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 rates 3.6 among vertical windlasses anchor windlasss; the Excalibur S612 Horizontal Windlass rates 3.2 among horizontal windlasses ones. The Excalibur S612 Horizontal Windlass costs $876.62 less ($949.99 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 S612 Horizontal Windlass
A lot of pull for the money on boats up to about 40 ft with no room below deck. The lack of a stated warranty is the catch.
Amazon $949.99 eBay$949.99
Scores side by side
These two sit in different style classes (vertical windlasses and horizontal 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 RC8-8 | Excalibur S612 Horizontal Windlass |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Pull 20% | 90 1,320 lb maximum pull | 83 1,200 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) | 71 $0.79 per lb of pull ($949.99, 1,200 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 S612 Horizontal Windlass | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||
| Style | Vertical windlass | Horizontal windlass |
| Maximum pull | 1,320 lb | 1,200 lb |
| Working load | - | 400 lb |
| Line speed | 105 ft/min | - |
| Motor | 1,000 W | 600 W |
| Current draw | - | 20 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 | 28.7 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | - |