Vertical Anchor Windlasses

Powerful and Compact Anchoring Systems

A vertical anchor windlass is one of the most efficient anchoring solutions for modern boats. As the size and weight of anchors increase, manually handling the anchor chain becomes difficult and unsafe. A high-quality windlass allows the crew to deploy and retrieve the anchor safely and with minimal effort.

Vertical windlasses are designed with the motor and gearbox located below deck inside the chain locker. This configuration reduces the space required above deck and provides a clean and compact installation.

Because of this design, vertical windlasses are particularly popular on sailing yachts and modern motor yachts where deck layout and space efficiency are important factors.

Lofrans Vertical Windlass Series

Lofrans has developed several professional windlass series designed to meet the requirements of boats from 18 to 100 feet.

The vertical windlass range includes the well-known X Series and SX Series, both designed for durability, reliability and high mechanical performance.

X Series Vertical Windlasses

The Lofrans X Series windlasses are built from mirror-polished marine bronze produced by hot forging, providing exceptional resistance to corrosion and mechanical stress.

Models in this series include:

• X1

• X2

• X3

• X4

• Ercole Vertical

These windlasses are available in standard versions with drum and low-profile configurations, allowing boat owners to choose the installation type that best fits their deck layout.

The X Series windlasses are widely installed on cruising yachts and are known for their strength, durability and classic marine design.

SX Series Vertical Windlasses

The SX Series represents the newer generation of vertical windlasses designed with a round base and marine grade stainless steel AISI 316L construction.

Models in this range include:

• SX1

• SX2

• SX3

• SX3.5

• SX4

• SX5

• SX7

The SX Series offers a more compact design while maintaining excellent structural strength and corrosion resistance.

These windlasses are available with multiple motor configurations to meet the anchoring requirements of different vessels.

Designed for Larger Yachts

Some vertical windlass models are designed specifically for larger yachts requiring increased mechanical performance.

Models such as X4, Ercole Vertical, SX4 and SX5 are often installed on yachts longer than 55 feet, where powerful anchoring systems are essential.

These windlasses feature:

• high-performance gearboxes

• increased pulling power

• optimized chain speed

• professional-grade mechanical components

Thanks to these characteristics, Lofrans vertical windlasses are installed on many prestigious yachts around the world.

Innovative Engineering Solutions

Lofrans vertical windlasses incorporate several advanced engineering features designed to improve reliability and simplify operation.

Watertight Bearings

Stainless steel watertight ball bearings located in the windlass base ensure long-term reliability and smooth operation without frequent maintenance.

Advanced Clutch System

The clutch system uses two conical discs mounted on the main shaft, distributing the load evenly across a larger surface and eliminating the need for mechanical keys.

This design improves durability and mechanical efficiency.

Chain Counter Compatibility

The X Series windlasses are supplied with a pre-installed sensor and magnet in the gypsy, allowing connection to an optional chain counter system.

This feature enables the crew to monitor the exact amount of chain deployed during anchoring operations.

Rope and Chain Compatibility

Certain models such as X1, X2 and X3 are designed to handle both rope and chain combinations, offering flexibility for different anchoring setups.

Manual Override Safety System

Lofrans vertical windlasses include a manual override mechanism integrated inside the gearbox.

This system allows the anchor to be retrieved even in the event of electrical failure.

In addition, the ratchet mechanism also functions as a safety feature that prevents damage to the deck if the anchor chain becomes jammed during operation.

Professional Anchoring Solutions

Vertical windlasses are widely used on both sailing yachts and motor yachts due to their efficiency and compact installation.

Their below-deck motor configuration allows yacht designers to maintain a clean deck layout while still benefiting from powerful anchoring equipment.

When properly installed with the correct chain locker height and chain fall, vertical windlasses provide extremely smooth and reliable anchor deployment.

Buy Lofrans Vertical Windlasses at Gaelix Marine Service

At Gaelix Marine Service, we supply a complete selection of Lofrans vertical anchor windlasses, designed for sailboats, cruising yachts and luxury motor vessels.

Our specialists can help you choose the correct windlass according to:

• boat length

• anchor weight

• chain size

• electrical system configuration

Whether you are upgrading an existing anchoring system or installing equipment on a new vessel, Lofrans vertical windlasses provide reliable performance and professional anchoring capability.

Explore our collection of Lofrans vertical anchor windlasses and equip your boat with one of the most trusted anchoring systems in the marine industry.