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I'm trying to decide on getting the windlass anchor. If cost isn't the issue, is there any reason not to get it?

I would not boat without it My previous boat did not have it and what a pain it was to anchor and store it. Now on my Cobalt I just press a button and it’s done. If price is not a concern go for it ! It will also be reflected in the resale value.

My R5 did not come with it, I definitely wish it had it though. If you plan on trailering you will need to order your trailer with a low bow stop for windlass boats. The standard high bow stops that come on most trailers will come in contact with the anchor while launching and retrieving your boat. Here is a picture of my trailer with the windlass low bow stop.

Thanks!

I don’t have it on my boat and don’t really miss it. Lots of people lose anchors on my lake due to it being man made so lots of sunken trees and what not to get stuck on.

It may be practical but it looks terrible stuck up on the front of the boat.

rabiddawg wrote: Sun Dec 13, 2020 6:52 pm It may be practical but it looks terrible stuck up on the front of the boat.

My opinion? If you think it looks bad sitting up there it is new and shiny, you probably wouldn't like it when it comes up from a clay/mud bottom covered in gunk. On the other hand, I think it is well integrated and doesn't look out of place on such a large hull. I think it would be different if we were talking about a CS or a 10 series. I guess one has to balance appearance vs function. If you anchor a lot and am older, like I am (early 60's) you have to ask yourself how many years you want to keep hauling an anchor up out of 30' of water and lifting it over the bow and carefully lowering it into the locker. One slip and it can hit the bow doing gel coat damage.

I'll be adding one to my next boat.

rabiddawg wrote: Sun Dec 13, 2020 6:52 pm It may be practical but it looks terrible stuck up on the front of the boat.

I personally think they look sharp as heck!
Add it if you don't have a tree bottom.

Thanks for all the thoughts. I did include it on the build and think it looks really sharp. I also like the idea of being able to manage it from the helm when alone.

Great decision!!! It looks great

I haven't picked up my 2017 R5 yet but am SO glad it doesn't already have it. I use a fortress anchor on my present 24' boat and will use it again on my R5. It is the best anchor I have ever used.

bruceb58 wrote: Mon Dec 14, 2020 5:51 pm I haven't picked up my 2017 R5 yet but am SO glad it doesn't already have it. I use a fortress anchor on my present 24' boat and will use it again on my R5. It is the best anchor I have ever used.

What size do you use?

dustinm wrote: Mon Dec 14, 2020 7:49 pm

bruceb58 wrote: Mon Dec 14, 2020 5:51 pm I haven't picked up my 2017 R5 yet but am SO glad it doesn't already have it. I use a fortress anchor on my present 24' boat and will use it again on my R5. It is the best anchor I have ever used.

What size do you use?

FX-7

Works great on my 24' Wellcraft. Used it in very heavy winds and waves in the ocean. My new boat will only be in Lake Tahoe. Plenty for there. I have never had it slip. I will have to measure but have around 15' of 1/4" chain.

What’s the weight of the boat you use it for? R6 is 6,000 pounds.

J9lake wrote: Tue Dec 15, 2020 11:49 am What’s the weight of the boat you use it for? R6 is 6,000 pounds.

4800# but the weight is not really as big of an issue as the area that the wind hits. The FX-7 is recommended up to 27'. Also depends on where you anchor and what you anchor in. I anchor mainly in sandy bottoms. If you anchor in mud, you may need the next larger size.

On my current boat, I anchored one night over at the channel islands off of los angeles in 20MPH winds with my enclosure up so I had a LOT of wind area that was being hit. Boat didn't budge.