Maxwell RC10 Windlass w/ Capstan, 5/16" Chain & 5/8" Rope, 12V, Boats to 47 ft (RC108CAP12V)

The Maxwell RC10 Windlass w/ Capstan (RC108CAP12V) is a fully automatic, horizontal rope/chain anchor windlass built for boats up to about 47 feet. Unlike a vertical windlass that mounts through the deck with the gearbox hidden below, this RC10 Horizontal Series unit installs entirely above deck with a simple bolt-down setup, which makes it a practical choice on boats where under-deck clearance is tight. It is engineered to retrieve and deploy 5/16 inch (8mm) short-link chain spliced to 5/8 inch (16mm) three-strand or 8-plait rope, including the thick rope-to-chain splice, without hesitation.

At the core of the RC10 is Maxwell's patented Wave Design chainwheel, which accommodates variation in chain pitch within the rated chain size and keeps rope and chain smoothly guided into the wheel during retrieval. The wrap-around horizontal chainwheel design puts more than 90 degrees of the wheel to work, improving rope and chain handling compared to typical horizontal windlass layouts. A heavy-duty stainless steel pressure arm, backed by a large-wire-diameter stainless spring, keeps constant control pressure on the rode.

The two-piece case pairs a die-cast, marine-grade hard-anodized alloy front section with a removable composite motor cover aft section, giving a watertight housing that is easy to service on deck. A cone-type clutch/brake mechanism allows manual free-fall anchoring and emergency crank recovery if power is lost, and the sealed oil-bath, hard-anodized alloy gearbox drives the unit through a precision worm and worm wheel for efficient, long-term output.

Specifications

• Brand: Maxwell
• Manufacturer Part Number: RC108CAP12V
• UPC: 1000000004335
• Motor Type: Horizontal windlass
• Maximum Pull: 1540 pounds
• Static Hold: 3300 pounds
• Working Load: 515 pounds
• Max Load: 1540 pounds
• Chain Compatibility: 5/16 inch (8 mm) short-link chain
• Rope Compatibility: 5/8 inch (16 mm) three-strand or 8-plait rope
• Gypsy Size: 5/16 inch chain gypsy
• Chain Retrieval Speed: 79 feet per minute
• Rope Retrieval Speed: 65 feet per minute
• Voltage: 12V DC
• Motor Power: 1000W
• Amperage Draw: 100 A
• Recommended Circuit Breaker Size: 135 A
• Material: Stainless steel and chromed bronze deck unit
• Recommended Boat Length: Up to 47 feet
• Manual Override: Yes, via emergency crank/clutch release handle
• Control Options: Helm switch; optional foot switches or remote
• Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
• Weight: 51 pounds

Frequently Asked Questions

What size chain and rope does the Maxwell RC108CAP12V use? The RC108CAP12V is set up for 5/16 inch (8mm) short-link chain spliced to 5/8 inch (16mm) three-strand or 8-plait rope.

How much boat can this windlass handle? Maxwell rates the RC10 Windlass w/ Capstan (RC108CAP12V) for boats up to about 47 feet, with a maximum pull of 1540 pounds and a static hold of 3300 pounds.

Is the RC108CAP12V a vertical or horizontal windlass? It is a horizontal windlass that mounts entirely above deck, unlike Maxwell's vertical RC10 models that mount through the deck with the gearbox concealed below.

What voltage and motor power does this windlass run on? The RC108CAP12V runs on 12V DC with a 1000W motor, drawing approximately 100 amps under load.

What retrieval speed can I expect? The RC108CAP12V pulls chain at 79 feet per minute and rope at 65 feet per minute.

What is the windlass housing made of? The RC108CAP12V deck unit is stainless steel and chromed bronze, with a die-cast, marine-grade hard-anodized alloy front case and a removable composite motor cover aft section.

What happens if the windlass loses power? A cone-type clutch/brake mechanism on the RC108CAP12V allows manual free-fall anchoring, and an emergency crank/clutch release handle included with the kit lets you recover the rode by hand.

What is included with the RC108CAP12V windlass? The kit includes the RC10 Windlass w/ Capstan, a dual-direction solenoid pack, a circuit breaker/isolator panel, an up/down remote control panel, and an emergency crank/clutch release handle.

What size circuit breaker does this windlass need? Maxwell recommends a 135 amp circuit breaker for the RC108CAP12V windlass installation.

How is the RC108CAP12V different from a vertical Maxwell RC10? The RC108CAP12V is a horizontal, bolt-down design that installs completely above deck, while the vertical RC10 windlass installs through the deck with a below-deck gearbox; choose the horizontal version when under-deck space is limited.

Does this windlass work with an all-chain rode? Yes, the RC108CAP12V works effectively with all-chain rodes in addition to the standard rope-to-chain splice setup.

What is the warranty on the Maxwell RC108CAP12V? The RC108CAP12V carries a 3-year limited warranty from Maxwell.