Carver Owners Forum

Replacing my Maxwell Freedom 800 horizontal windlass , (no loner made) on my 1997 355 aft. Leaning to just going with the newer Maxwell rc8 model that is the suggested freedom 800 replacement by Maxwell.

1. Could I use the Maxwell rc 6 version (cheaper), would that be underpowered?
2. Also thinking of going with a vertical windlass so everything is above deck. Easier mounting and maintainer? Any disadvantages to vertical instead of horizontal?
3. Also considering lewmar 700 horizontal. ?

This would be a fresh installation as the windlass area on my deck has been re done and glassed.

Any thoughts appreciated.

My suggestion........Consider a " Good Automatic Windlass ".......made in New Jersey, family. Give them a call with your install needs etc.... I installed a system on another boat and they were helpful and the equipment was top notch.

I was going to recommend going the other way with the RC10 (5/16 - 1000W) instead of the RC6, more expensive of coarse but it's a better unit for that size boat so it's something to consider. They're designed for boats starting around the 30 foot range. I'd have to check but you should be okay with your existing wiring.

BTW, the type that has all the workings topsides is known as a horizontal design. The Lewmar is a nice unit but it did have issues and I don't know if they got corrected or not. Having said that, the Maxwell Freedom line had their problems too but they were a popular line and around for a long time, and were easy to get parts for which is something you should consider with the brand you decide on. Which ever unit you go with make sure your rode is the spec required, especially if you're using any chain or the gypsy won't last long. If you have a combo rode, inspect the splice, if it's frayed, I'd get it redone or get a whole new rode.

I would opt for the Maxwell also. The RC10 is the equivalent of the former 800 in that it is meant foe the same size chain and rope. I do believe they made it a little more powerful though with the update. That being said, I had a Maxwell Freedom 500 on a previous boat that never gave me a lick of trouble and is still going strong today. My Carver has the 800 which I took apart and serviced a few years back. I was on an all chain rode which wore out the anchor roller from use however the windlass has no signs of wear so that does say a lot. Good luck in whatever you may choose.

Thanks for all the options and info!