GBM wrote:
I am still trying to decide on a windlass for our boat. Perhaps some the
experienced cruisers can help?

Our alternator output, is nominally 55A, but likely actually quite a bit
less.

As others have pointed out, this shouldn't matter. The
windlass' power comes from the battery bank, and the draw is
only going to be 2 minutes or less anyway.



Question: Would I be better to buy a somewhat undersized windlass that might
only draw 35A?

No! You want a windlass of a size to be of practical use...
which means a windlass that will move heavy objects you
can't move with your back muscles.


(PS: I have 6 Ga wiring already installed, but will change if need be)


For a windlass? Not big enough by at least a couple of
sizes, unless your battery is less than 1' away from the
windlass terminals (which would make a cable run of 2'
remember).

The issue of whether to add a battery up forward for the
windlass is one that can only be decided by an individual,
based on his preferences. Heavy cable is expensive, it may
be cheaper to put a battery up front; but then the battery
will need charging & maintenance, and adds to weight up
forward where you don't want it for sailing.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King