In article ,
"GBM" wrote:

If we have the engine running at say 1500rpm while pulling up the
anchor, we may be putting about 35A into the 200AH house bank, if we
are lucky. At the same time, the windlass is drawing up to 90A and
other items like the refrig unit are still drawing current. We could
have a shortfall of 60A for 5-10 minutes.

Question: Would I be better to buy a somewhat undersized windlass
that might only draw 35A? (e.g Lofrans Dorado with gypsy on wrong
side ) or buy the larger unit and draw a bigger current?


Go with the larger one as the momentary *maximum* draw will be absorbed
by the batteries, and replaced soon after.

Truth be told, if you don't have an auxiliary battery real close to the
windlass, you lose a lot in long cables. A battery fed by smallish
cables from the charger(s) may weigh and cost less than proper cables
the whole distance.

You'll minimize required draw by using the windlass properly: solely to
raise the rode and anchor, letting the prop move the boat forward.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/