5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Installing a DIY Windlass!

In this episode of From Refugee to Yacht Owner, I face a new challenge: positioning the windlass on my yacht. The locker is proving to be an unexpected obstacle, making the installation far more complex than anticipated. Getting this right is crucial for smooth sailing, and I’m reaching out to all of you for advice and insight. If you’ve tackled a similar issue or have tips for positioning a windlass around obstructions, please share your thoughts in the comments.I’m also making adjustments to the dodger frame and working on other parts of the restoration to get the boat seaworthy. Each challenge is a new opportunity to learn, adapt, and persevere. Thank you for joining me on this journey from refugee to yacht owner-I couldn’t do it without you!
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with my journey. New episodes every Sunday at 7 PM UK time.
0:00 - Introduction and overview of today’s challenges1:30 - Recap of dodger frame adjustments3:15 - Discussing the windlass installation problem and locker obstruction5:45 - Exploring potential mounting options for the windlass8:00 - Requesting viewers’ advice on positioning solutions10:20 - Final thoughts and preview of upcoming projects12:00 - Outro and thank you for joining the journey
👉 Follow my journey from refugee to yacht owner on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for behind-the-scenes content!
🔗 Connect with me: Follow me on Instagram: fromrefugeetoyachtowner
Follow me on Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/
LICENSES ARE THROUGH MOTIONARRAY.COM AS SEEN HERE FOR THE FOLLOWING PIECES OF MEDIA: I am paying member of MotionArray.com and I have the rights to use this motionarray.co....
#boatlifestyle
#SailingAdventure
#NewBeginnings

[@From_Refugee_To_Yacht_Owner]

Welcome to our journey! If you enjoyed the video, please like, share, and subscribe to help our channel grow. Your support is invaluable. I’m also eager to hear from you - share your stories and thoughts in the comments. Let’s learn and inspire each other. Thank you for being a part of this amazing community! 💫 #YourStoryMatters

[@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!