We are looking at installing a windless on our 1969 42’ Commander. Has anyone ever installed in their boats? Challenge is the edge of hull is not flush with deck. How do you get the pulpit to work and fit the shape of the space
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Edited: Mar 10
Looking to install windlass in a 42 CC commander
Looking to install windlass in a 42 CC commander
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Comments (12)
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If you can check the archives I'm pretty sure there were several posts and some were detailed. Check with Chris Orphal, he has a 42 and probably has a mental file on 42 answers.
Hi Jackie,
A windlass is an awesome accessory. My Other Honey does not have one and I fight with ground tackle every time we anchor. Tim is correct, the archives has some discussions on install. I have done them before. I always consider three main decisions on the project.
What windlass do you want. Size. Chain? Foot Controls? Dash controls. Etc
Where and how to mount. Placement of the windlass is critical to how it operates. It needs clear unobstructed path to the water forward and below. Railings, toe rails and deck hardware can get in the way. Also do you need a pulpit of sorts to mount it out on? All of this is dependent on solid structure below the mounting. The 42 should be solid but you do have the issue of the rise from deck level to the toe rails to contend with. This is where Chris O. might have some insight.
Lastly are the power requirements of the windlass. Most require significant wire size to the winch. A certain amount of planning is involved with routing these heavy gauge wires forward and where they are going to be connected for a power source. All that I have done have had several circuit protectors (Breakers) in the system.
Good luck and let us know how it goes. It sure would be a nice thing to have.
Thank you . I will take a look. What would be the best way to reach out to Chris ?
Hi Jackie,
Could you please clarify --do you have a 42 fiberglass Commander or do you have the wood version. If the wood version - do you have the hull number?
Is a fiber glass 1969
I was mentioned a few times but honestly, I'm not the best candidate for the discussion... in fact, I'm the opposite. When replacing the teak toe rails and painting the decks of our 42, I decided to take the windlass out completely and fill the holes. I like the look of a clean deck (and bow), and on the Mississippi where we are located we generally don't run into any issues with droping or pulling the anchor. That being said...
Byron Smith is the guy you need to chat with. He has a 42 (a '71 I believe, and he's got a windlass. He'sin the process of rebuilding his pulpit. He's down in Delray Beach, FL, and would probably be able to offer much better insight.
Either way, follow Mr. Shriber's recommendations... all considerations that will need to be taken into account for a quality installation.
Chris Orphal
1967 42 Commander
"What If..."
Thank you !
I will see if I can reach out thru this forum to Byron Smith
Thank you !
Jackie I am actually working on my new bow pulpet. I have an all rope Good Windlass, love it but will upgrade to their top for line chain or combo, I have mostly been on the faacebook site....561-716-6078 bsmith4911@AOL.COM
Hi Jackie. I saw your post on FB. The wires in the tan co ax are original wire. They have been re routed to that location for some reason. cC used the same wire for 110 and 12 v. So be careful until you know which the are. Remember on the 12 v side black is hot on these boats. This is counterintuitive to to days standards.
I did one on a 38 Express "Northern Star". The pulpit was teak from Butler (Who makes our swim platforms) and the Windlass was a Lewmar. 38 and 42 are nearly identical for fitment of pulpit to deck with the step up area. Hope this helps.