A vertical windlass has a gypsy that turns flat on deck, with the motor and gearbox hanging below in the anchor locker. Only a low cap shows on deck, the motor stays out of the weather, and the rode wraps further around the gypsy for a firm grip. It needs room under the deck for the motor and enough drop for the rode to fall into the locker.
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
- VEVOR Vertical Windlass 700 lb#1 of 5Full review
A budget vertical windlass for a fishing boat from 20 to 36 ft. Fine for the money, but there is no published warranty to fall back on.
Amazon $472.72$472.72700 lb65 ft/min- - Excalibur C612 Vertical Windlass#2 of 5Full review
A strong, low cost vertical windlass for boats up to about 40 ft. Buyers trade the long warranty of Lewmar or Maxwell for much more pull per dollar.
Amazon $949.99$949.99990 lb85 ft/min- - Five Oceans Pacific 900#3 of 5Full review
For a boat in the 35 to 45 ft range that needs more pull than a 600 W windlass gives, at a lower price than the premium brands.
Amazon $1,890$1,8901,455 lb-- - Lewmar V700#4 of 5Full review
A compact, well supported vertical windlass for a cruiser or center console up to about 30 ft with room under the bow.
Amazon $1,125$1,125700 lb82 ft/min- - Five Oceans Pacific 600#5 of 5Full review
A complete vertical windlass kit, rode included, for boats from 20 to about 45 ft. A good fit when the old rode needs replacing too.
Amazon $1,220$1,220992 lb--
