On Sun, 14 Dec 2008 10:27:12 -0600, Vic Smith
wrote:

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.

Though the come-along shown might be good, be careful about quality.
Cheapos are prone to breaking/bending, especially the handles.
I'd prefer an "industrial" version. A 40-80 year old heavy sucker
found at a flea market or garage sale might be the ticket.

I'm sure you are right for heavy duty usage, but for my purposes the
cheapo gets used so infrequently that it will probably last forever.