Maxwell RC8-8
A strong, fast vertical windlass for a mid size cruiser on 5/16 in chain and 5/8 in rope.
Amazon $1,826.61 eBay$1,826.61
The Maxwell RC8-8 is the better anchor windlass overall, rated 3.6 to 3.1. The Maxwell RC8-8 leads on features. The Excalibur C912 Vertical Windlass wins on value. The Excalibur C912 Vertical Windlass costs $326.62 less ($1,499.99 vs $1,826.61).
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 C912 Vertical Windlass
The stronger Excalibur vertical windlass for a boat up to 40 ft that wants more pull on a 1/4 in rode than the 600 W model.
Amazon $1,499.99 eBay$1,499.99
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Maxwell RC8-8 for features (free fall, stainless deck parts vs stainless deck parts).
- Choose the Excalibur C912 Vertical Windlass for value ($1.03 per lb of pull ($1,499.99, 1,452 lb) vs $1.38 per lb of pull ($1,826.61, 1,320 lb)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every vertical windlasses anchor windlass; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Maxwell RC8-8 | Excalibur C912 Vertical Windlass |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Pull 20% | 90 1,320 lb maximum pull | 98 1,452 lb maximum pull |
| Line speed 15% | 81 105 ft a minute | 50 line speed not published (neutral score used) |
| Value 30% | 37 $1.38 per lb of pull ($1,826.61, 1,320 lb) | 55 $1.03 per lb of pull ($1,499.99, 1,452 lb) |
| Features 10% | 70 free fall, stainless deck parts | 35 stainless deck parts |
| Warranty 25% | 50 3-year warranty | 0 warranty not published, scored as none |
Specifications
| Maxwell RC8-8 | Excalibur C912 Vertical Windlass | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||
| Style | Vertical windlass | Vertical windlass |
| Maximum pull | 1,320 lb | 1,452 lb |
| Working load | - | 484 lb |
| Line speed | 105 ft/min | - |
| Motor | 1,000 W | 900 W |
| Current draw | - | 55 A |
| Voltage | 12 V | 12 V |
| Fit | ||
| Boats up to | - | 40 ft |
| Rode | 5/16 in chain and 5/8 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 36.3 lb | 20 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | - |