Maxwell Marine RC8 Windlass RC8612V - 1/4 Inch Chain & 1/2 Inch Rope - 12V, 770 lb Pull, Boats to 32 Feet

The Maxwell Marine RC8 Windlass (RC8612V) is a fully automatic vertical rope/chain windlass built in stainless steel for boats up to 32 feet. It effortlessly retrieves and deploys 1/4 inch (6mm/7mm) short-link chain spliced to 1/2 inch (12mm) three-strand or 8-plait rope, making it a compact, below-deck-motor solution for trailer and day boats that still need serious anchor-handling power.

At the heart of the RC8612V is Maxwell's patented Wave Design chainwheel, engineered to accommodate a wide range of chain pitch differences within its rated chain size. The outer ribs of the chainwheel are angled slightly forward so rope and chain feed smoothly through the wheel during retrieval, while a heavy-duty stainless steel pressure arm, backed by a large-wire-diameter stainless preloaded spring, holds constant control pressure on the rope/chain splice. The unit works just as well with all-chain rodes.

Installation is simple two-piece design that saves time and allows retrofitting without disassembling the windlass. A unique spacer tube design lets it mount through virtually any deck thickness, and multiple mounting positions plus a self-aligning gearbox ensure the gearbox and motor line up correctly in almost any installation. The topworks fully disassemble using only the handle provided and an Allen key, and a manual override with free-fall function is built in via the included emergency crank/clutch handle. A huge through-deck hawse pipe throat makes rope/chain entry into the anchor locker easy, and the sealed oil bath, marine-grade hard anodized alloy gearbox delivers maximum output through a precision worm and worm wheel.

The RC8612V runs on 12V DC and comes complete with a dual-direction solenoid pack, circuit breaker/isolator panel, up/down remote control panel, and emergency crank/clutch release handle, so it is ready to wire in and use.

Specifications

• Brand: Maxwell Marine
• Manufacturer Part Number: RC8612V
• Motor Type: Vertical windlass
• Maximum Pull: 770 lb
• Static Hold: 2640 lb
• Working Load: 260 lb
• Max Load: 770 lb
• Retrieval Speed: 92 ft/min chain, 79 ft/min rope
• Power Supply: 12V or 24V
• Voltage: 12V DC
• Motor Power: 600W
• Amperage Draw: 60-70 A (typical)
• Recommended Circuit Breaker: 80 A
• Gypsy Size: 1/4 inch chain gypsy
• Chain Compatibility: 1/4 inch short-link chain (6-7mm)
• Rope Compatibility: 1/2 inch (12mm) three-strand or 8-plait rope
• Material: Stainless steel and chromed bronze deck unit
• Recommended Boat Length: Up to approximately 32 feet
• Manual Override: Yes, via included winch/crank handle
• Control Options: Helm switch; optional foot switches/remote
• Kit Includes: RC8 windlass, dual direction solenoid pack, circuit breaker/isolator panel, up/down remote control panel, emergency crank/clutch release handle
• Weight: 31.6 pounds
• Dimensions: 19 x 17 x 11 inches

Frequently Asked Questions

What size chain and rope does the RC8612V use? The RC8612V is set up for 1/4 inch (6-7mm) short-link chain spliced to 1/2 inch (12mm) three-strand or 8-plait rope.

How much anchor rode weight can this windlass handle? The Maxwell RC8612V has a maximum pull of 770 lb and a static hold rating of 2640 lb, with a rated working load of 260 lb.

What boat size is the RC8612V windlass designed for? It is recommended for boats up to approximately 32 feet, making it suited to trailer and day boats that still need reliable powered anchor handling.

Is the RC8612V a 12V or 24V windlass? This unit, model RC8612V, runs on 12V DC power with a 600W motor and a typical amperage draw of 60-70 A.

What comes included with the RC8612V windlass kit? The kit includes the RC8 windlass itself, a dual direction solenoid pack, a circuit breaker/isolator panel, an up/down remote control panel, and an emergency crank/clutch release handle.

Can the RC8612V be operated manually if power is lost? Yes, the RC8612V has a manual override and free-fall function operated with the included emergency crank/clutch handle.

What is the RC8612V windlass made of? The RC8612V uses a stainless steel construction with a chromed bronze deck unit, paired with a marine-grade hard anodized alloy gearbox.

How fast does the RC8612V retrieve chain and rope? Retrieval speed on the RC8612V is 92 ft/min on chain and 79 ft/min on rope.

Does the RC8612V work with all-chain rode setups? Yes, in addition to its rated rope/chain rode, the RC8612V windlass works just as effectively with all-chain rodes.

What size circuit breaker should be used with the RC8612V? An 80 A circuit breaker is recommended for the RC8612V installation.

How is the RC8612V windlass installed on deck? The RC8612V uses a simple two-piece installation with a spacer tube design that fits through virtually any deck thickness, and its self-aligning gearbox and multiple mounting positions allow easy retrofitting without disassembling the unit.

How much does the RC8612V windlass weigh and what are its dimensions? The Maxwell RC8612V weighs 31.6 pounds and measures 19 x 17 x 11 inches.