Explorer 215: DIY Add Windless

[czizza]

I am adding a Windless to my boat and I thought I would document it up for you guys.

The hardest part is drilling and adding the bow roller.

I picked my bow roller with enough run out to keep the anchor away from the boat ... this was my idea ... It might not be the correct idea but it looks from what I have seen on other boats to be the correct idea.



To install the bow roller; I picked up a 6x4 piece of aluminum to be used to support the bolts of the bow roller:




NOTE: When in doubt use a pilot drill bit to see how close you are to a wall or an area.

Then I cut the hole for the Windless using the template provided and I cleared the old door; I might carry both anchors just in case the windless fails or the anchor breaks:








Then because I added the windless and the bow roller I needed to relocate my NAV lights:


Then I had to remove the gun wall inserts in the helm and in the back to allow me to snake the power cords and connect them to the relay, breaker:


I then cut a whole in the cuddy for the breaker:




Next Steps:
Install controls for the windless:


I am thinking to install the controls by the throttle above my hour clock:


Then Pick an Anchor, chain and rope for the setup.

-Melo

[Aqua 215]

Thank you for sharing, just picked up the same bow roller from Quick which are on sale for $55 how is it holding up for you? I'm installing a Lewmar V700 windlass so will post my install when completed.

[wingtime]

Excellent install and photos.  I would have only done one thing differently.  It is best to have the breaker as close to the batteries as possible.  Remember fuses/breakers protect not only the appliance but also the wires.

[czizza]

Okay ... I know ... It is a year later but man I have been busy with work so I finally finished it this week.

[RickK]

Looks good - you're really going to like it. You'll need a chain keeper of some sort though. Don't rely on the windlass to keep the anchor in the pulpit, or the boat for that matter.
Here is what I did - I mounted it to secure the anchor itself, instead of the chain. You can secure the chain with it also.


Another thing you see in the pic is a break-away system, used in case the anchor gets stuck somehow.  The chain is actually running to the front of the anchor and the break away system is tied to the rear, you see the shiny piece in the pic - that is the breakaway part.
You have the hole already in the front of the anchor.  Here is what I bought http://www.anchorsaver.com .  You could also do a zip tie approach but I don't think they last long in the sun.