Here's the conversation we have almost weekly at NVN Marine: a customer calls, tells us they need a windlass, says they're thinking about the V700 "because it's less expensive," and then mentions their boat is a 46-foot trawler anchoring regularly in 50 feet of water with a 44-pound Bruce anchor and 200 feet of 5/16" chain. That's a V1000 boat. No question.
But flip it around — a guy with a 32-foot center console, a 25-pound plow anchor, and 100 feet of 5/16" chain? He's looking at the V700 and wondering if he needs to spend more. He doesn't.
The Lewmar V-series is one of the best windlass lineups in recreational boating. Both the V700 and V1000 are built to similar quality standards, use the same vertical capstan design, and will outlast cheaper windlasses significantly. The difference is purely about sizing — and getting that wrong in either direction costs you money, performance, or both.
Before we get into the comparison, if you're still deciding whether a vertical windlass is right for your setup at all, read our Best Boat Anchor Windlasses of 2026: Lewmar Buyer's Guide — it covers the full V-series lineup and how they compare to Lewmar's manual and commercial options.
What the "V" Actually Means
Lewmar's V-series uses a vertical windlass design, which puts the motor below deck and the capstan on top. This keeps the deck profile low and clean, protects the motor from spray, and concentrates the load management in the drum where it belongs.
Both the V700 and V1000 share the same basic architecture: enclosed motor housing, chain/rope combination capability, manual override via a chrome-plated handle (included), and compatibility with Lewmar's deck foot switch and helm switch systems. They look nearly identical above deck. The spec plate is different. The pull capacity is not.
Lewmar V700: The Right-Sized Workhorse for Mid-Range Boats
The V700 runs on a 700-watt motor — continuous-duty rated, not peak — which matters more than most boaters realize. A lot of windlasses advertise peak wattage numbers that they can only sustain for 30 seconds before thermal protection kicks in. The V700 will pull at its rated capacity on a long, heavy rode without shutting down.
V700 Specs
| Specification | Lewmar V700 |
|---|---|
| Motor Power | 700W continuous |
| Retrieval Rate (no load) | 82 ft/min (25m/min) |
| Maximum Pull | ~370 lbs (168 kg) |
| Chain Compatibility | 5/16" G4/G40 · 8mm DIN766 |
| Max Rope Size | 5/8" three-strand or braid |
| Voltage Options | 12V / 24V |
| Recommended Boat Size | Up to ~42–45 ft |
| Self-Tailing | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 years |
The V700 handles boats up to about 42–45 feet, depending on anchor weight, chain scope, and deployment depth. In practice, we've installed them on 38–40 foot center consoles and offshore sportfishers in the 40-foot range without issue. The critical variable isn't boat length — it's total rode weight at deployment, which is anchor weight + chain weight + rope weight at maximum scope.
Rough math for a typical 40-footer: 35-pound anchor + 100 feet of 5/16" chain (about 1 lb/ft = 100 lbs) + 150 feet of 5/8" rope = total deployed weight around 250–280 lbs. The V700 handles that comfortably.
Where the V700 starts to breathe hard: when you're anchoring in 60+ feet of water regularly, running more than 150 feet of chain (common on liveaboards and serious offshore cruisers), or working with anchors above 40 pounds. It'll retrieve it — just slower, and with more heat buildup over time.
Shop the Lewmar V700 Windlass →
Lewmar V1000: When the V700 Isn't Enough
The V1000 steps up to a 1,000-watt motor and adds meaningful pull capacity — not just a paper spec improvement.
V1000 Specs
| Specification | Lewmar V1000 |
|---|---|
| Motor Power | 1,000W continuous |
| Retrieval Rate (no load) | 98 ft/min (30m/min) |
| Maximum Pull | ~520 lbs (236 kg) |
| Chain Compatibility | 5/16" G4/G40 · 8mm DIN766 3/8" G4/G40 · 10mm DIN766 |
| Max Rope Size | 3/4" three-strand or braid |
| Voltage Options | 12V / 24V |
| Recommended Boat Size | 42–60 ft |
| Self-Tailing | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 years |
The big story here isn't the 300-watt power increase — it's the chain compatibility jump. The V1000 handles 3/8" G4 chain and 10mm DIN766, which is what most 45–60 foot boats should be running. If you've got a larger anchor (a 44-pound CQR or a 45-pound Danforth), that extra chain mass needs a windlass spec'd to match.
The V1000's retrieval rate is genuinely faster even under load. At 100 feet down with a full chain rode, the V700 might hit 50–55 feet per minute; the V1000 stays closer to 70–75. That's not a trivial difference when you're pulling up 200 feet of chain before a weather window closes.
Shop the Lewmar V1000 Windlass →
Lewmar V700 vs V1000 — Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Lewmar V700 | Lewmar V1000 |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | 700W continuous | 1,000W continuous |
| Max Pull | ~370 lbs | ~520 lbs |
| Retrieval Rate | 82 ft/min | 98 ft/min |
| Max Chain Size | 5/16" G4 / 8mm | 3/8" G4 / 10mm |
| Max Rope | 5/8" | 3/4" |
| Recommended Boat | Up to ~45 ft | Up to ~60 ft |
| Max Anchor Weight | ~40 lbs | ~55 lbs |
| 12V / 24V | ✅ Both | ✅ Both |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
How to Actually Choose: The Sizing Framework
Lewmar publishes sizing tables, and they're helpful — but they assume average conditions. Here's a more practical framework based on what we've actually seen in the field.
✅ Choose the V700 if:
- Boat length is 35–42 feet
- Anchor weighs 25–38 pounds
- You're running 5/16" chain (100–150 feet max)
- Average anchoring depth is 15–50 feet
- You anchor occasionally (weekends, vacations) — not every day
✅ Choose the V1000 if:
- Boat length is 42–60 feet
- Anchor weighs 38 pounds or more
- You're running or considering upgrading to 3/8" chain
- You anchor frequently in depths over 50 feet
- You're a liveaboard or do extended cruising
One common mistake: people size the windlass to their current anchor setup, not to what they'll eventually run. If you're planning to upgrade from 5/16" to 3/8" chain in the next year or two (almost every serious cruiser does), just get the V1000 now. The extra $200–$250 is far cheaper than pulling the V700 and reinstalling.
The other thing to think about is deck mounting. Both units use the same mounting footprint pattern, so swapping one for the other later is relatively straightforward — same hole pattern, same below-deck housing dimensions. But "relatively straightforward" still means hauling the boat, pulling the windlass, and having someone in the anchor locker helping with bolts. Do it right the first time.
Electrical Requirements: Don't Overlook This
Both windlasses draw significant amperage at full pull. This is where budget installs go wrong.
The V700 on 12V draws approximately 55–65 amps at peak load. The V1000 draws 80–95 amps. Neither of these should share a circuit with anything else, and both need a dedicated breaker and appropriately rated cable.
V700 Wiring (12V)
- Cable run under 6 feet: 2/0 AWG recommended
- Cable run 6–12 feet: 2/0 AWG
- Breaker: 100A manual-reset circuit breaker at battery
V1000 Wiring (12V)
- Cable run under 6 feet: 2/0 AWG minimum
- Cable run 6–12 feet: 3/0 AWG recommended
- Breaker: 125A manual-reset circuit breaker at battery
We've seen more windlass issues caused by undersized wiring than by any other single factor. A voltage drop at the motor starves it of power, which makes it run hot, which kills the brushes early, which kills the motor. Install the right wire gauge the first time.
Installation: What to Know Before You Buy
Neither the V700 nor V1000 is a beginner DIY project — not because it's technically complex, but because the deck penetration, below-deck wiring, and mounting hardware all have to be done right or you'll have water intrusion problems within a season.
Key installation points that matter:
- The deck cutout. It's large. Measure twice, cut once, and use a quality hole saw. Getting this wrong means fiberglass repair before you even start.
- Chain stopper. You want a chain stopper or chain clutch mounted forward of the windlass. Don't skip this. It takes the load off the windlass when anchored, which dramatically extends motor life.
- Below-deck space. You need clearance for the motor housing and the solenoid. On boats with very shallow bow sections, this can be tight. Measure the available vertical clearance before ordering.
- Chain wildcat alignment. The chain wildcat has to be aligned with the bow roller. Misalignment causes chain jumping and premature wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Lewmar V700 powerful enough for a 40-foot boat?
For most 40-foot boats, yes. The qualifying factor is rode weight. If you're running a 35-pound anchor with 100–125 feet of 5/16" chain and the rest in rope, the V700 will handle it without issue. If you're anchoring regularly in more than 60 feet of water or running all-chain, consider the V1000. Boat length is a rough guide, not the whole story.
Can the V700 and V1000 use the same chain?
They share 5/16" G4/G40 (8mm DIN766) compatibility. Only the V1000 handles 3/8" G4 (10mm DIN766). If you're already running or planning 3/8" chain, the V1000 is your unit.
Is the 24V version worth getting?
If your boat has a 24V system, yes — the 24V versions draw roughly half the amperage for the same power output, which means smaller wire, less voltage drop, and a cooler-running motor. Most recreational boats run 12V, but liveaboards and longer-range cruisers with larger battery banks often go 24V. Order the version that matches your boat's system.
What size circuit breaker do I need for the V700?
A 100-amp manual-reset circuit breaker mounted at the battery. Don't use a standard automotive fuse or a thermal circuit breaker — you need a marine-grade manual-reset breaker that you can reset from the helm in case of a trip.
Do I need a separate chain stopper?
Yes. Lewmar recommends — and we strongly agree — installing a chain stopper or clutch between the windlass and the bow roller. When you're at anchor, all the load should be on the stopper, not the windlass motor. This is the single most effective way to extend windlass life.
Can I install a Lewmar V700 or V1000 myself?
If you're comfortable with marine electrical work and fiberglass cutting, yes — Lewmar's installation manual is detailed and accurate. The harder part is usually the below-deck access for wiring and solenoid mounting. Many boatyards offer windlass installation as a flat-rate service, and on a new installation it's often worth having a professional at least check your work before commissioning.
Bottom Line
The Lewmar V700 and V1000 are both excellent windlasses. The question is never "which is better" — it's "which is right for this boat and this anchor setup."
For boats in the 35–42 foot range with conventional anchor setups, the V700 is all you need. It's a proven, reliable unit that will anchor your boat ten thousand times without drama. Spending more than you need on a V1000 doesn't buy you anything except a higher invoice.
For boats over 42 feet, anyone running 3/8" chain, or serious cruisers who anchor in 50-plus feet regularly — get the V1000. The extra $230 or so is cheap insurance against an undersized motor that grinds through its brushes by year three.
Both carry a 3-year warranty. Both are sold and serviced through authorized Lewmar dealers. We're one of them.
👉 Shop All Lewmar Windlasses at NVN Marine →
Questions about which windlass fits your specific boat? Call us or use the chat on our product pages. We've sized a lot of these — we can help.
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