On Sat, 13 Dec 2008 19:54:29 -0600, "KLC Lewis"
wrote:

with none onboard already, electric would
definitely be the way to go.

The ideal solution is electric with a provision for manual backup.
Unfortunately windlasses do fail from time to time just like any other
piece of electro-mechanical equipment. It is important to have some
alternative for getting the anchor up if necessary, especially
important if you have a heavy anchor with an all chain rode. On a 50
footer with a properly sized anchor and all chain rode it is virtually
impossible to bring up the ground tackle by hand. I carry a
come-along rated at 3,000 lbs for that kind of emergency:

http://toolmonger.com/wp-content/upl...able_large.jpg

They are readily available at Lowes and Home Depot for reasonable
prices.