Electric Anchor Winch .

[LittleRiver]

Told you guys I had a lot of questions.

Electric anchor winch. Anyone running one? Post a photo if you are and how do you like it.
Thanks.

[MH Hawker]

nope

[RcgTexas]

OK here is my opinion on anchor winches on small craft. Really all it can do is take up slack, and you can do that by putting motor in gear and taking it up until you are above it then pulling it up. If its hung up, a small winch wont help. dogging it off and applying pressure with the motor will clear it if its going to clear.

[Capt Sully]

I have a Trac 35 on mine with remote control. i use a 20lb river anchor which for my lake use works just fine. It's nice to stay seated holding my beer and raise or lower the anchor with the push of a button.
I mounted it on the back, shorter run of the power wire to the battery and it's out of the way.

[LittleRiver]

Second switch for the dash is on the way now. Deepest I will ever anchor will be in the 12 to 15 foot. Thats as deep as it gets where I live and its sand bottom so no issue's hanging on anything.
I was just wondering if it had enough power to pull the boat then lift the anchor or did you have to help it out. Think you answered that question.
Mine is the 35 also but ran 8 gauge to the front of the boat for connection. Have 4 gauge on the trolling motor.
Pull up drop anchor, back up and lock. Kinda the plan anyway.

[Capt Sully]

Second switch for the dash is on the way now. Deepest I will ever anchor will be in the 12 to 15 foot. Thats as deep as it gets where I live and its sand bottom so no issue's hanging on anything.
I was just wondering if it had enough power to pull the boat then lift the anchor or did you have to help it out. Think you answered that question.
Mine is the 35 also but ran 8 gauge to the front of the boat for connection. Have 4 gauge on the trolling motor.
Pull up drop anchor, back up and lock. Kinda the plan anyway.

Yep, the Trac 35 has enough power. The new models being sold now have metal gears. The rode, or rope could be larger, I'm thinking about replacing with a thin cable, but not sure how that would wind up ?? Over all, I'm happy with it.

[killerkernrich]

instead of wire cable try this.... great stuff
http://www.okoffroad.com/stuff-winchrope-atv.htm

[LittleRiver]

Great to know. Splashing her this weekend. Won't have everything finished but GF is ready and I want to see how she does.

I thought about that Sully. I don't need that much line as shallow as we are around here I even thought about a winch like you can buy at tractor supply with 50 foot of cable on it like i run in the trailer.

Tickled about the custom additions, and the 35 seemed like a good idea ... They make a 45. If the 35 don't hold i'll step up one step and try that.

instead of wire cable try this.... great stuff
http://www.okoffroad.com/stuff-winchrope-atv.htm

If you could get it to load as tight as it is in there, that would for sure work.

[RcgTexas]

Question: How many feet per minute does that winch haul?

I understand someone wanting to sit and drink beer or whatever and push a button to drop or weigh anchor. My problem with a 12 volt winch like that is to be able to work, it must be geared down, thus very slowwwww!

We used synthetic line on barge winches to make the boat up to a tow and it is very strong and light. However anywhere it touches anything it must be protected because it will chafe easily, when tight it will cut with a butter knife.

[Capt Sully]

instead of wire cable try this.... great stuff
http://www.okoffroad.com/stuff-winchrope-atv.htm

Good info, Thanks for sharing....

[Capt Sully]

Question: How many feet per minute does that winch haul?

I understand someone wanting to sit and drink beer or whatever and push a button to drop or weigh anchor. My problem with a 12 volt winch like that is to be able to work, it must be geared down, thus very slowwwww!

We used synthetic line on barge winches to make the boat up to a tow and it is very strong and light. However anywhere it touches anything it must be protected because it will chafe easily, when tight it will cut with a butter knife.

How fast is it you ask, Drink about 4 beers while it's coming up. ( JUST KIDDING ) It's rated at 65' per minute. To me it's not slow nor fast, but just right.

[RcgTexas]

Drink about 4 beers while it's coming up.

got me !! that is funny. Well if it will do 65 ft /minute , that ain't bad and certainly NOT

I totally understand the larger line though.

I'm still going to haul mine by hand as long as my maker allows me to physically do it.... then drink 4 beers!

[LittleRiver]

Mine is almost dead center so it won't move back and forth. About three inches on the trolling motor with the anchor in it so more than enough room.
Skully. Do you leave yours hanging or wind it up tight with the anchor hanging till your headed home. ?
Noticed it won't to slow when I was installing it and I can see if from the CC. Cool toy when I get the second switch installed.
Had to take the front door off to get the trolling motor in there but I like it open. Right across the river about 1/4 miles is the best fishing so we don't have to go to far to roll over there..

[cleatus]

I also have the Trac 35, no problems other than a faulty remote that was replaced under warranty, great customer service at Trac. All their winches have the metal gears now. I replaced the stock rode with a larger diameter line because of how my winch was set up (under deck).. the smaller line was getting between the roller and davit bracket when pulling on a 45 or 90 degree angle. It pulled fine straight ahead. here are some pics of the install:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=16044&start=0&hilit=power+anchor

I used to stow a danforth under the front seats, making guests move when I had to get it, or put it back, now the anchor tucks it's funky self away with a push of a button from the helm. Great addition for skippers with back or leg problems too.

[Capt Sully]

Little River, I keep mine up all the way till it stops. When I trailer it I attach the safety cable to it.