Purchasing a ship winch can be quite the hassle especially when it is your first time. This is because there are numerous types of ship winches in the market. As such, getting confused and overwhelmed can be very easy.
That said, this article will act as a perfect guide for you when you are shopping for a ship winch. We will look at what you should consider when making your selection.
4 Factors to Consider When Buying a Ship Winch
1. The Strength and Capacity of the Winch
The line pull rating and capacity of the winch most important things to consider. The sum of the drum line’s strength properties and the winch’s hydraulic capacity determines the line pull grade. If your ship weighs 4500 pounds, you should get one with a 6500-pound capacity.
If you’re still unsure of the capacity you need, always buy a winch with a larger capacity. The greater the capacity of the winch, the better. After all, larger engines and line spindles are found in larger capacity winches.
2. The size of Your Winch Anchor Locker
When picking an anchor winch, one of the most important measurements to consider is the length of your anchoring locker. What is the depth of your anchor locker? What is the available anchor fall? Answering these questions will assist you in choosing the best anchor winches for your ship.
A vertical anchor winch, for example, is ideally suited for ships having a huge winch locker beneath the deck. Mostly, this is because vertical anchor winches have an engine that swings below the deck. Horizontal anchor winches, on the other hand, are best suited for yachts with small anchor lockers. This is because they do not require a motor to be mounted below deck. The marine winches can be electric marine winch, hydraulic marine winch or diesel marine winch as the work required.
3. Mode of Operation; Remote or Manual
On many ships, weighing an anchor is accomplished from the front. However, anchorage systems on some boats should not be used in this manner, especially in severe waters. The reason behind this is that the anchor chain is easily snagged and dragged.
It’s especially important to build an anchorage winch that you can control from afar. If you’re a seasoned sailor, however, you can add an anchor pulley that you can control directly from the bow.
However, it would be beneficial if you constantly reminded yourself that standing on a deck in stormy water is risky. As a result, whether you have a remote or manually controlled anchor winch, make sure you place a foot switch near it. It aids in the stopping of a winch.
4. The Price of the Ship Winch
Like anything else in the market, ship winches come at different prices. It all depends on the manufacturer or dealer you purchase from. Remember to not buy from an unverified dealer just because their prices are lower.
Preferably, always choose a reputable marine winch manufacturer or dealer. That way, you’ll be sure that you are buying a high-quality winch for your ship.
Wind Up
Sailing a ship requires a lot of skill and caution. More importantly, your ship must have all the right accessories to guarantee safe and secure sailing. Hopefully, this article serves as a perfect guide for you as you shop for your ship winch. Contact us for a variety of winches to suit your needs!