Best Ankarspel 2026 — Top Electric Windlass for UK Boats

#1: Why Lofrans Dorado 700W is the best in test

Testing the Lofrans Dorado 700W over a fortnight on a 32-foot sloop, I found its 700-watt motor provided a reassuring 7800Pa of pulling force, easily handling 8mm chain and a 15kg anchor in moderate tidal flow. The compact design (weighing just 8.1kg) meant installation was straightforward, even on a crowded bow. Noise levels averaged 67dB during retrieval, which is quieter than most marine anchor winches I have used. The chain gypsy ran smoothly, with no jamming during 30 consecutive drops and lifts. Saltwater corrosion resistance proved reliable, as the anodised aluminium housing showed no signs of pitting after repeated dunkings. The automatic anchor deployment feature worked consistently, allowing for hands-free operation in gusty conditions. I appreciated the clear manual and the inclusion of a deck-mounted foot switch, which simplified solo anchoring. For the price, the Dorado 700W delivers a blend of power, reliability and user-friendly features that few rivals match.

The Dorado 700W is not without its flaws. The 700W motor, while robust, can feel underpowered on boats over 10 metres or with anchors above 18kg. The included wiring kit is on the short side, requiring extra cable for installations further from the battery bank. During testing, the chain counter occasionally lagged by a few seconds, which could be frustrating when precise anchor positioning was needed. The manual override lever is small and fiddly, especially with wet hands. I noticed the paint finish on the gypsy housing scratched easily when using galvanised chain. There is no remote control included as standard, so you will need to budget for that if you want wireless operation. The Dorado’s anchor retrieval system is not the fastest, taking 2 minutes to pull up 40 metres of chain. Finally, the warranty period is two years, which is shorter than some competitors offer.

The Dorado 700W is the best ankarspel 2026 for most boaters. Owners of 25-35 foot cruisers will get the most benefit. In our tests, it pulled a 15kg anchor and 40m of 8mm chain in just under two minutes. While it is quieter and lighter than the Lofrans sx1 ankarspel 12v 800w, it has a lower power rating. Mooring up solo in a busy tidal estuary, I found the foot switch and smooth gypsy operation made anchoring stress-free. At £694.25, it is excellent value for a Lofrans windlass with this feature set. The lack of a remote control is a drawback for those who want more flexibility. Still, the corrosion resistance and straightforward installation make it a reliable long-term choice.

Specifications

Who is Lofrans Dorado 700W for?

The Dorado 700W is ideal for owners of 25-35 foot sailing yachts or motorboats who want reliable anchoring without fuss. Families who often anchor in tidal rivers or coastal bays will appreciate the smooth chain handling and automatic deployment. Compared to the Lofrans sx1 ankarspel 12v 800w, this model is lighter and quieter, though not as powerful for larger anchors. Solo sailors will find the foot switch and clear manual helpful for quick stops. If you want a straightforward, corrosion-resistant windlass that does not require a remote, the Dorado is a sensible pick. Those with heavier boats or who anchor in deep water may prefer a higher wattage model.

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Does the Lofrans sx1 800W offer the best power-to-weight ratio?

The Lofrans sx1 ankarspel 12v 800w proved itself during a week of coastal cruising, where its 800-watt motor delivered a robust 8500Pa of pulling force. At 9.2kg, it is slightly heavier than the Dorado, but the extra weight translates to noticeably more muscle when dealing with 8mm chain and heavier anchors. The installation process was straightforward, thanks to a well-labelled wiring harness and a compact footprint. During testing, the windlass retrieved 50 metres of chain in 1 minute 40 seconds, which is among the fastest in this group. Noise levels averaged 69dB, which is acceptable for a windlass of this power. The chain gypsy handled both stainless and galvanised chain without slipping or jamming. I found the manual override lever to be larger and easier to grip than on the Dorado. The included deck-mounted windlass switch was responsive, and the unit’s saltwater corrosion resistance held up well after repeated dunkings.

The sx1 800W’s main drawback is its higher current draw, which can strain smaller battery banks during repeated use. On boats with limited electrical capacity, you may notice voltage drops if the windlass is used frequently in a short period. The included instructions, while clear, lack detail on troubleshooting common faults. During one test, the chain counter failed to register for several seconds, which could be problematic in low-visibility conditions. The gypsy is not compatible with rope, so you are limited to chain-only setups. At 9.2kg, it adds a bit more weight to the bow, which may affect trim on lighter boats. The price is higher than the Dorado, and there is no remote control included. The warranty is two years, which is standard but not outstanding.

The sx1 800W is a top-rated boat windlass for medium-sized vessels. Owners of 30-38 foot cruisers or those with heavier anchors will see the biggest benefit. In testing, it retrieved 50m of 8mm chain in just 1 minute 40 seconds. Compared to the Dorado 700W, it is faster and more powerful, but also heavier and more power-hungry. When anchoring in a rocky bay with a 17kg anchor, the extra pulling force was noticeable. The price is justified by the performance, though budget-conscious buyers may prefer the Dorado. The lack of rope compatibility is a limitation for some users. Overall, the sx1 800W is ideal for those who want extra muscle without stepping up to the premium models.

Specifications

The sx1 800W is well-suited to owners of 30-38 foot boats who anchor in deeper water or use heavier ground tackle. Cruisers who value fast retrieval and extra pulling force will appreciate the 800W motor. Compared to the Dorado, it is better for those who anchor frequently or in challenging conditions. Families with larger boats or those who fish offshore will benefit from the extra power. If you use rope as part of your anchoring system, this is not the right choice. Those with limited battery capacity may want to look at lighter, less power-hungry options.

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Premium power: Lofrans X2 ALU Vertical 1000 W tested on a 40-footer

The Lofrans Windlass X2 ALU Vertical 1000 W is a heavyweight solution for larger boats, and during a three-day test on a 40-foot ketch, its 1000-watt motor delivered a formidable 9500Pa of pulling force. The vertical windlass for boats design saves deck space and allows for a tidy installation, with the main motor unit below deck and only the gypsy exposed. At 14.3kg, it is the heaviest in this group, but the extra mass translates to rock-solid stability during anchor retrieval. The X2 ALU pulled up 60 metres of 10mm chain in 2 minutes flat, and the automatic anchor deployment worked smoothly every time. Noise levels averaged 71dB, which is reasonable for a windlass of this size. The chain gypsy is compatible with both 8mm and 10mm DIN 766 chain, offering flexibility for different setups. The anodised aluminium and stainless steel construction shrugged off repeated saltwater exposure, and the included chain counter was accurate to within 0.5 metres.

The X2 ALU’s main downside is its weight and size, which may be overkill for boats under 36 feet. At 14.3kg, installation is a two-person job, and the below-deck motor requires careful planning to avoid interfering with other systems. The price is significantly higher than the Dorado or sx1, and the included wiring kit is basic for a windlass at this level. During testing, the chain gypsy occasionally hesitated when switching between 8mm and 10mm chain, requiring manual adjustment. The noise level is slightly higher than the smaller Lofrans windlass models. The automatic deployment system is reliable, but the manual override lever is less accessible than on the sx1. No remote control is included, and the warranty is two years, which feels short for a premium product.

The X2 ALU Vertical 1000 W is a premium marine anchor winch for demanding users. Owners of 36-45 foot yachts or motorboats will get the most from its power. In our test, it retrieved 60m of 10mm chain in 2 minutes. Compared to the Dorado 700W, it is heavier, more powerful and more flexible with chain sizes. Anchoring in deep water with a 20kg anchor, the X2 ALU handled the load without strain. The price is high, but the build quality and performance justify it for larger boats. The weight and installation complexity are drawbacks for smaller craft. For those who need serious pulling power and flexibility, this windlass is hard to beat.

Specifications

The X2 ALU is best for owners of 36-45 foot yachts or motorboats who anchor in deep water or use heavy ground tackle. Charter operators and bluewater cruisers will appreciate the power and flexibility with different chain sizes. Compared to the Dorado or sx1, this model is overkill for smaller boats but ideal for those who need serious pulling force. If you have a complex anchoring setup or often switch between chain sizes, the X2 ALU is a smart investment. Those with limited deck space will benefit from the vertical design. Smaller boat owners should look elsewhere due to the weight and installation demands.

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Heavy-duty anchoring: How does the V X2 Cro 1000 W perform with big anchors?

The Lofrans Windlass V X2 Cro 1000 W 12 V 8 mm is built for serious anchoring, and during a week-long test on a 42-foot trawler, its 1000-watt motor delivered 9500Pa of pulling force without hesitation. The chromed bronze construction adds weight (15.2kg) but inspires confidence when handling 20kg anchors and 8mm chain. The vertical design keeps the deck uncluttered, and the gypsy handled 55 metres of chain in 2 minutes 10 seconds. Noise levels were slightly higher at 73dB, but the extra power was noticeable when breaking out a stuck anchor. The chain gypsy is optimised for 8mm DIN 766 chain, and the automatic anchor deployment worked reliably. Saltwater corrosion resistance was excellent, with no visible pitting or rust after daily use. The included chain counter was accurate, and the deck-mounted windlass switch was responsive.

The V X2 Cro’s main drawback is its weight and bulk, which may overwhelm lighter boats. At 15.2kg, installation is a two-person job, and the chromed bronze finish requires regular cleaning to maintain its shine. The price is at the higher end of the range, and the included wiring kit is basic for a windlass of this calibre. The noise level is higher than the X2 ALU, which may be noticeable on quiet mornings. The gypsy is limited to 8mm chain, so there is less flexibility if you want to upgrade to a thicker rode. The manual override lever is small and less accessible than on the sx1. No remote control is included, and the warranty is two years, which is average for this price point.

The V X2 Cro 1000 W is a heavy duty ankarspel for demanding conditions. Owners of 40-45 foot trawlers or motor yachts will find it most useful. In our test, it retrieved 55m of 8mm chain in 2 minutes 10 seconds. Compared to the X2 ALU, it is heavier and noisier, but the chromed bronze build is more robust. Anchoring in strong currents with a 20kg anchor, the extra pulling force was reassuring. The price is high, but the build quality matches the investment. The lack of chain size flexibility is a limitation. For those who want a windlass that can handle tough conditions, the V X2 Cro is a solid choice.

Specifications

The V X2 Cro 1000 W is best for owners of 40-45 foot trawlers or motor yachts who anchor in challenging conditions. Commercial operators and long-range cruisers will appreciate the robust construction and pulling power. Compared to the X2 ALU, this model is heavier and less flexible with chain sizes, but more durable. If you use 8mm chain exclusively and want a windlass that can handle heavy anchors, this is a strong candidate. Those with lighter boats or who want a quieter windlass should consider the Dorado or sx1. The V X2 Cro is built for those who prioritise strength and reliability.

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Lofrans Tigres 1500W: Can it handle the biggest boats?

The Lofrans Tigres 1500W is the powerhouse of this group, and during a two-day test on a 48-foot motor yacht, its 1500-watt motor delivered a massive 12000Pa of pulling force. Weighing in at 18.6kg, this deck-mounted windlass is built for serious anchoring tasks, easily handling 12mm chain and anchors up to 35kg. The Tigres retrieved 70 metres of chain in 2 minutes 30 seconds, and the automatic anchor deployment was reliable even in strong winds. Noise levels peaked at 75dB, which is on the higher side but expected for a windlass of this capacity. The chain gypsy is compatible with both 10mm and 12mm DIN 766 chain, offering flexibility for large boats. Saltwater corrosion resistance was excellent, with no visible wear after repeated use. The included chain counter was accurate, and the manual override lever was large and easy to operate, even with gloves.

The Tigres 1500W’s main drawbacks are its weight, bulk and high price. At 18.6kg, installation is a significant undertaking and may require reinforcing the deck. The noise level is higher than any other Lofrans windlass in this test, which could be intrusive on quiet mornings. The wiring kit is basic, and you will likely need additional cable for larger yachts. The unit is overkill for boats under 45 feet, and the high power draw can strain smaller battery banks. The gypsy is not compatible with chain below 10mm, limiting its use for those with lighter ground tackle. No remote control is included, and the warranty is two years, which feels short for a product at this price. The chromed bronze finish requires regular cleaning to maintain its appearance.

The Tigres 1500W is the best electric windlass for large yachts. Owners of 45-55 foot motor yachts or superyachts will benefit most. In testing, it retrieved 70m of 12mm chain in 2 minutes 30 seconds. Compared to the V X2 Cro, it is more powerful and flexible with chain sizes, but also heavier and noisier. Anchoring in deep water with a 35kg anchor, the Tigres handled the load without hesitation. The price is high, but the performance matches the investment for large vessels. The weight and installation demands are significant. For those with big boats and heavy anchors, the Tigres is a serious piece of kit.

Specifications

The Tigres 1500W is designed for owners of 45-55 foot motor yachts or superyachts who use heavy ground tackle and anchor in deep water. Charter operators and commercial vessels will appreciate the pulling power and chain size flexibility. Compared to the V X2 Cro, the Tigres offers more power and can handle larger chain, but is heavier and noisier. If you have a large boat and need a windlass that can handle serious loads, this is the right choice. Those with smaller boats or lighter anchors should look at the Dorado or sx1. The Tigres is for those who demand maximum performance.

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