Carver Owners Forum

I'm considering installing an electric windlass on the "Damn Boat", a 1983 3607AC. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should run away from, what is good, and approximately what it is going to cost me?

Also, any decent marine salvage yards around the mid-south?

Thanks

Ed

Funny. I had a 3607 and the first boat I was on (my dad's when I was a kid) was called "The Damn Thing"

On my 3607 I had a GOOD Automatic Windlass. It was great, but it was rope only, so I couldn't use chain even as a leader. I did not like that and always considered pulling that off and getting something that would do rope or chain... so my recommendation is "get something that can do both rope and chain"!!

Are you going to be doing the installation yourself or hiring it out? That would make a huge difference in the cost. The windlass itself could range from anywhere around $500 to $2500 depending if you go with a used one or brand new. One cost to factor in is two large gauge cables from the windlass back to your battery bank.

edw wrote:Source of the post I'm considering installing an electric windlass on the "Damn Boat", a 1983 3607AC. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should run away from, what is good, and approximately what it is going to cost me?

Also, any decent marine salvage yards around the mid-south?

Thanks

Ed

I will agree with the ," Good automatic " ,windlass.... from NJ, family business , all US made. I have installed their stuff and all good quality and worked as supposed to. They have rope and chain gypsies, Good sells a kit style ready for install....just need the cables and battery as KM has said.

The cost to you will be tied directly to the quality of what you get and whether or not you can install yourself. Unfortunately there are no bargains IMO when it comes to this type of equipment.

I don't think i would look for a used windless for a new install. For the couple bucks you save, you could more than double in rework costs if it fails and a new one does not match the mounting foot print.
Find a windless that meets your requirements. Take that price x 2 for the wire etc. That will get you close to the material cost. If you want someone else to install it, take the total material cost x2 and it will give you a ball park idea. If you want foot switches on the deck etc, expect to pay more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbxVfBW7M-Y

I am not a "handy" person, but I do take on projects outside of my ability level. I installed a Lewmar 550 Pro Sport windlass on my Albin 25 and it was not a difficult project, technically. You need to follow the directions carefully. I am now planning on getting the Lewmar 1000 Pro Sport for my Riviera 28, along with a pre-spliced combo of 25 ft 1/4 in chain and 150 ft 1/2 in 3-strand nylon rope. Cost (CAD_ 1300 plus 270 rode. I just dont know yet how it will fit onto the bow/pulpit/chain lockers. If anyone has experience with putting a windlass on a Riviera I would surely love to hear/see how they did it!

Does anyome with a factory install on a 3607? If so, would it be possible to see pics of the installation? My 83 3607 has a raised pulpit and no hatch, so I'm wondering how Carver did it. Any info would be appreciated.

Ed

edw wrote:Source of the post Does anyome with a factory install on a 3607? If so, would it be possible to see pics of the installation? My 83 3607 has a raised pulpit and no hatch, so I'm wondering how Carver did it. Any info would be appreciated.

Ed

Curious what you mean by a "raised pulpit"? Can you snap a couple pics? I think mine was a factory install, but I'd have to hunt around for some pics. What do you mean by "no hatch"? Do you have the two small cabinet doors forward of the V-berth?

Here's what mine looks like. I see no easy way to install the windlass.. There is no deck hatch, but there are the two small doors in the v-berth.

Ed

That's exactly like mine was. My winch was installed right where the cleat is on the pulpit. You could access the motor and relays from the two small doors in the V-berth for maintenance.

Originally, the rode just dropped down into that cabinet and piled up right there. I ran a hose down the the rode locker that is under the V-berth but that ended up being a problem for the winch, as just a little resistance in that hose would cause the winch to stop feeding line, either when lowering or raising the anchor. I was planning on cutting that hose back out but I ended up selling the boat. Depending on how much rode you need, you could store most of it in that little compartment behind those two doors, but have extra going down into that rode locker for those cases where you need to anchor in deeper water. In those cases you might have to help feed the line from the bow locker to the rode locker, or vice-versa.

SunsetSteve wrote:Source of the post https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbxVfBW7M-Y

I am not a "handy" person, but I do take on projects outside of my ability level. I installed a Lewmar 550 Pro Sport windlass on my Albin 25 and it was not a difficult project, technically. You need to follow the directions carefully. I am now planning on getting the Lewmar 1000 Pro Sport for my Riviera 28, along with a pre-spliced combo of 25 ft 1/4 in chain and 150 ft 1/2 in 3-strand nylon rope. Cost (CAD_ 1300 plus 270 rode. I just dont know yet how it will fit onto the bow/pulpit/chain lockers. If anyone has experience with putting a windlass on a Riviera I would surely love to hear/see how they did it!

How did it go to install the Lewmar 1000 on your Riviera? I'm planning to do the same installation once I have access to the new to me boat this spring;) I beleive only the horizontal model could fit, right?