I am considering/researching installing a windlass on an Alura 35. It's a
1987 model and carries a FX-23 Fortress anchor in a pulpit with a simple
anchor (single) roller system. If your opinion is that this anchor is too
large for the boat, I already agree. It's a size larger than recommended,
but this is/was a blue water boat; and size does matter. I would get the
FX-16 to fit the size of the boat if it solves my concerns about the
windlass. The FX-23 holds too well in the Chesapeake Bay anyway

I would like to use an appropriate vertical windlass to save deck space, but
would use a horizontal if necessary. I am concerned about the vertical
model properly stowing the anchor/chain/rode in an anchor roller due to the
very flat layout of the pulpit, as well as having to relocate the two deck
cleats on the bow. It looks like the anchor length might create too large
of an angle when coming aboard through the anchor roller in the pulpit.
(would a pivoting anchor roller in the pulpit solve my concerns and make a
vertical "doable"?)

I'd like to know if anyone has any experience in installing either type of
windlass in this boat.

Thanks for your responses.