I’d like your opinion

[Capt’nKarl]

2018 R-23. I’m the second owner. Engine time when purchased in July 2020 400 hours. Background info. Previous owner in Miami kept boat in the water 24/7 but wanted a larger boat. Boat survey excellent condition. Now Lewmar Sport Windlass has failed. Upon inspection severe rust in the motor housing. Option 1. Replace with identical windlass which has plastic Fleming and plastic control arm neither of these were the cause of failure. Replacement cost $640. Option 2. Upgrade to ProFish 700 which has SS parts for $1100. Please let me know what your thoughts are.
Many thanks,
Karl

 

[dbsea]

I think it depends on if you have money to throw around and if you intend to keep the boat for any period of time. If so, I’d probably go for the nicer SS one.

 

[HookedUp]

I'd probably go with the stainless. Seems every time I try to save a few dollars on something for the boat I end up regretting it and having to buy the more expensive part anyway.

 

[scross]

We have the Lewmar Pro 1000. Came as the only Windlass option on our R-25 Classic. It’s 13 years old now. First 6 years it was in the water in the PNW full time. Working today better than it ever has in the past 6 years that we have owned the boat.
Replaced the gypsy and roller bearings when we wore them out a couple of years ago. Replaced the deck switches do to the recall. But that’s it! Just stuff you would expect to wear over 13 years. That said, I do full preventative maintenance on it every other year.
The Pro 1000 runs about $1070 at Defender. Actually less than you quoted for the Pro 700. If ours ever fails, and I don’t expect that, I’d get another one without reservation. If your going to spend both the time and money to replace a windlass, why not go for durability and just do it once?

PS: If you upgrade to either the Lewmar 700 or 1000H Pro windlasses please be sure that your wiring will support the current load of these larger windlasses. I have no idea what the AWG wiring on a R-23 to the windlass.

 

[knotflying]

Pay me now or pay me later. Go with the Pro Fish.

 

[captain]

It may not be a problem for you, but I had the same situation and found that the pro was a mirror image thus none of the holes lined up and i did not want to fill and re drill.

 

[KKRCRACE]

I had the same problem with my Sport windless on my 2018 C 24. Water intrusion and the inside was a mess. I order a couple new parts and fixed it without removing it from the boat. When I put the plastic side cover on which I think was the problem I used silicone to insure that it would not leak. I also put some 3/4 inch UV rated tape on the seam to help seal it up. All has been fine the few times I have used it this season. I also called Lewmar and told them the problem and they sent me a new windless without hesitation free of charge.
KKRCRACE