Email: info@yachtaidmarine.com
Lofrans Project Windlass 500, 1000, 1500 & 2000 – Capstan or Low-Profile
Price range: $1,485.00 through $9,882.00
The Lofrans Project Windlass is a vertical rope-and-chain anchoring system available in Project 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 configurations. Choose between capstan and low-profile versions, with multiple 12V or 24V DC, shaft and gypsy options to match your vessel. Confirm the voltage, deck thickness, chain size, rope diameter and installation requirements before ordering.
This is a configurable marine windlass rather than a universal assembly. Before selecting a variation, confirm the complete Project model, motor rating, operating voltage, gypsy specification, chain standard, rope diameter, shaft length and available space above and below deck.
Before ordering: Do not select this windlass from the Project model number or vessel length alone. Confirm the complete product configuration and compatibility with the existing anchor, chain, rope, electrical system and mounting area.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Available Configuration |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Lofrans |
| Product family | Project |
| Available models | Project 500, Project 1000, Project 1500 and Project 2000 |
| Windlass type | Vertical electric windlass with below-deck motor and gearbox |
| Deck configuration | Capstan or low-profile |
| Power supply | 12V or 24V DC, depending on the selected variation |
| Motor rating | Varies by model and product configuration |
| Ground tackle system | Compatible rope-and-chain management system |
| Gypsy | Model-specific; must match chain diameter, chain standard, link dimensions and compatible rope size |
| Above-deck finish | Chrome-finished assembly |
| Shaft options | Standard or long-shaft configurations, depending on deck thickness |
| Gearbox | Sealed, radially adjustable worm-drive gearbox with bronze gears |
| Main shaft | Stainless steel |
| Included controls | Watertight dual-direction control box and two covered footswitches |
| Manual equipment | Clutch handle included |
| Estimated lead time | Typically 10–12 weeks; availability must be confirmed for the selected configuration |
| Warranty | Current product information lists a three-year limited warranty; confirm coverage and exclusions for the exact product code |
Important: The Project model number should not be treated as the only indicator of motor output, working capacity or compatibility. Different versions may use different motors, voltages, gypsies, shafts and mounting arrangements.
Choose the Right Lofrans Project Model
Choosing between the Lofrans Project 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 requires more than matching the windlass to the length of the boat. Final selection depends on the complete ground tackle load, anchoring frequency, electrical capacity, rode specification and available installation space.
| Model | General Selection Profile | What to Confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Project 500 | The most compact option in the Project range. It may be considered for lighter ground tackle systems or installations with limited deck and locker space. | Exact motor, voltage, working capacity, gypsy, deck thickness and shaft configuration. |
| Project 1000 | A larger Project configuration for systems requiring more capacity while retaining a vertical below-deck installation. | Motor rating, 12V or 24V operation, chain standard, rope size, gypsy and shaft length. |
| Project 1500 | Intended for heavier ground tackle systems or more demanding anchoring cycles than the smaller Project models. | Battery capacity, conductor size, circuit protection, motor rating, gypsy and chain-locker depth. |
| Project 2000 | The largest Project model offered on this product page for heavier ground tackle and more substantial installations. | Exact voltage, motor specification, current requirements, mounting dimensions, gypsy, shaft and structural support. |
Start with the Complete Ground Tackle Load
Calculate the combined weight of the anchor, chain and rope that the windlass must retrieve. Do not select a Project model from boat length or anchor weight alone. Anchoring depth, deployed chain, frequency of use and operating conditions also affect the required capacity.
The windlass should retrieve the ground tackle vertically. It should not be used to pull the vessel toward the anchor or to break an anchor free from the seabed. Transfer static loads to a properly rated chain stopper, cleat, bridle or other structural strong point.
Capstan vs. Low-Profile Version
The Lofrans Project Windlass is available with capstan or low-profile topworks. Both configurations use a vertical installation with the motor and gearbox positioned below deck, but their above-deck functions differ.
| Selection Factor | Capstan Version | Low-Profile Version |
|---|---|---|
| Upper drum | Included | Not included |
| Separate line handling | Provides a dedicated drum for handling a separate rope or mooring line | No dedicated rope-handling drum |
| Anchor rode retrieval | Through the compatible gypsy | Through the compatible gypsy |
| Above-deck height | Higher | Lower |
| Best suited for | Anchoring plus additional line handling | Dedicated anchoring with a compact deck profile |
| Main installation check | Capstan clearance and safe access for line handling | Gypsy access and sufficient space below deck |
Choose the capstan version when the vessel regularly needs to handle a separate rope or mooring line from the bow. Choose the low-profile version when the windlass will primarily manage the anchor rode and minimizing above-deck height is the priority.
Low-profile does not automatically mean chain-only. A compatible combination gypsy may still manage rope and chain when the rope diameter, splice, chain dimensions and gypsy specification are correctly matched.
Rope, Chain and Gypsy Compatibility
The gypsy is not universal. It must match the Project model, nominal chain diameter, chain standard, pitch, link dimensions and approved rope configuration.
Selecting only a size such as 1/4-inch, 5/16-inch, 3/8-inch or 14 mm does not fully confirm compatibility. Chains with the same nominal diameter may follow different standards and use different link geometry.
| Component | What to Confirm | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Project model | Project 500, 1000, 1500 or 2000 | Each model may use different drivetrain and gypsy configurations. |
| Gypsy | Part number, stamped code and compatible Project model | Similar-looking gypsies may fit different chain dimensions or standards. |
| Chain | Nominal size, standard, pitch, link length and internal width | The chain must seat correctly inside the gypsy pockets. |
| Rope | Diameter and construction approved for the selected gypsy | Undersized rope may slip, while oversized rope may not seat correctly. |
| Rope-to-chain splice | Taper, diameter and condition | A bulky or worn splice may hesitate or jam during retrieval. |
| Chain-locker fall | Sufficient vertical space beneath the chainpipe | The rode must fall away from the windlass without accumulating beneath it. |
Compatibility note: If the chain slips, jumps or jams, do not immediately assume that the complete windlass has failed. The problem may involve chain wear, an incorrect gypsy, a damaged pressure finger, an unsuitable splice or inadequate chain-locker fall.
Standard Equipment Included
The current product information identifies the following components as standard equipment. Confirm the supplied package for the exact Project model and variation before ordering.
| Included Component | Primary Function |
|---|---|
| Rope-and-chain management system | Manages an approved rope-and-chain rode through the compatible gypsy. |
| Watertight dual-direction control box | Controls high-current up and down motor operation. |
| Two covered footswitches | Provides deck-level controls for anchor deployment and retrieval. |
| Clutch handle | Engages, releases and adjusts the gypsy clutch. |
Items Requiring Separate Confirmation
Unless specifically listed in the selected variation or quotation, do not assume that the package includes:
- Anchor chain or anchor rope.
- Rope-to-chain splice.
- Chain stopper, bow roller or structural securing hardware.
- Main battery cables.
- Circuit breaker or fuse.
- Wireless remote or handheld control.
- Chain counter or sensor.
- Additional deck switches.
- Installation labor.
Key Features
- Chrome-finished topworks: Smooth, contemporary above-deck assembly designed for exposed foredeck installation.
- Stainless-steel pressure finger: Helps maintain rode contact with the gypsy during the rope-to-chain transition.
- High-ratio gearbox: Converts motor speed into the torque required for anchor and rode retrieval.
- Sealed worm-drive gearbox: Protects internal drivetrain components while transmitting power to the main shaft.
- Radially adjustable gearbox: Allows the motor and gearbox position to be adjusted around bulkheads and restricted locker spaces.
- Stainless-steel main shaft: Connects the gypsy and clutch assembly to the below-deck drivetrain.
- Bronze internal gears: Provides durable mechanical power transmission inside the gearbox.
- Anodized aluminum gearbox housing: Provides structural support and corrosion resistance below deck.
- Built-in chainpipe: Directs the anchor rode through the deck and into the chain locker.
- Neoprene deck gasket: Helps seal the mounting interface when combined with correct deck preparation and sealing.
- Manual clutch control: Allows the operator to engage, adjust or release the gypsy clutch using the included handle.
- Capstan or low-profile options: Allows the topworks to be selected according to line-handling needs and deck clearance.
Electrical and Installation Requirements
Match the Vessel’s DC System
Confirm whether the selected windlass operates on 12V or 24V DC. The exact motor and voltage determine the required battery capacity, conductor size, circuit protection, control box and overall electrical installation.
- Verify the exact motor rating for the selected product code.
- Calculate conductor size using the complete round-trip cable length.
- Use marine-grade tinned copper conductors and protected terminals.
- Confirm battery-bank capacity and condition.
- Install the required dedicated circuit breaker or fuse.
- Confirm solenoid and footswitch compatibility.
- Measure voltage drop while the windlass is operating under load.
Undersized cables, weak batteries, corroded terminals or excessive voltage drop can cause slow retrieval, overheating, intermittent operation and repeated breaker trips.
Prepare the Mounting Area
- Use a flat and structurally reinforced mounting surface.
- Use the model-specific deck template before drilling.
- Align the bow roller and gypsy with minimal lateral deflection.
- Provide sufficient space for the motor, gearbox, wiring and future maintenance.
- Keep the motor and wiring clear of the falling chain and rope.
- Provide sufficient vertical fall beneath the chainpipe.
- Install a separate structural point for securing the anchor rode.
Deck Thickness and Shaft Length
Measure the complete structural thickness through which the windlass will be installed. Include the upper skin, deck core, lower laminate, permanent mounting pad, reinforcement and backing plate where applicable.
A long-shaft or extra-clearance version may be necessary for thick decks, reinforced mounting structures or raised platforms. Longer mounting studs do not automatically extend the main drive shaft, so both components must be confirmed separately.
The Project 500 product information identifies optional deck studs allowing up to approximately 1¾ inches of clearance and an extra-clearance configuration allowing up to approximately 4¾ inches. These measurements must not be applied automatically to Project 1000, 1500 or 2000 models.
Installation check: A long shaft cannot correct insufficient chain-locker depth, poor bow-roller alignment or inadequate space for the motor and gearbox.
What to Confirm Before Ordering
- Exact Project model: Project 500, 1000, 1500 or 2000.
- Product code or serial number: Particularly important when replacing an existing windlass.
- Capstan or low-profile version: Confirm the required above-deck functionality.
- Motor rating and voltage: Verify the exact wattage and 12V or 24V operation.
- Chain size and standard: Record nominal diameter, standard, pitch and link dimensions.
- Rope specification: Confirm diameter, construction and rope-to-chain splice.
- Gypsy: Provide the part number, stamped code or clear photographs when available.
- Deck thickness: Measure the complete mounting structure, not only the upper fiberglass skin.
- Shaft configuration: Confirm standard shaft, long shaft, mounting studs or extra-clearance requirements.
- Installation space: Measure above-deck clearance, motor space, gearbox orientation and chain-locker fall.
- Electrical system: Confirm batteries, cable length, conductor size, breaker and control compatibility.
For replacement applications, provide photographs of the windlass above and below deck, the motor and gearbox labels, gypsy markings, mounting footprint and surrounding installation area.
Need help confirming the correct configuration? Contact YachtAid Marine before ordering.
Manuals and Documentation
Use the installation manual, dimensional drawing, wiring diagram and deck template corresponding to the exact Project model and product code. Documentation from another Project windlass may show different mounting dimensions, electrical requirements, gypsy options or shaft configurations.
- Installation and user manual: Installation sequence, operation, clutch use, safety and maintenance.
- Deck template: Mounting-hole positions, chainpipe location and required cutouts.
- Dimensional drawing: Above-deck height, motor clearance and installation envelope.
- Wiring diagram: Battery, breaker, control box, footswitch and motor connections.
- Gypsy documentation: Approved chain standards and compatible rope diameters.
- Exploded parts diagram: Identification of motors, shafts, gypsies, clutch parts, seals and mounting hardware.
Official manuals and technical documents can be searched in the Lofrans technical library. Confirm that the document matches the exact product code before installation.
Maintenance and Replacement Parts
Routine inspection helps identify wear before it leads to chain slippage, electrical faults or an inoperative anchoring system. Disconnect the electrical supply before inspecting or servicing the windlass.
- Rinse exposed topworks with fresh water after saltwater exposure.
- Inspect the gypsy for worn or deformed pockets.
- Check the chain for corrosion, distortion and inconsistent link dimensions.
- Inspect the rope and rope-to-chain splice for wear or excessive bulk.
- Verify that the pressure finger moves freely and remains securely mounted.
- Remove debris from the chainpipe and confirm free rode fall.
- Inspect clutch operation using the supplied handle.
- Check cables, terminals, breaker, control box, footswitches and motor connections.
- Look for corrosion, heat damage or water intrusion below deck.
Common replacement components may include the gypsy, pressure finger, clutch parts, main shaft, deck gasket, seals, motor, gearbox, control box, footswitches, mounting studs and clutch handle. Parts must be matched by model, product code, voltage, topworks, gypsy and shaft configuration.
Before replacing the complete windlass, review YachtAid Marine’s guide to Lofrans windlass parts and troubleshooting. Slow or intermittent operation may be caused by low voltage, corroded wiring, a faulty solenoid, worn switches, an incorrect gypsy or chain accumulation inside the locker.
Shipping and Availability
The estimated lead time for the Lofrans Project Windlass is typically 10–12 weeks. This is an estimate rather than a guaranteed delivery date. Actual availability depends on the selected Project model, motor, voltage, capstan or low-profile version, shaft length, gypsy and supplier inventory.
Shipping is available within the United States. Quote-based shipping may also be arranged for Central America and Caribbean destinations. Freight cost and delivery time depend on the complete configuration, package dimensions, destination and carrier availability.
Do not schedule removal of an existing windlass or final installation work until the selected configuration, expected availability and shipping arrangements have been confirmed.
Before placing the order: Contact YachtAid Marine to confirm compatibility, current lead time and shipping options for the complete windlass configuration.
Explore Lofrans Windlasses and Anchoring Equipment
YachtAid Marine provides parts-matching support for marine equipment and replacement components. Confirming the model, product code, voltage, motor label, gypsy and installation measurements helps reduce ordering errors, delays and unnecessary downtime.
Browse additional Lofrans windlasses, controls and replacement parts or compare other marine anchoring equipment.
FAQs About the Lofrans Project Windlass
? Can a low-profile Lofrans Project windlass be converted to a capstan version?
Do not assume that a low-profile Project windlass is automatically capstan-ready. The conversion may require different topworks, a compatible main shaft, clutch components, seals and model-specific hardware.
- Example: A windlass may have sufficient motor capacity but use a shaft that cannot support the capstan assembly.
- Recommendation: Confirm the complete product code, shaft length and exploded parts diagram before ordering conversion components. In some cases, replacing the complete assembly may be more practical.
? Can I add a wireless remote or chain counter?
Remote controls and chain counters may be integrated when they match the windlass control circuit, operating voltage, solenoid arrangement and available sensor installation.
- Example: A wireless remote may operate through the up-and-down control box, while a chain counter also requires a compatible magnet and sensor near the gypsy.
- Recommendation: Verify accessory voltage, switching method, sensor clearance and wiring requirements before installation.
? Why does the motor run but the gypsy does not retrieve the rode?
Possible causes include a released or slipping clutch, worn clutch surfaces, damaged shaft components, coupling failure or internal gearbox damage.
- Example: The windlass may sound normal without load, but a loose clutch may slip once the anchor load reaches the gypsy.
- Recommendation: Stop operation, isolate the electrical supply and inspect clutch engagement before testing again. Repeated operation may cause additional drivetrain damage.
? How can I identify an older Project windlass if the model label is missing?
Do not identify an older Project windlass from its appearance alone. Similar topworks may use different motors, gearboxes, shafts, gypsies and mounting dimensions.
- Example: Two windlasses may share a similar chrome deck assembly while using different motor ratings or mounting footprints below deck.
- Recommendation: Photograph the equipment above and below deck, record motor and gearbox markings, measure the mounting footprint and note any gypsy codes. Send the information to YachtAid Marine for parts-matching support.
? Is a newer Lofrans windlass a direct replacement for an older Project model?
A newer model may provide similar capacity without being a direct drop-in replacement. Deck cutouts, mounting studs, motor orientation, chainpipe position, electrical requirements and gypsy specifications may differ.
- Example: A replacement may match the vessel’s voltage but still require a different deck template or changes below deck.
- Recommendation: Compare dimensional drawings, wiring requirements, mounting footprints and gypsy specifications before removing the existing windlass.
? What should I check before using the windlass after long-term storage?
Inspect the windlass for corrosion, stiff clutch components, weak electrical connections and rode accumulation inside the locker before retrieving the full anchor load.
- Example: The footswitch may activate normally while corroded motor terminals create enough voltage drop to prevent reliable operation under load.
- Recommendation: Inspect the wiring, clutch, gypsy, pressure finger and rode path with the breaker isolated. Test briefly without load before performing a controlled anchoring cycle.
? What information should be recorded after installation?
Recording baseline installation and operating information makes future troubleshooting and parts matching more accurate.
- Example: Battery voltage may appear normal at rest but fall significantly at the motor during retrieval. Recording both readings provides a useful reference.
- Recommendation: Save the model, product code, motor label, voltage, gypsy code, chain specification, cable size and breaker rating. Keep photographs of the wiring, gearbox position and completed installation.
| Weight | 170 lbs |
|---|
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