I got a 28 with v e r y limited deck space, miniscule anchor locker but a hawser pipe leading down below, first to a chain locker then back near the mast.
I was thinking about the following:


No electronics to bother with.

My Santana 28 is a very similar set up to your Compass Bristol. I don't see why
that winch wouldn't work well. Well worth thinking about methinks.

BlueMoon said..
Just to put another point of view Bristol....unless your back is completely gone??, it may just need a change of technique & type of anchor for a 28 ft'er?
The 'new generation', compared to the old CQR type are very light, match that with a good bow roller & anchor chain catch/lock (cant remember the correct name), & ONLY pulling on rode while seated & legs braced against pulpit, a short pull...then take in the slack as the line goes slack, put the chain in the chain catch....rest....repeat, when rode is vertical, cleat it off, it should break free, or even walk to the back of the boat, then walk back to the bow & retrieve, just a thought to keep it KISS & B.O.A.T for other things.
cheers

Blue Moon, you are right about BOAT and KISS. However, when my back goes it REALLY goes. I'm particularly vulnerable early in the morning before a warm up so a 3am emergency move could be a problem. If I save a few $90 physio appointments and $50 marina fees with a spiffy anchor winch I may come out ahead!

Off to do me stretches.

Bristle

I think $2000 is the best investment on a good quality anchor winch/windlass. Should have up and down control in the cockpit and a good roller/anchor set up.

Know a bit about this topic!!

Have sold and fitted capstan and drum winches for a fair while now.

Pros and cons of both

Capstan pros
- Can have as much rope and chain (or all chain) as the locker can handle
- Can have a fully sealed S/S box with motor and gearbox
- Can be low profile on deck
- Can have a rope only capstan added to use as an electric halyard winch

Cons
- Can be limited by locker size to rope and chain capacity
- If motor and gearbox under the deck, they can eventually get corroded and stop!!
- Have to use a certain type/size of rope and chain

Drum winch pros
- Compact
- All S/S available
- Any type/size of rope/chain
- Can mount in any orientation

Cons
- Can override/tangle
- Can be limited if you want alot of chain or large drum needed

I am looking at mounting a drum on an S/S 34. Will be mounted on the vertical aft bulkhead of the chain locker with a hawse fwd of the locker lid, meaning the locker can still be used.
Also looking at an apllication for a 25ft power boat who anchors in 15m to go diving. We are going to put on 15m of 8mm chain, 15m of 8mm 8-plait nylon rope for stretch, then 100m x 6mm dyneema for scope on the back. Not something you could ever do with a capstan winch!!!