Lewmar VX1L Vertical Windlass Extended Kit – 800W, 12V, 8mm/5/16" Gypsy

Lewmar VX1L Vertical Windlass Extended Kit – 800W, 12V

The Lewmar VX1L is a compact, one-piece vertical windlass designed for boats up to 36 ft that want serious anchoring performance without a complicated installation. Unlike two-piece vertical windlass setups that require a separate below-deck motor, the VX1L integrates the inline motor and epicyclical gearbox directly into the deck unit — making it one of the easiest vertical windlasses to install in its class. Despite its compact footprint, it delivers an impressive 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 8mm / 5/16" 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 requiring a compact vertical windlass
• Vessels running 8mm or 5/16" chain rode anchor systems
• 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 VX1 GO Deck Unit – 8mm/5/16" Extended Kit — two-piece VX1 version with separate motor/gearbox for below-deck installation
• Lewmar VX1 GO Deck Unit – 6/7mm/1/4" Extended Kit — VX1 in smaller chain size for lighter tackle
• Lewmar VX2 Vertical Windlass Extended Kit – 12V, 8mm/5/16" Gypsy — step-up VX model for larger vessels up to 48 ft
• Lewmar V4 Vertical Windlass with Gypsy, 12V, 3/8" Chain — heavy-duty vertical option for larger vessels or 3/8" chain

Pair It With

• Lewmar Anchor Rode – 9/16" x 200' Nylon with 5/16" x 20' Chain — compatible chain/rope rode for this windlass
• Lewmar Anchor Rode – 1/2" x 150' Nylon with 1/4" x 10' Chain — lighter rode option for smaller vessels

Parts Desk Insights

Best Use Case: The VX1L is the go-to recommendation for customers who want a vertical windlass but are intimidated by the two-piece installation process. The integrated one-piece design makes it significantly easier to install than a traditional vertical windlass — no below-deck motor mounting, no shaft alignment. It's also the right call for V1 owners looking to upgrade without cutting a new deck hole. At 920 kg pull, it punches above its weight class for a compact unit.

VX1L vs. VX1: The VX1L integrates the motor and gearbox into the deck unit (one piece). The standard VX1 separates the deck unit from the motor/gearbox (two pieces, motor goes below deck). The VX1L is easier to install; the standard VX1 gives a cleaner below-deck motor placement. Use the customer's installation preference and available below-deck space as the deciding factor.

Pull Capacity Note: At 920 kg, the VX1L actually out-pulls the VX2 (850 kg) despite being the smaller model in the lineup. This is worth highlighting when customers assume the VX2 is always the stronger choice.

Chain Compatibility: Sized for 8mm / 5/16" chain. Verify the customer's existing rode spec before recommending — mismatched chain size is a common return reason on windlass orders.