Lewmar H3 Horizontal Windlass with Gypsy & Drum – 12V, 5/16" Chain

Lewmar H3 Horizontal Windlass with Gypsy & Drum

The Lewmar H3 is a heavy-duty horizontal windlass built for serious anchoring on mid-size to large powerboats and sailboats. Its low-profile horizontal design keeps weight centered and deck clutter minimal, while the combined gypsy and warping drum gives you the flexibility to handle both chain and rope rode — or use the drum for docking lines and mooring tasks. The worm gearbox delivers smooth, controlled retrieval even under load, and the integrated contactor keeps wiring clean and simple. Built to handle the demands of coastal and offshore anchoring, the H3 is a reliable upgrade for any vessel that needs a capable, no-fuss windlass.

Key Features

• Horizontal low-profile design — ideal for flush or recessed deck mounting
• Combined gypsy and warping drum — handles 5/16" chain and rope rode, plus docking lines
• Worm gearbox technology for smooth, powerful, and controlled anchor retrieval
• Integrated contactor simplifies wiring and reduces installation time
• Stainless steel warping drum with W.A.R.P. (Wear and Abrasion Reduction Pattern) finish for extended durability
• Aluminum and composite maincase — strong, corrosion-resistant, and lightweight
• Waterproof sealed construction for low maintenance in saltwater environments
• One-piece installation design for quick, straightforward setup
• Kit includes: contactor, circuit breaker, rocker switch, and clutch wrench

Compatible Applications

• Powerboats and sailboats in the 30–45 ft range requiring a horizontal windlass
• Vessels using 5/16" chain rode or combination chain/rope anchor systems
• Boats needing a dual-function gypsy and warping drum for anchoring and mooring
• Offshore and coastal cruising applications where reliability and low maintenance are priorities

Pair It With

• Lewmar Anchor Rode – 9/16" x 200' Nylon with 5/16" x 20' Chain — a compatible chain/rope rode for this windlass
• Lewmar H-Series Horizontal Windlass w/Gypsy, H3, 12V, 5/16" Chain — gypsy-only version if a warping drum is not needed
• Lewmar H-Series Horizontal Windlass w/Gypsy, H2, 12V, 5/16" Chain — step-down model for smaller vessels

Parts Desk Insights

Best Use Case: The H3 is the right call for boaters who want a single windlass that handles both anchoring and mooring tasks. The warping drum is the key differentiator here — it lets you use the windlass to handle dock lines and mooring pendants, not just the anchor rode. If your customer only needs chain retrieval, the gypsy-only H3 is a simpler option. Recommend the H3 Gypsy/Drum to customers who anchor frequently in varied conditions or who want the added utility of a warping drum for tight marina situations.

Installation Note: The integrated contactor and included hardware kit (breaker, rocker switch, clutch wrench) make this a relatively straightforward install. Confirm the customer's deck layout supports horizontal mounting before ordering — vertical windlass models are available if deck space is limited.

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