R7/R5 Windlass Details

[slideruleracer]

So, I'm already thinking about next winter's upgrades for my 250.... Could any R5 or R7 owners with the windlass option post some detailed photos of how the windlass is setup? If there are any models of the winch or anchor, please include them if you can.

Also, based on my perusing of photos, it looks as if the control buttons are underneath the anchor hatch - is that correct? For me, the main benefit of getting a windlass is so I can drop anchor while I'm controlling from the helm - do you find buttons in the front hatch to be a problem?

Thanks!

[Tuscany]

The drop and raise buttons on an R series is by the drivers ankle on the wall.
The windlass (black) button is above the water pump shut off in this pic.

If a person anchors a lot, it's a must have.
We personally anchor very little, but it's an option I would get next time. Just saves the hassle of digging out an anchor and tossing it in. A lazy mans option, and THATS ME!

[slideruleracer]

Thanks Tuscany - I guess it's the older ones with the buttons up front. We anchor a lot - and not having to run back and forth between anchor locker and helm would be real nice. I wonder if Cobalt would sell me the entire assembly from a new R7? I'd probably have to modify the front plate a little to fit the shape of the 250 hull, but they're probably close.

[Ytmsn]

Thanks Tuscany - I guess it's the older ones with the buttons up front. We anchor a lot - and not having to run back and forth between anchor locker and helm would be real nice. I wonder if Cobalt would sell me the entire assembly from a new R7? I'd probably have to modify the front plate a little to fit the shape of the 250 hull, but they're probably close.

I have no doubt you could modify anything you want to fit anything you want. You could put a 49 Ford Grill on the front of that thing and make it look right!

[slideruleracer]

I appreciate the confidence!

[tgrace98]

Matt has it on his 282. I believe the controller for his is in the anchor locker. Might want to ask him for a picture or 2.

[cmattj]

Have both slide.. I use the helm for drop.. is use the helm for retrieve as I bump forward.

The only time is use the bow buttons is for after tie off to leave no load on Windlass.

Then for the final foot to bump bump it in.

I think having both is good!!

Or just have a spotter with a good sence of Stop!!

[charron]

Thanks Tuscany - I guess it's the older ones with the buttons up front. We anchor a lot - and not having to run back and forth between anchor locker and helm would be real nice. I wonder if Cobalt would sell me the entire assembly from a new R7? I'd probably have to modify the front plate a little to fit the shape of the 250 hull, but they're probably close.

I have a 2018 R7 and the controls are at the helm and at the bow right next to the windlass. It’s recommended that you use the bow controls over the helm controls.

[slideruleracer]

Charron, could you post some detailed photos of how the installation is setup in the bow? I'd love to see how the boat is constructed around the windlass.. Thanks!

[Big Block Power]

Thanks Tuscany - I guess it's the older ones with the buttons up front. We anchor a lot - and not having to run back and forth between anchor locker and helm would be real nice. I wonder if Cobalt would sell me the entire assembly from a new R7? I'd probably have to modify the front plate a little to fit the shape of the 250 hull, but they're probably close.

You might try that but if your boat is older than 7years old and the hull id number didn't have one good luck. I even had a id from a different newer boat and they wouldn't sell me a swim platform. But you never know. My dealer and another dealer wouldn't do it. Just my 2 cents of warning ahead of time.

[slideruleracer]

Oh yeah.. I remember reading about your ordeal. Well, first I guess I need to decide if I can just fab up the pieces myself or if it really will be easier to buy the marked up assembly. The part that's the hardest is giving the anchor roller enough structural support that it isn't pulling on the outer hull sheets and I'm still trying to understand what cobalt puts in the boat to accomplish that.

Stay tuned!