Do I need a bow roller? Yes. The first step in the installation process, is to ensure you have a suitable Bow Roller; this must be installed to support the anchor, chain and rope.
Do I need a bollard? A bollard or snubbing device should be installed between the bow roller and the windlass as the rope should be tied on the bollard while laying anchor or securing the anchor in the fully raised position. Do South Pacific Anchor Winches take both rope & chain? All models suit rope & chain combinations.
Can I use all-chain? All South Pacific Winches except the 710series.
If running all-chain - it is essential to install a chain stopper - this takes additional pressure off the windlass.
It is recommended if running more than 15m of chain.
How much storage space do you need underneath the deck? Make sure the anchor well or the chain locker is deep enough to store the chain and rope. The minimum depth is 40cm(11/3 ft) to store about 30 metres(100ft) of rope. If the anchor well is not deep enough the rope will build up very quickly and block the entry.
Note: for the VS series - as some parts are below deck, allow slightly more space to accomodate for the motor and gear box.
What depth should deck be to fit a South Pacific Winch? Al least 5mm. If it is an aluminum, or fibre glass deck thinner than 5mm, to reinforce: attach plywood under the deck, this will spray the force.
Can I install a South Pacific winch on top of the hatch? Yes. Easy to install if there is a hatch and anchor well below, in situations both with/without internal access to the cabin:
See User manual for more details/diagrams on this common installation.
Is there much maintenance of South Pacific Winches? It doesn't get much easier -
The Horizontal series: come with a grease lubricated gear box. There is no need for extra lubrication. Likewise with the V Series windlasses, which come with a sealed grease lubricated gear box.
