Lofrans Anchor Windlasses

Reliable Anchoring Systems for Every Boat

As boats increase in size, the weight of the anchor and chain also grows. Handling this equipment manually becomes difficult and potentially dangerous. This is where an anchor windlass becomes an essential part of the vessel’s anchoring system.

The main task of a windlass is to reduce the physical effort required to lower and raise the anchor and rode. Using the boat’s electrical or hydraulic power, the windlass allows the crew to control anchoring operations safely and precisely.

Installing a quality windlass is not only about convenience — it is an investment in the safety of the crew and the protection of the vessel. With a reliable anchoring system, every anchoring manoeuvre becomes simple and predictable, even in challenging conditions.

Lofrans windlasses are engineered to provide excellent performance, long service life and reliable operation in harsh marine environments.

Types of Lofrans Anchor Windlasses

There are two main types of anchor windlasses, each designed to suit different boat layouts and technical requirements.

Vertical Anchor Windlasses

Vertical windlasses are one of the most popular solutions for modern yachts.

In this configuration, the windlass rotates vertically in relation to the deck, while the electric motor and gearbox are installed inside the chain locker. This design allows the deck installation to remain compact and visually clean.

Vertical windlasses are ideal when space above the deck must be minimized.

The Lofrans X Series and SX Series vertical windlasses provide anchoring solutions for sailboats and motor yachts from 18 to 100 feet.

X Series Vertical Windlasses

The X Series windlasses are manufactured from mirror-polished marine bronze produced by hot forging, ensuring exceptional strength and corrosion resistance.

Models include:

• X1, X2, X3, X4

• Ercole Vertical

These windlasses are available in both standard and low-profile versions, allowing installation flexibility depending on the available deck space.

SX Series Vertical Windlasses

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

Models include:

SX1, SX2, SX3, SX3.5, SX4, SX5, SX7

The compact design and corrosion-resistant materials make these windlasses ideal for modern yachts where durability and aesthetics are equally important.

Key Features of Lofrans Vertical Windlasses

Lofrans vertical windlasses include several innovative engineering solutions:

• Watertight stainless steel ball bearings for maintenance-free operation

• High efficiency clutch system with conical discs

• Integrated sensor system for chain counter compatibility

• Independent drum rotation for warping operations

• Manual override system for anchor recovery during electrical failure

These features ensure excellent performance and reliability even under heavy loads.

Horizontal Anchor Windlasses

Horizontal windlasses are installed directly on the deck and feature a horizontal rotation relative to the deck surface.

This design is recommended when the chain locker has limited depth or accessibility, making it difficult to install a vertical motor configuration.

Horizontal windlasses are widely used on cruising boats, charter vessels and yachts where ease of maintenance and accessibility are important.

Lofrans horizontal windlasses are suitable for boats from 18 up to 150 feet.

Construction and Materials

Most Lofrans horizontal windlasses are manufactured from marine grade aluminium alloy, which is polished and anodised for corrosion resistance.

Many mechanical components are produced using hot forging techniques, ensuring strength and durability under heavy loads.

Some models are also available with a white polyester coating, making them suitable for different deck styles and yacht designs.

High Performance Electric Motors

Lofrans windlasses are equipped with powerful electric motors designed to deliver high torque in all operating conditions.

Available motor configurations include:

• 12V DC

• 24V DC

• 230-240V three-phase AC

Most motors are rated IP66, ensuring protection against water and harsh marine conditions.

Lofrans Gearbox Technology

Many horizontal windlasses use a high-efficiency worm screw gearbox developed by Lofrans.

This gearbox design provides:

• high mechanical efficiency

• non-reversible operation

• excellent resistance to heavy loads

• reduced operating noise thanks to oil lubrication

For larger vessels, Lofrans also uses planetary worm gear systems, which provide superior performance relative to size.

Additional Functional Features

Lofrans horizontal windlasses include a number of advanced features designed to improve safety and usability:

Manual Override
Allows anchor recovery even in the event of electrical failure.

Independent Drum Operation
Allows the drum to be used separately from the gypsy for mooring operations.

Automatic Free Fall (optional)
Available on selected models such as KOBRA and CAYMAN, allowing the anchor to deploy automatically when the “Down” command is activated.

Rope and Chain Management
Some models, including DORADO, are designed to manage both rope and chain thanks to special tension systems.

Mega Yacht Windlasses

For large vessels and superyachts, Lofrans offers specialized anchoring solutions designed for extreme loads and demanding conditions.

The ZEUS Series windlasses provide maximum pulling forces from 5500 kg to 12000 kg, making them suitable for mega yachts and commercial vessels.

Main features include:

• High torque planetary gearboxes

• AC or hydraulic motors

• Independent gypsy operation

• Heavy-duty stud-link chain compatibility up to 42 mm

These systems are fully customizable to meet the requirements of yacht builders and naval architects.

Custom Windlass Solutions

Lofrans also develops custom anchoring systems for large yachts and specialized vessels.

Each project is engineered according to the vessel’s design and operational requirements, ensuring optimal integration with the yacht’s deck layout and mechanical systems.

Custom windlasses are developed with the involvement of Lofrans’ technical team and are used by many prestigious yacht builders worldwide.

Integrated Hydraulic Systems

Through its partnership with Max Power, Lofrans is able to deliver fully integrated hydraulic solutions for large sailing yachts.

These systems can operate multiple onboard functions including:

• windlasses

• winches

• bow thrusters

• stern thrusters

• hydraulic davits

• lifting keel systems

Using centralized hydraulic power packs and load-sensing technology, these systems provide efficient and silent operation across a wide range of marine applications.

Buy Lofrans Windlasses at Gaelix Marine Service

At Gaelix Marine Service, we supply a complete range of Lofrans anchor windlasses, suitable for sailing yachts, motor boats and professional vessels.

Our catalogue includes both vertical and horizontal windlasses, providing reliable anchoring solutions for vessels of different sizes and configurations.

Our team can assist with:

• selecting the correct windlass for your boat

• choosing the proper chain size and anchor configuration

• installation recommendations

• spare parts and technical support

Explore our full range of Lofrans anchor windlasses and upgrade your vessel with a reliable and professional anchoring system.