor well to house the winch and store the line. Finally, you need to know the required working load. This is the capacity of the winch to lift the entire length of rope and chain, plus the anchor, when it is all suspended off the ocean floor.
When you know the necessary specs of your boat, you can start thinking about the type of anchor winch you want. There are three main styles of winches available, each suited to different boat layouts and storage needs.
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Windlass Anchor WinchesA windlass rotates the rope and chain over a wheel. In a horizontal windlass, the winch sits on the deck and the rode wraps 90 degrees around the chainwheel. These are popular because they are often easier to install on boats with limited space below deck. |
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Capstan Anchor WinchesAlso known as a vertical windlass, the capstan rotates the line horizontally around an upright winch. This setup provides a 180-degree wrap around the chainwheel, which offers a very secure grip. The gypsy (the part that hauls the line) is designed to fit specific chain types and rope diameters. These winches usually require more room below the deck for the motor and gearbox. |
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Drum Anchor WinchesA drum anchor winch is a favourite for many Aussie boaties because it gathers all the rope and chain directly onto a drum. This makes it a perfect solution for vessels that don’t have a dedicated anchor well or storage locker. Because the rode is stored on the drum itself, a drum anchor winch can be mounted anywhere with a direct line to the bow roller. They release the anchor very quickly and are excellent for spot fishing where you need to drop and retrieve frequently. |
Choosing the right model depends on these five specific factors regarding your boat's layout and your anchoring style:
Your boat must be fitted with a high-quality bow sprit or bow roller to correctly house the anchor once it has been retrieved. Without this, the anchor can slam into your hull during retrieval, causing serious and expensive damage to your vessel.
An anchor and chain take up a significant amount of room. Before you choose an anchor winch, you need to determine how much space you have available. Vertical windlass winches have the capstan and gypsy above the deck, but the motor and gearbox sit below.
Horizontal windlass winches are installed almost entirely above the deck, making them better for boats with very shallow anchor lockers. You also need to think about the fall of the rode. We recommend a minimum 400mm fall from the underside of the winch to the top of the pile of rope in the locker. This depth prevents the rope from bunching up and jamming the winch gears.
If the anchor winch is too weak for the load, it might fail when you need it most. Before installation, check that the unit is strong enough to retrieve the entire weight of your rope, chain, and anchor. The working load of the winch is its capacity to lift the entire length of the rode plus the anchor while it is all suspended in the water column.
You must know the length and weight of your anchor rode before you buy. Most trailer winches and permanent winches come with recommendations for chain and rope types. Long-link or regular-link chains should not be used with a windlass. You need a specific short-link chain to make sure it is compatible with the gypsy. If there is a mismatch, the chain can jump off or jam, which is a massive safety risk.
All anchor winch models require specific materials to function correctly. For the chain, you must use a short-link variety. For the rope, you should choose a high-quality nylon or polyester. Avoid using "silver" rope; it won't grip in the winch jaws and will simply slip under tension.
It is also vital to have a high-quality swivel between the anchor and the chain. Without a swivel, the anchor will spin as you pull it up, twisting the rope into knots and preventing it from passing through the winch smoothly.
We suggest looking at brands that are proven to handle the tough Australian marine environment. At Boat Accessories Australia, we trust in:
The Viper Pro S Series RAPID Drum Anchor Winch Bundle has three different sized rope and chain kits to choose from. If your boat is more than 8 metres long the Viper Pro Series II 1500 can handle hauling a 37lb anchor. The kits come with everything you need to install including wiring and instructions.
The Quick DP2 Series 300w is a high-quality winch suitable for boats between 5-7.5 metres in length and the Quick DP2 Series 500w is ideal for boats from 5-9 metres. For 7-12 metre boats there is the Quick DP2 Series 700w and 8-13 metre boats may be best off using the Quick DP2 Series 1000w. For even larger boats, 12-15 metres in length, the Quick Prince Series DP3 1500W is an excellent choice. See the Specifications tab for more information on each product.
If you’re looking for a horizontal anchor winch, we’d suggest considering:
Choosing the right boat anchor winch is all about making your time on the water safer and more enjoyable. Whether you need the simplicity of a drum anchor winch or the sleek look of a vertical windlass, having the right gear means you can spend less time struggling with the bow and more time focused on the fish.
Browse our extensive range of anchor winches and accessories to find the perfect match for your vessel. If you are unsure which chain grade you need or which motor size is right for your boat’s weight, our expert team is always here to help; call us at Boat Accessories Australia on 1300 308 161 or contact us online.
Then, once you have your winch sorted, don't forget to look at our other collections. We have a full range of high-quality anchors, fenders, ropes, and everything else you could need to always keep your boat safe and secure.
Trailcraft 570 profish
By: Rob on 5 February 2024Hi I need an anchor winch equiped with rope and chain and mounting gear.CAN YOU RECOMMEND one that’ll do the job and not overly expensive.? I live in a remote place and would have to be shipped to me.Thankyou
Boat Accessories Australia Response
Hi Rob,
No worries we will be happy to help, we just need a bit more info from you. I've emailed you some basic questions similar to the ones in this blog to get started with.
Alternatively please give us a call and we'll be glad to advise what will be best for your boat.
Thanks, Alison
Appreciate
By: Wooden Ship Kit - Ages Of Sail on 19 October 2020That's really nice post. I appreciate your skills. Thanks for sharing
Boat anchor motor
By: Jason Saunders on 21 September 2020Have a 5.8mt Southwind and looking to maybe put on a anchor motor to suit up to 40mt of water depth.
What do you recommend?
Price
Winch?
Rope?
Anchor?
Chain?
And full set up?
Will probably need fitting and roller for nose of boat.
0423244292
Boat Accessories Australia Response
Hi Jason, and thanks for your question.
My colleague Adam is on the phone with you now assisting with your queries.
many thanks
Rachel
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