Lewmar H2 Horizontal Windlass with Gypsy – 12V, 5/16" Chain

Lewmar H2 Horizontal Windlass with Gypsy – 12V, 5/16" Chain

The Lewmar H2 is a compact, low-profile horizontal windlass built for smaller powerboats and sailboats that anchor with chain rode. It sits one step below the H3 in the H-Series lineup, making it the right fit for lighter vessels where a full-size windlass would be overkill — but where manual anchoring is still more work than it needs to be. The worm gearbox delivers smooth, controlled retrieval, the integrated contactor keeps wiring simple, and the waterproof sealed maincase means minimal upkeep in saltwater conditions. Everything you need for a clean, reliable install comes in the box.

Key Features

• Horizontal low-profile design — ideal for flush or recessed deck mounting on smaller vessels
• Gypsy sized for 5/16" chain rode
• Worm gearbox technology for smooth, powerful, and controlled anchor retrieval
• Integrated contactor simplifies wiring and reduces installation time
• Stainless steel gypsy 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 25–35 ft range requiring a compact horizontal windlass
• Vessels running 5/16" chain rode anchor systems
• Boats where a smaller windlass footprint is needed due to deck space or vessel weight class
• Coastal and near-shore cruising where a reliable, low-maintenance windlass is the priority

Compare Models

• Lewmar H3 Horizontal Windlass with Gypsy – 12V, 5/16" Chain — step-up model with higher pull capacity for larger vessels
• Lewmar H3 Horizontal Windlass with Gypsy & Drum – 12V, 5/16" Chain — H3 with warping drum for docking line and mooring use

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 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 H2 is the right call for customers with smaller boats — typically in the 25–35 ft range — who want the convenience of electric anchoring without the size and cost of the H3. It's a common recommendation for entry-level windlass upgrades on trailerable boats and smaller coastal cruisers. If the customer's vessel is on the larger end or they anchor in exposed conditions with heavier tackle, step them up to the H3 Gypsy or H3 Gypsy/Drum.

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.

Model Differentiation: The H2 and H3 share the same horizontal form factor and installation approach. The H3 has a higher pull rating and is better suited for heavier anchor tackle. Use vessel size and anchor weight as the primary decision criteria when helping customers choose between the two.