Ive started looking around for anchor winches and would like some feed back on what others have found and used.
I've ended up buying a Muir (Storm) and it's performed as it should. I asked a guy who sold Maxwell Winches (6 years back) and he took me into his workshop and showed me all the broken gear boxes. But in saying that the damage may have been the fault of the user. On my boat, things like bedding the anchor in are done by first installing a mini snubber between the Anchor Winch and Bow Roller. I also use this mini snubber to assist when ever I need to apply force to break the anchor out. The anchor winch is only used to winch in. Mine has enough power to lift all of my chain (100m of 3/8) + the anchor (25kg). I would need to be in 100+m of water to proved this. I also talked to the guys at Muir to get their approval for the use of the winch. I also got a MOS (Manual Override System) fitted to the anchor just incase something failed and I had to leave town in a hurry.
I fitted a "Quickly" it lasted me a good 7 years and never let me down. It was basicly a copy of the Muir. The only downside was there was No manual emergency retrieval ....!
The Muir reads well but I must say that my Lewmar has given good service . Especially appreciate the clutch that can be set to avoid over stress and the electrical cut-out if I expect too much of it . There is a manual lever but hopefully , never needed.
I have a Muir VMH 500 hand winch which I have only had to use a couple of times.
Find it quicker to pull in 30m of chain by hand once the anchor comes loose.
I went to visit the Muir guys today in Manly Vale. Was very impressed with their customer service. I bought an as-new winch which had the wrong size gypsy and they swapped it out for me for nicks! Nice guys, good service was my impression.
Select to expand quotenswsailor said..
I have a Muir VMH 500 hand winch which I have only had to use a couple of times.
Find it quicker to pull in 30m of chain by hand once the anchor comes loose.
I'm sort of hoping I can still sail this boat when I well over 80 call me a dreamer but thats my hope , so I'm sort of future building now NSW
The last place I would like to go to is a old peoples home Id rather live in a tent than that or just a swag . and as I hit 90 if I cant go below Ill live in the cock pit. good night all
Don't worry HG02,
When I get to that stage [age] I will put an electric winch in with the controls in the cockpit 
