{"product_id":"maxwell-vc500-vertical-capstan-windlass-12v","title":"Maxwell VC500 Vertical Capstan Windlass 12V, 660 lb Pull","description":"\u003cp class=\"nvn-hero\"\u003eThe Maxwell VC500 is a 12V vertical capstan windlass with a fluted 316 stainless drum. Its 600-watt motor delivers up to 660 pounds of pull and hauls line up to 12.5 millimeters at about 60 feet per minute, making it a compact rope-handling choice for smaller boats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"nvn-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Maxwell VC500 is a vertical capstan windlass built for boaters who want power at the bow without the bulk of a full chain windlass. It's a rope-handling machine at heart. Instead of a toothed chain gypsy, the VC500 uses a smooth, fluted stainless drum that you wrap your line around, and the motor does the pulling while you tail the slack. If your boat is on the smaller side and you anchor mostly on rope rode, or you just want a reliable powered capstan for hauling lines, this is a clean and practical solution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe drum is machined from AISI 316 stainless steel, the marine-grade alloy that resists salt corrosion and keeps its bright finish year after year. Maxwell flutes the surface so line grips positively without chewing itself up, which means smoother hauls and less wear on your rope. The capstan handles line up to 12.5 millimeters, so you've got plenty of range for anchor rode, mooring lines, and general deck work on a small to mid-size boat. Because it mounts vertically, the 600-watt motor and gearbox sit below deck, protected from spray, leaving just the polished drum visible topside for a tidy, low-profile look.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerformance is well matched to its role. The 12-volt motor produces a maximum pull of 660 pounds, about 300 kilograms, with a static holding capacity around 2640 pounds. Normal working line speed runs about 18 meters per minute, or roughly 60 feet per minute, so retrieval is quick and steady rather than a slow grind. On a smaller powerboat or sailboat, 660 pounds of pull is more than enough to recover an anchor on rope rode, and the strong static hold means the capstan takes the strain while you cleat off. It's important to understand that this is a capstan, not a self-feeding chain windlass. You tend the line as it comes in, keeping tension on the tail so the wraps grip the drum. That's the classic capstan technique, and once you've done it a few times it becomes second nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaxwell has built anchoring gear for three decades, from small pleasure boats up to superyachts, and the VC500 brings that engineering to the compact end of the range. The unit is light at about 22 pounds, which keeps weight down at the bow where it matters most for smaller hulls. It also runs on a standard 12-volt system, so it drops into the electrical setup that most small boats already have, without the higher-voltage battery bank that bigger windlasses often require.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstallation is straightforward for a vertical unit. The motor and gearbox pass through the deck, the drum bolts down on top, and the wiring runs back to a solenoid and breaker. Because the capstan is compact and the topside footprint is small, it fits nicely on foredecks where a full chain windlass would be too big. Wire in a foot switch or a helm control and you've got powered line handling at the push of a button, which is a genuine upgrade over pulling rode hand over hand, especially in a breeze or a running current.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOut on the water, the VC500 earns its keep every time you weigh anchor or wrestle a stubborn mooring line. You wrap the drum, tap the switch, and let the motor take the load while you tail the line into the locker. For solo boaters and short-handed crews, that's the difference between an easy departure and a sweaty struggle at the bow. Keep the drum rinsed with fresh water after salty trips, use line within the 12.5-millimeter limit, and maintain steady tension on the tail, and the VC500 will give you dependable, powered hauling for years of anchoring and deck work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"nvn-features\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eVertical capstan windlass with a smooth fluted drum for powered rope and line handling\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDrum machined from AISI 316 stainless steel to resist salt corrosion and hold its finish\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHandles line up to 12.5 millimeters for anchor rode, mooring lines, and deck work\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e660 pounds maximum pull with about 2640 pounds of static holding capacity\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWorking line speed around 60 feet per minute for quick, steady retrieval\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e600-watt 12-volt motor mounts below deck for protection and a low topside profile\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLight at about 22 pounds to keep weight down at the bow of smaller boats\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFits foredecks where a full chain windlass would be too large\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"nvn-trust\"\u003e\n  \u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from NVN Marine\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAuthorized Maxwell reseller, full manufacturer warranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eNMEA member and ABYC certified, advice from real boat techs\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSame-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock items\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eNY headquarters and Fort Lauderdale flagship retail store\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nvn-faq\"\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eHow is a capstan different from a chain windlass?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eA capstan uses a smooth drum that you wrap your line around, and you tail the slack while the motor pulls. A chain windlass has a toothed gypsy that self-feeds chain without you tending it. The VC500 is a capstan, so it's built for rope and line handling rather than an all-chain rode.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhat line size does the VC500 handle?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe capstan accepts line up to 12.5 millimeters. That range covers anchor rode, mooring lines, and general deck work on small to mid-size boats. Staying within that limit keeps the wraps gripping cleanly on the drum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eHow much can it pull?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIt delivers a maximum pull of 660 pounds, about 300 kilograms, with a static holding capacity around 2640 pounds. On a smaller powerboat or sailboat, that's ample muscle to recover an anchor on rope rode, and the strong static hold lets the capstan take the strain while you cleat off.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eHow fast does it retrieve line?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eNormal working line speed is about 18 meters per minute, or roughly 60 feet per minute. That's quick and steady, so weighing anchor or hauling a mooring line takes seconds rather than a long slow grind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eIs it a 12-volt windlass?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eYes, the VC500 runs on a 600-watt 12-volt DC motor, so it drops into the electrical system most small boats already have. It doesn't need the higher-voltage battery bank that larger windlasses often require.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eDo I have to tend the line myself?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eYes. As a capstan, the VC500 needs you to keep steady tension on the tail as line comes in, so the wraps grip the drum. It's the standard capstan technique, and it becomes second nature after a few uses. The motor does the heavy pulling while you simply guide the line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhat is the drum made of?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe drum is machined from AISI 316 stainless steel, a marine-grade alloy that resists salt corrosion and keeps its bright finish. Maxwell flutes the surface so line grips positively without excessive wear on your rope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eHow do I keep it working reliably?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eRinse the drum with fresh water after salty trips, use line within the 12.5-millimeter limit, and keep steady tension on the tail as you haul. Those simple habits keep the capstan gripping cleanly and pulling dependably for years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"nvn-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTitle\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaxwell VC500 Vertical Capstan Windlass 12V\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBrand\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaxwell\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eManufacturer Part Number\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVC50012V\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eUPC\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1000000006117\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProduct Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVertical Capstan Windlass\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSeries\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVC500\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMaximum Pull\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e660 lb (300 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eStatic Holding Capacity\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2640 lb (1200 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWorking Line Speed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60 ft\/min (18 m\/min)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eVoltage\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12V DC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMotor Power\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e600 W\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMaximum Line Size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12.5 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDrum Material\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAISI 316 stainless steel, fluted\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWeight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e22 lb (10 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n    \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n    \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"How is a capstan different from a chain windlass?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"A capstan uses a smooth drum that you wrap your line around, and you tail the slack while the motor pulls. A chain windlass has a toothed gypsy that self-feeds chain without you tending it. The VC500 is a capstan, so it's built for rope and line handling rather than an all-chain rode.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What line size does the VC500 handle?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"The capstan accepts line up to 12.5 millimeters. That range covers anchor rode, mooring lines, and general deck work on small to mid-size boats. Staying within that limit keeps the wraps gripping cleanly on the drum.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"How much can it pull?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"It delivers a maximum pull of 660 pounds, about 300 kilograms, with a static holding capacity around 2640 pounds. On a smaller powerboat or sailboat, that's ample muscle to recover an anchor on rope rode, and the strong static hold lets the capstan take the strain while you cleat off.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"How fast does it retrieve line?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Normal working line speed is about 18 meters per minute, or roughly 60 feet per minute. That's quick and steady, so weighing anchor or hauling a mooring line takes seconds rather than a long slow grind.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Is it a 12-volt windlass?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Yes, the VC500 runs on a 600-watt 12-volt DC motor, so it drops into the electrical system most small boats already have. It doesn't need the higher-voltage battery bank that larger windlasses often require.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Do I have to tend the line myself?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Yes. As a capstan, the VC500 needs you to keep steady tension on the tail as line comes in, so the wraps grip the drum. It's the standard capstan technique, and it becomes second nature after a few uses. The motor does the heavy pulling while you simply guide the line.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What is the drum made of?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"The drum is machined from AISI 316 stainless steel, a marine-grade alloy that resists salt corrosion and keeps its bright finish. Maxwell flutes the surface so line grips positively without excessive wear on your rope.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"How do I keep it working reliably?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Rinse the drum with fresh water after salty trips, use line within the 12.5-millimeter limit, and keep steady tension on the tail as you haul. Those simple habits keep the capstan gripping cleanly and pulling dependably for years.\"\n            }\n        }\n    ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n","brand":"Maxwell","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44784511877213,"sku":"2006805","price":1329.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0299\/7266\/0317\/files\/ImageServerAPI_3705e806-c110-4b11-8ae1-2146880bb56d.png?v=1784897304","url":"https:\/\/nvnmarine.com\/products\/maxwell-vc500-vertical-capstan-windlass-12v","provider":"NVN Marine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}