5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Installing a DIY Windlass!

[@From_Refugee_To_Yacht_Owner]

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[@peterbooth2804]

Even reputable manufacturers make mistakes. Our winch is positioned perfectly for the bow roller but badly for storing the anchor chain in the locker and it didn't have a backing plate. With a little thought, it could have been positioned better to satisfy both bow roller and chain storage. I suppose I could change the construction but can't justify the effort.

[@From_Refugee_To_Yacht_Owner]

@@peterbooth2804 Thanks for sharing your experience-it’s so true that even reputable manufacturers can overlook these details! The issue with the backing plate and chain storage alignment sounds frustrating but also familiar in these setups. If you had the chance to start over, how would you approach positioning to balance the bow roller and chain locker better? Any tips would be really helpful as I decide on my windlass placement!

[@rjk69]

I think there is a reason spray dodgers are made from canvas and not fiberglass, I can't see it lasting very well.

[@From_Refugee_To_Yacht_Owner]

@@rjk69 Thanks for your comment-it’s a great point! Canvas has indeed been the traditional choice for spray dodgers because it’s lightweight, flexible, and relatively easy to replace or repair. However, it does require regular maintenance, such as waterproofing and UV protection, as it can degrade faster in harsh conditions like prolonged sun exposure or saltwater spray. Fiberglass, on the other hand, is significantly more rigid and durable over the long term, especially in high-wear areas. It doesn’t rot, stretch, or shrink like canvas can, and it offers better resistance to UV rays and saltwater. For example, many modern hard tops on yachts are made of fiberglass for these reasons, and they’ve proven to last decades with minimal maintenance. That said, canvas dodgers often have an advantage in terms of cost and ease of customization. It’ll be interesting to see how the fiberglass holds up in this application-I’ll definitely keep everyone updated on its performance!