What Type of Rope/Chain Do I Need For My Windlass?
One of the questions we get asked the most is "What type of rope/chain do I need for my windlass?". We've listed some of the most common windlass models below along with the most standard rope and/or chain sizes that they take. Requirements can vary, even for the same model of windlass, so always confirm the listed dimensions with your windlass manual.
| Model | Chain | Rope | Notes |
| Anchorlift Barracuda 600/900 | 1/4" HT(opt.1/2) | 1/2"(opt.1) or 9/16"(opt.2) | Two possible gypsies (opt.1/2) are possible. The most popular Gypsy is for 1/4"HT and 1/2" rope. |
| Anchorlift Dolphin 1000 | 5/16"HT (opt. 1) or 3/8"HT(opt.2) | 5/8" (opt.1/2) | Two possible gypsies (opt.1/2) are possible. The most popular Gypsy is for 5/16" HT and 5/8" Rope. |
| Anchorlift Mako M1212 | 5/16"HT(opt.1) or 3/8"HT(opt.2) | 5/8"(opt.1/2) | Two possible gypsies (opt.1/2)are possible. The most popular Gypsy is for 5/16"HT and 5/8" rope. |
| Anchorlift Mako M1512/M1524 | 5/16"HT(opt.1) or 3/8"HT(opt.2) | 5/8"(opt.1/2) | Two possible gypsies (opt.1/2)are possible. The most popular Gypsy is for 5/16"HT and 5/8" rope. |
| Good Windlass, F850 A | 5/16" BBB | 1/2" | |
| Good Windlass, F850 C | 5/16" BBB | 9/16" | |
| Lewmar Pro-Fish 1000 | 5/16" HT | 9/16" | |
| Lewmar Pro-Fish 700 | 1/4" G4 | 1/2" | |
| Lewmar Pro-Sport 550 | 1/4" BBB or HT | 1/2" | |
| Lofrans Progress 1 | 5/16" G40 HT or BBB | 9/16" - 5/8" | |
| Maxwell 800 | 5/16" HT | 1/2" 8 Brait Line | Discontinued. Many reports of 3 strand operating poorly with this windlass. |
| Powerwinch 450 | 1/4" HT | 1/2" | |
| Powerwinch 46' Class | 5/16" HT | 5/8" | |
| Powerwinch Capstan 1000 | No Chain | Up to 5/8" | Accepts rope only. No Chain. |
| Powerwinch Capstan 300 | No Chain | Up to 3/4" | Accepts rope only. No Chain. |
| Simpson Lawrence Horizon 400 | 1/4" HT or BBB | 1/2" | For Gypsy RC061 |
| Simpson Lawrence Horizon 500 | 1/4" HT or BBB | 1/2" | For Gypsy RC0761 |
| Simpson Lawrence Horizon 600 | 5/16" BBB or HT | 9/16"-5/8" | This is for the Gypsy RC0860. In some rare cases the Horizon 600 may have a different gypsy. |
Notes: All specifications are listed as a guide only. Please confirm with your windlass manual. Don't see your windlass listed? Send us your windlass model and we'll try our best to help.
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