Windlass

We owned IP27-058 for 1o years. We did not have a windlass. If I were to add a windlass, I would remove the staysail boom foot and bolt it down there. We did remove the staysail boom and it is GREAT to get it out of there. We sailed the 27 as a sloop, and it worked great. So, maybe to make the windlass easier you should look into removing the boom.

Here is an old photo album of a 27 with a windlass..

ipphotos.com/view_ad.asp?Ad_ID=601

Hayden

Windlass YES, but you also will want to have a deck wash system so you can spray the mud off the anchor line and chain as it is coming up. So, if you are adding a windlass, you also want this as well.
Would I add a windlass to the 27? YES
Hayden

I do like the horizontal windlass over the vertical. I ran a vertical for 6-7 years and then switched to horizontal now for 5+ years. The vertical will induce a rotation into the chain so then everyone adds a swivel to reduce this. It still happens. With a horizontal the chain does not take up a twist as it comes over the the gypsy and drops into the locker with no twist. Also a horizontal is simple to install, just bolt it down and that is it. Horizontal requires a large hole to be cut.

Many of us have taken to the LOFRANS brand of windlass
search.defender.com/?expression=lofrans&s=1

I have the TIGRESS and think it is amazing. I would buy it again.

Hayden