Lewmar VX1L Vertical Windlass Extended Kit – 800W, 12V, 6/7mm/1/4" Gypsy

Lewmar VX1L Vertical Windlass Extended Kit – 800W, 12V, 6/7mm/1/4" Gypsy

The Lewmar VX1L is a compact, one-piece vertical windlass built for boats up to 36 ft — and this version is sized for 6/7mm or 1/4" chain rode, making it the right fit for lighter anchor tackle on smaller vessels. Like all VX1L models, the motor and epicyclical gearbox are integrated directly into the deck unit, so there's no separate below-deck motor to mount or align. Despite its compact size, it delivers 920 kg (2,028 lb) of maximum pull, and the IP67-rated deck cover handles full submersion without issue. If you're upgrading from a Lewmar V1, the VX1L drops straight in on the same deck footprint.

Key Features

• One-piece design — integrated inline motor and epicyclical gearbox, no separate below-deck motor unit required
• 920 kg (2,028 lb) maximum pull capacity
• 800W motor, 12V DC
• Gypsy sized for 6/7mm / 1/4" chain rode
• Epicyclical gearbox for high efficiency and compact packaging
• IP67 waterproof rated deck cover — submersion-proof as standard
• Stainless steel and composite construction for long-term durability
• Same deck footprint as Lewmar V1 models — direct upgrade path, no deck modification required
• Extended kit includes: deck unit with integrated motor/gearbox, solenoid, rocker switch, circuit breaker, and gypsy

Compatible Applications

• Powerboats and sailboats up to 36 ft running 6/7mm or 1/4" chain rode
• Lighter anchor tackle setups where 1/4" chain is the standard rode size
• Boats upgrading from a Lewmar V1 windlass — same deck footprint, no re-cutting required
• Installations where a one-piece, simplified vertical windlass setup is preferred
• 12V DC electrical systems requiring an 800W windlass

Compare Models

• Lewmar VX1L Vertical Windlass Extended Kit – 800W, 12V, 8mm/5/16" Gypsy — same one-piece VX1L in the larger 8mm/5/16" chain size
• Lewmar VX1 GO Deck Unit – 6/7mm/1/4" Extended Kit — two-piece VX1 version in the same chain size, with separate below-deck motor
• Lewmar VX1 GO Deck Unit – 8mm/5/16" Extended Kit — two-piece VX1 in the larger chain size
• Lewmar VX2 Vertical Windlass Extended Kit – 12V, 8mm/5/16" Gypsy — step-up VX model for larger vessels up to 48 ft

Pair It With

• Lewmar Anchor Rode – 1/2" x 150' Nylon with 1/4" x 10' Chain — compatible chain/rope rode for this windlass
• Lewmar Anchor Rode – 1/2" x 200' Nylon with 1/4" x 15' Chain — longer rode option for deeper anchoring

Parts Desk Insights

Best Use Case: This is the right VX1L for customers with lighter anchor tackle — specifically those running 1/4" or 6/7mm chain. It's common on smaller sailboats and powerboats where a lighter rode is standard. If a customer is unsure of their chain size, have them measure the chain diameter or check their existing windlass gypsy spec before ordering — chain size mismatch is the most common return reason on windlass orders.

VX1L vs. VX1 (1/4" chain): Both are available in the 1/4" chain size. The VX1L integrates the motor into the deck unit (one piece, easier install). The standard VX1 separates the deck unit from the motor (two pieces, motor goes below deck, cleaner look). Use the customer's available below-deck space and installation preference as the deciding factor.

Chain Size Decision: If a customer is unsure whether to go 1/4" or 5/16", the general rule is: 1/4" chain is standard for boats under 30 ft with lighter anchors; 5/16" is better for boats 30–36 ft or those anchoring in exposed conditions with heavier tackle. When in doubt, recommend the 8mm/5/16" version for more versatility.

Pull Capacity Note: At 920 kg, the VX1L out-pulls the VX2 (850 kg) despite being the smaller model in the lineup — a useful point when customers assume the VX2 is always the stronger choice.