A drum anchor winch winds rope onto a spool in a housing on deck, usually with a roller or davit that holds the anchor when it’s up. They are cheap, bolt on without cutting into the deck and suit fishing boats, bass boats and pontoons with a river or mushroom anchor up to about 40 lb. Most are rated by anchor weight rather than pull, and handle rope only, not chain.
Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Full ranking 5
- Minn Kota DeckHand 40#1 of 5Full review
A proven freshwater anchor winch for walleye and bass boats with a 20 to 40 lb anchor. Saltwater boaters should look elsewhere.
Amazon $340.73$340.73--40 lb - TRAC Deckboat 40 AutoDeploy-G3#2 of 5Full review
The TRAC to buy for a deck boat or pontoon with a heavy anchor and an owner who wants to anchor from the helm.
Amazon $280.30$280.30-65 ft/min40 lb - TRAC Pontoon 35-G3#3 of 5Full review
The budget pick for a pontoon or deck boat up to about 24 ft. Those who want to drop anchor from the helm should look at the AutoDeploy models with a remote.
Amazon $199.97$199.97-65 ft/min35 lb - TRAC Angler 30 AutoDeploy-G3#4 of 5Full review
For a fishing boat up to about 22 ft whose owner wants to anchor from the console. The remote and auto deploy save trips to the bow.
Amazon $240$240-65 ft/min30 lb - TRAC Fisherman 25-G3#5 of 5Full review
A low cost winch for a small fishing boat with a light river or mushroom anchor. Buyers with a bigger boat or anchor should step up to the Pontoon 35.
Amazon $177.63$177.63-65 ft/min25 lb
