Winch Selection Guide
How to choose the best anchor winch for your boat
The information we have provided on this page should only be relied upon as general advice. When recommending the best winch for your particular boat, you should be aware that our advice would change depending on, but not limited to…
- Average anchoring depth your boat is operating in and required length and diameter of rope and chain to suit your boat
- Whether you are using your boat offshore (ocean) or onshore (rivers and lakes)
- Total length of your boat
- The size of the mounting area
- Total operating boat weight (including passengers and fish/gear weight)
Size Matters
In some situations a very large boat may only require a small winch or a smaller boat may require a larger winch. For example, a pontoon boat travelling in shallow river systems might not need a large winch. If you are unsure please feel free to contact our staff for advice.
Windlass vs Drum
Windlass style winches have been the mainstay of the winch market for years. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are the best. Windlass winches are known for their unreliability, jam prone operation and short life cycle.
Drum winches on the other hand can be installed anywhere on your boat. Because Lone Star Winches are waterproof it doesn’t matter where you put them. They work in tandem with the vertical force of gravity and spool evenly over the drum meaning a enhanced ease of operation. Learn more about the range of Lone Star Marine’s winches we stock via their website
Select the Best Model
The table below is an illustration for fishing average salt water conditions, including wind waves and swell. If boating in shallow water, placid conditions or using a light anchor & rode, smaller winches can be used on much larger boats.
Scroll across to view whole table
Specification | GX1 | GX2 | GX2 HD | GX3 | GX4 | GX5 Charter King | GX 6 Jumbo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  |  | |
Boat Size | up to 20ft | up to 25ft | up to 30ft | up to 30ft | up to 40ft | up to 50ft | up to 65ft + |
Max Capacity | 225ft 1/4 inch D/B rope & 20ft of 1/4 inch S/L chain | 300ft 5/16 inch D/B rope & 25ft of 1/4 inch S/L chain | 300ft 5/16 inch D/B rope & 25ft of 1/4 inch S/L chain | 330ft 3/8 inch D/B rope & 35ft of 5/16 inch S/L chain | 425ft 3/8 inch D/B rope & 40ft of 5/16 inch S/L chain | 450ft 1/2 inch D/B rope & 35ft of 3/8 inch S/L chain | 500ft 7/8 inch D/B rope & 39ft of 1/2 inch S/L chain |
Payout Retrieval | 139feet/min. | 146feet/min. | 146feet/min. | 148feet/min. | 146feet/min. | 129feet/min. | 170feet/min. |
Overall Height | 8.3″ | 10.2″ | 10.2″ | 12.2″ | 14.3″ | 17″ | 22.5″ |
Overall Width | 13.4″ | 15.4″ | 15.4″ | 17.1″ | 19.2″ | 21.5″ | 37.75″ |
Bear Motor Adj. | 12 positions | 12 positions | 12 positions | 12 positions | 12 positions | 12 positions | 8 positions |
Holding Power | 6,160lb | 6,160lb | 7,700lb | 7,700lb | 11,440lb | 15,000lb | 24,200lb |
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