Maxwell HRC FF8
An on deck free fall windlass for a 5/16 in chain and 9/16 in rope rode, for boats with little room below.
Amazon $1,263.99 eBay$1,263.99
The Maxwell HRC FF8 rates 3.3 among horizontal windlasses anchor windlasss; the Excalibur C612 Vertical Windlass rates 3.0 among vertical windlasses ones. The Excalibur C612 Vertical Windlass costs $314 less ($949.99 vs $1,263.99).
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Excalibur C612 Vertical Windlass
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 eBay$949.99
Scores side by side
These two sit in different style classes (horizontal windlasses and vertical windlasses), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own style peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Maxwell HRC FF8 | Excalibur C612 Vertical Windlass |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Pull 20% | 61 900 lb maximum pull | 69 990 lb maximum pull |
| Line speed 15% | 85 108 ft a minute | 50 line speed not published (neutral score used) |
| Value 30% | 36 $1.40 per lb of pull ($1,263.99, 900 lb) | 59 $0.96 per lb of pull ($949.99, 990 lb) |
| Features 10% | 35 free fall | 35 stainless deck parts |
| Warranty 25% | 50 3-year warranty | 0 warranty not published, scored as none |
Specifications
| Maxwell HRC FF8 | Excalibur C612 Vertical Windlass | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||
| Style | Horizontal windlass | Vertical windlass |
| Maximum pull | 900 lb | 990 lb |
| Working load | - | 330 lb |
| Line speed | 108 ft/min | - |
| Motor | 600 W | 600 W |
| Current draw | - | 33 A |
| Voltage | 12 V | 12 V |
| Fit | ||
| Boats up to | 55 ft | 40 ft |
| Rode | 5/16 in chain and 9/16 in rope | 1/4 in HT G4 chain and 1/2 in 3 strand rope |
| Free fall | Yes | - |
| Wireless remote | No | No |
| Stainless deck parts | No | Yes |
| Weight | 25 lb | 20 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | - |