Here in MAURIPRO we want to help you find the correct gypsy for your Lewmar Windlass. The gypsy is the notched ring that meshes with the links of the chain to hoist the anchor. It can rotate on a vertical or horizontal axis. The head is the smooth drum that raises the rode (textile part of the anchor). Both are driven by a series of gears that multiply the force. Please, see the table below for the specs and the models available for each windlass model.

Identifying your Windlass:

To identify your IDEAL Windlass first look at the nameplate. This plate is located on the gear case of your windlass and tells you the Model and Serial numbers of the windlass. If your windlass is vertical the gearbox and motor are below deck. If it is horizontal your unit is all above deck. Other ways of identification include knowing the size and brand of the boat, the diameter of the deck plate and the number of deck bolts (if vertical) or if horizontal whether the motor is exposed or enclosed in the gear case.

Should you choose a horizontal or vertical windlass?

If you’re not sure which type you have, remember that the terms horizontal and vertical refer to the orientation of the shaft of the windlass. Another way of telling is to look at the chain wheel on the windlass. If it spins like a merry-go-round, it’s vertical; if it turns like a Ferris wheel, it’s horizontal.

The odds are you’re going to use the same type for your replacement, but if you had a vertical windlass, you can probably fit a new windlass that’s either vertical or horizontal. If you had a horizontal windlass, however, you’ll likely need to buy another horizontal one due to space constraints below the deck.

Note: Click on the product names for more information about the products.

VX1

Windlass Model	Gypsy Number	Chain Description	Chain Model	Rope Size	Rope Description	Rope Model
Windlass - VX1 300 Gypsy	68100033	8 mm DIN766, 8 mm ISO4565, 5/16” ACCO ISO G43 (G4)	Chain 8 mm DIN766 (Per Foot)	1/2 - 5/8 in (12 - 16 mm)	3 strand hard lay up	Classic Anchor Line
Windlass - VX1 300 Gypsy	68100034	6 mm DIN766, 6 mm ISO4565, 7 mm DIN766, 7 mm ISO4565 1/4” ACCO ISO G43 (G4) 1/4” ACCO BBB (3B)	Chain 7 mm DIN766 (Per Foot)	1/2 - 5/8 in (12 - 16 mm)	3 strand hard lay up	Classic Anchor Line

VX2/3

Windlass Model	Gypsy Number	Chain Description	Chain Model	Rope Size	Rope Description	Rope Model
Windlass - VX2 700 Gypsy	68120040	6 mm DIN766, 6 mm ISO4565, 7 mm DIN766, 1/4” ACCO ISO G43 (G4) 1/4” ACCO BBB (3B)	Chain 7 mm DIN766 (Per Foot)	1/2 - 5/8 in (12 - 16 mm)	3-strand and 8-plait (5/8 only)	Classic Anchor Line
Windlass - VX2 900 Gypsy	68120041	8 mm DIN766, 8 mm ISO4565, 5/16” ACCO ISO G43 (G4)	Chain 8 mm DIN766 (Per Foot)	1/2 - 5/8 in (12 - 16 mm)	3-strand and 8-plait (5/8 only)	Classic Anchor Line
NA	68120042	8 mm DIN766, 8 mm ISO4565, 5/16” ACCO ISO G43 (G4)	Chain 10 mm DIN766 (Per Foot)	1/2 - 5/8 in (12 - 16 mm)	3-strand and 8-plait (5/8 only)	Classic Anchor Line
NA	68120043	8 mm DIN766, 8 mm ISO4565, 5/16” ACCO ISO G43 (G4)	Chain 3/8" ACCO G40 HT (Per Foot)	1/2 - 5/8 in (12 - 16 mm)	3-strand and 8-plait (5/8 only)	Classic Anchor Line

Pro - Series / Fish

Windlass Model	Gypsy Number	Chain Description	Chain Model	Rope Size	Rope Description	Rope Model
Windlass - Pro-Fish 700	502	6 mm DIN 766	NA	1/2 in (12 - 14 mm)	3-strand and 8-plait	Classic Anchor Line
Windlass - Pro-Fish 700	503	7 mm DIN 766, 1/4" ISO G4, 1/4" BBB	Chain 7 mm DIN766 (Per Foot)	1/2 in (12 - 14 mm)	3-strand and 8-plait	Classic Anchor Line
Windlass - Pro-Fish 1000G	516	5/16" ISO G40	Chain 5/16" HT G40 (Per Foot)	9/16 - 5/8 in (14 - 16 mm)	3-strand and 8-plait (5/8 only)	Classic Anchor Line
Windlass - Pro-Fish 1000G	504	8 mm DIN 766, 8 mm ISO 4565, 5/16" BBB	Chain 8 mm DIN766 (Per Foot)	9/16 - 5/8 in (14 - 16 mm)	3-strand and 8-plait (5/8 only)	Classic Anchor Line

CPX 1/2/3/4 & V - Series V1/V2/V3/V4/V5

Windlass Model	Gypsy Number	Chain Description	Chain Model	Rope Size	Rope Description	Rope Model	To fit windlass
CPX 006 Gypsy Assembly	006	6 mm ISO 4565, 1/4" G40*, 1/4" BBB	Chain 1/4" ACCO HT G40 (Per Foot)	1/2 in (12 - 14 mm)	3-strand and 8-plait	Classic Anchor Line	CPX1/2/3
CPX 000 Gypsy Assembly	000	6 mm ISO 4565, 1/4" G40*, 1/4" BBB	Chain 1/4" ACCO HT G40 (Per Foot)	1/2 in (12 - 14 mm)	3-strand and 8-plait	Classic Anchor Line	CPX1/2/3
CPX 001 Gypsy Assembly	001	8 mm DIN 766, 8 mm ISO 4565, 5/16" G40	Chain 8 mm DIN766 (Per Foot)	1/2 – 5/8 in (12 - 16 mm)	3-strand and 8-plait (5/8 only)	Classic Anchor Line	CPX1/2/3
CPX 002 Gypsy Assembly	002	10 mm DIN 766, Campbell 3/8" S4, 5/16" G40	Chain 10 mm DIN766 (Per Foot)	1/2 – 5/8 in (12 - 16 mm)	3-strand and 8-plait (5/8 only)	Classic Anchor Line	CPX1/2/3
CPX 003 Gypsy Assembly	003	10 mm ISO, Campbell 3/8" S3, Lewmar 9.5 mm G40	Chain 3/8" ACCO G40 HT (Per Foot)	5/8 in (16 mm)	3-strand and 8-plait	Classic Anchor Line	CPX1/2/3
CPX 201 Gypsy Kit	201	8 mm DIN 766, 8 mm ISO 4565, 5/16" G40, 5/16" Campbell S4	Chain 8 mm DIN766 (Per Foot)	1/2 in (12 - 14 mm)	3 strand	Classic Anchor Line	CPX4
CPX 202 Gypsy Kit	202	10 mm DIN 766, 5/16" Campbell S3, 3/8" Campbell S4, 9.5 mm G30	Chain 10 mm DIN766 (Per Foot)	5/8 in (16 mm)	3 strand	Classic Anchor Line	CPX4
CPX 203 Gypsy Kit	203	10 mm ISO 4565, 3/8" Campbell S3, Lewmar 9.5 mm G40	Chain 3/8" ACCO G40 HT (Per Foot)	5/8 in (16 mm)	3 strand	Classic Anchor Line	CPX4
CPX 204 Gypsy Kit	204	12 mm ISO 4565, 13 mm DIN 766	Chain 1/2" ACCO G40 HT (Per Foot)	3/4 in (18 - 20 mm)	3 strand	NA	CPX4

V - Series V6

Gypsy Number	Chain Description
10 mm	10 mm DIN 766, 3⁄8" ISO G4, Lewmar 9.5 mm G40
11 mm	11 mm Short Link, Lewmar 12 mm G30/G40, 13 mm DIN 766, 7/16" G40
14 mm	Lewmar 14 mm G30/G40, 14 mm DIN 766 Recommend remote chain pipe version
1/2" ISO G4	1/2" ISO G4, Lewmar 12 mm G30/G40, Lewmar 1/2" G30/G40

What type of chain do I need?

If you are using an anchor windlass then your choices are limited and you must use only the type and size of chain specified by the windlass manufacturer. Normally this type of chain will be G4 or BBB chain. Don't have your windlass manual? We have an article that lists the type and size of chain required by most popular sizes of windlass here. Windlass chain is a whole other topic and in fact, we have another article all about windlass chain here. If you are using a windlass, remember that you must splice your rope to your chain as a shackle going through your windlass gypsy will be bad news. (You can also hook the shackle around your windlass as well once it gets to that point but that's a pain!) You can purchase a prespliced rope and chain package or you can splice your own.

Does the type and size of anchor chain affect your choice of windlass?

Galvanized chain comes in a variety of materials and link sizes, which must match the windlass. Also, look for a chain with ISO specifications (International Organization of Standards) rather than NACM (North American Chain Manufacturing). Most windlasses sold in the U.S. are designed to fit the ISO chain.

Finally, there is a stainless-steel chain, but beware, as it’s not all the same. Again look for ISO specs, and keep in mind that stainless is expensive and if you get the wrong size, it’s sometimes difficult to return.

What if the boat doesn’t have a bow roller?

If there was no windlass on the boat previously, there’s a good chance you’ll have to add a bow roller. How you will go about installing one will vary from boat to boat and may require modification if you have tall, or metal, toerails and need to mount a bow roller on top of the toerail, pass through the rail, or pass under it.

Sometimes adding a new bow roller is as simple as a bolt-on installation. Often, our customers add a bow roller and need to switch from a single red-and-green navigation light on the center line to separate red and green lights to mount farther outboard.

Don’t forget that there is a selection process to obtaining the right bow roller, too. Your bow roller needs to be specific to the weight and type of anchor you choose so the anchor seats properly when raised.

Keep in mind the bow roller doesn’t have to be mounted exactly on the centerline, although there should be no more than five degrees of deflection either left or right. In our experience, most bow rollers are mounted a bit to the left of the center, which helps bypass a piece of deck hardware or the headstay fitting on a sailboat.