Powerwinch Class 36' Automatic Helm-Operated Free-Fall Windlass

The Powerwinch Class 36' Automatic Helm-Operated Free-Fall Windlass is purpose-built for serious cruising and commercial boaters who demand reliability at the helm. After years on the water, any experienced skipper knows that anchor handling can make or break a day—poor equipment wastes time, risks safety, and exhausts crew. This windlass eliminates manual anchor work, giving you one-handed control from the wheelhouse or bridge for vessels up to and including 36 feet, making it an essential investment for extended cruising, charter operations, or commercial fishing.

The automatic free-fall design lets anchor chain or rope drop rapidly under gravity when deployed, reducing the physical strain of deck work and cutting anchor retrieval time significantly. Helm operation means you maintain control and sight lines from the wheelhouse without relying on deck crew or radio communication—critical in tight anchorages or adverse conditions. The compact footprint (11 x 9 x 16 inches, weighing just 18.6 lbs) simplifies installation on cabin tops or foredeck mounting plates without consuming excessive space, while the robust construction handles the constant stress of heavy anchoring in deep water and strong holding grounds.

Professional operators, liveaboard cruisers, and charter captains benefit most from this level of automation, especially in regions with challenging anchoring or frequent relocations. Installation integrates with standard 12V or 24V marine electrical systems, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of vessels.