Lewmar V4 Vertical Windlass 12V, Gypsy and Drum, 2750 lb
Lewmar V4 Vertical Windlass 12V, Gypsy and Drum, 2750 lb — Product description
The Lewmar V4 is a heavy-duty 12V vertical windlass for cruising boats from 44 to 60 feet. It pairs a combined 3/8-inch chain and 5/8-inch rope gypsy with a warping drum, delivering up to 2750 pounds of pull from a below-deck 1600-watt motor so ground tackle stays off the foredeck.
The Lewmar V4 vertical windlass is built for cruisers and larger center consoles that carry serious ground tackle. If your boat runs somewhere between 44 and 60 feet and you're tired of wrestling a heavy anchor by hand, this is the class of windlass that makes anchoring a one-finger job. The V4 mounts vertically, which means the motor and gearbox live below deck where they're protected from spray and out of the way, while only the clean gypsy and drum sit topside.
What sets the V4 apart is its combined rode handling. The gypsy is cut to feed 3/8-inch high-test chain and 5/8-inch three-strand rope in a single continuous haul, so you can run a rope-and-chain rode and let the windlass pick up both without you ever crouching at the bow roller. Above the gypsy sits a stainless warping drum, or capstan, that lets you handle a second line for kedging, hauling a dinghy, or working a stern tie. That flexibility is why so many owners of bluewater cruisers reach for a V4 when they refit.
Power comes from a 1600-watt 12-volt motor that produces a maximum pull of 2750 pounds and a comfortable working load of 688 pounds. Those are real numbers you can plan around. The working load is what the windlass lifts all day without strain, and 688 pounds covers the anchor, chain, and mud that a 50-foot cruiser typically brings up. The 2750-pound max pull is the reserve you want when the anchor is buried deep in heavy holding ground and you need to break it free without jumping on the snubber.
Lewmar builds the V4 from 316 stainless steel, the marine-grade alloy that shrugs off salt spray and stays bright season after season. The exposed hardware is polished, the internals are sealed against water intrusion, and the whole assembly weighs roughly 71 to 79 pounds depending on how it's configured. That heft is a good sign here. It means the gearbox and shaft are sized to carry load without flexing, which is exactly what you want when the wind pipes up at 2 a.m. and the anchor has to hold.
Installation follows the familiar Lewmar deck pattern. The motor drops through the deck into an anchor locker or dedicated compartment, the gypsy and drum bolt down on top, and the wiring runs back to a solenoid and breaker. Because it's a vertical unit, you get a deep wrap of chain around the gypsy, which improves grip and reduces the chance of an override when you're retrieving under load. Pair it with an up-down foot switch on deck, a helm rocker, or a wireless remote, and you can control the whole anchoring sequence from wherever you're standing.
Anyone who has anchored a big boat knows the difference a strong windlass makes. You ease into the cove, back down to set, and when it's time to leave you tap the switch and the V4 does the lifting while you steer over the anchor. There's no scrambling, no strained backs, and no chain piled dangerously on the foredeck. For overnight cruisers, gunkholers, and anyone who anchors out regularly, that reliability is worth every dollar. It's the kind of gear you install once and forget about, because Lewmar has been refining windlasses since 1946 and the V4 reflects that experience.
A few practical notes. Match your rode to the gypsy exactly, since 3/8-inch chain and 5/8-inch rope are what this gypsy is cut for, and mismatched rode is the number one cause of slippage. Run the largest battery cable your installer recommends, because a 1600-watt motor pulls real amperage and voltage drop robs you of pulling power. And give the drum a light freshwater rinse after salty trips to keep it turning smoothly. Do those three things and the V4 will keep your bow pinned exactly where you dropped the hook.
Key Features
- Vertical windlass with the 1600-watt motor and gearbox mounted below deck for protection and a clean foredeck
- Combined gypsy handles 3/8-inch high-test chain and 5/8-inch three-strand rope in one continuous haul
- Integrated stainless warping drum (capstan) for kedging, dinghy hauling, or stern lines
- 2750 pounds maximum pull with a 688-pound working load for buried anchors and heavy rode
- 12-volt DC operation that ties into a standard house battery bank
- 316 stainless steel construction resists salt corrosion season after season
- Sized for cruising boats from 44 to 60 feet length overall
- Compatible with deck foot switches, helm controls, and wireless remotes
Why Buy from NVN Marine
- Authorized Lewmar reseller, full manufacturer warranty
- NMEA member and ABYC certified, advice from real boat techs
- Same-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock items
- NY headquarters and Fort Lauderdale flagship retail store
Technical specifications
| Title | Lewmar V4 Vertical Windlass 12V, Gypsy and Drum |
|---|---|
| Brand | Lewmar |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 66910088-143 |
| UPC | 743683325465 |
| Product Type | Vertical Windlass |
| Configuration | Gypsy and Warping Drum (Capstan) |
| Maximum Pull | 2750 lb (1250 kg) |
| Working Load | 688 lb (313 kg) |
| Voltage | 12V DC |
| Motor Power | 1600 W |
| Chain Size | 3/8 inch high-test |
| Rope Size | 5/8 inch (16 mm) 3-strand |
| Recommended Boat Size | 44 to 60 ft LOA |
| Construction | 316 stainless steel |
| Approximate Weight | 71 to 79 lb |
Frequently asked questions
What size boat is the Lewmar V4 windlass designed for?
The V4 is sized for boats roughly 44 to 60 feet length overall. That range covers larger cruisers, sportfishers, and motoryachts carrying heavier ground tackle. If your boat is smaller and your rode is lighter, a lower-capacity windlass will usually be the better match.
What chain and rope does the gypsy accept?
The gypsy is cut for 3/8-inch high-test chain and 5/8-inch three-strand rope. Matching your rode to those exact sizes is important, because a gypsy that doesn't fit the chain and rope is the most common cause of slippage during retrieval.
How much can the V4 pull?
It delivers a maximum pull of 2750 pounds and a working load of 688 pounds. The working load is what it lifts comfortably all day, while the max pull is the reserve you tap when an anchor is buried deep in heavy holding ground.
Is this a 12-volt or 24-volt windlass?
This V4 is a 12-volt DC unit with a 1600-watt motor. It connects to a standard 12-volt house battery bank through a solenoid and breaker. Because the motor draws significant current, heavy battery cable and a nearby battery are important for full pulling power.
What's the difference between the gypsy and the drum?
The gypsy is the toothed wheel that grips your chain and rope to raise and lower the anchor. The drum, or capstan, is a smooth spinning barrel above it that you can wrap a separate line around for jobs like kedging or hauling a tender. Having both gives you real flexibility at the bow.
Does a vertical windlass have any advantage over a horizontal one?
A vertical windlass wraps more chain around the gypsy, which improves grip and reduces the chance of an override under load. It also keeps the motor and gearbox below deck, protected from spray, leaving a cleaner and lower-profile installation on the foredeck.
What controls can I use with the V4?
You can operate it with up and down foot switches mounted on deck, a rocker switch at the helm, or a wireless remote. Many owners install more than one so they can control anchoring from the bow or from the helm depending on the situation.
How do I keep the windlass working reliably?
Match your rode to the gypsy exactly, wire the motor with heavy cable to avoid voltage drop, and rinse the drum and exposed hardware with fresh water after salty trips. Those three habits prevent the most common problems and keep the V4 pulling strong for years.
