Lewmar H2 Windlass Standard Kit

Lewmar H2 Windlass Standard Kit

Lewmar H2 Windlass Standard Kit are part of Lewmar’s renowned H-Series, the H2 combines a sleek, modern aesthetic with the rugged "worm gearbox" technology that has made Lewmar a household name in marine engineering. Designed for boats up to 14 metres (48ft), this standard kit is engineered to be a "fit and forget" solution, featuring a fully sealed waterproof unit that requires remarkably little maintenance.

Lewmar H2 Windlass Standard Kit Key Features

• Robust Performance: Utilises a heavy-duty horizontal worm motor-gearbox for consistent, reliable pulling power even under heavy loads.
• Simple Installation: The H2 is designed for quick, one-piece installation above deck. With an integral contactor protected by the maincase, the wiring process is significantly simplified.
• Durability & Weight Saving: Built with a lightweight aluminium and composite maincase, finished to withstand the harsh marine environment while keeping weight off the bow.
• W.A.R.P. Technology: Features a Stainless Steel warping drum with Lewmar’s unique "Wear and Abrasion Reduction Pattern" to extend the life of your ropes.
• Ready for Technology: Comes fitted with a reed switch and magnet as standard, making it fully compatible with chain counter applications if you choose to upgrade your helm in the future.
• Dual Direction Operation: Complete control at your fingertips for both power-up and power-down functionality.

What’s in the Box?

We provide this as a Standard Kit to ensure you have the core components needed to get up and running:

• • H2 Windlass Unit (12V / 700W)
  • Built-in Dual Direction Contactor (Simplified wiring)
  • Guarded Rocker Switch (Helm control)
  • Circuit Breaker (Safety protection)

Technical Specifications 

• • Typical Boat Length: Up to 14m (48ft)
  • Motor Power700W / 12V
  • Max Pull650kg
  • Working Load163kg
  • Line SpeedUp to 21m/min
  • Gypsy Size8mm DIN 766 / ISO 4565
  • Rope Size14-16mm 3-Strand and 8-Plait

Morgan Marine Expert Tip:

When installing, ensure you have at least 300mm of fall between the underside of the deck and the top of your stowed anchor chain to prevent snagging. 

Lewmar H2 Windlass Standard Kit FAQs

Is the Lewmar H2 suitable for my boat size?

The H2 is a robust unit designed for boats typically ranging from 10m to 14m (approx. 34ft to 48ft). If your boat falls within this range, the 700W motor provides the perfect balance of power and efficiency. For peace of mind, we always recommend checking that the total weight of your anchor and rode multiplied by four does not exceed the windlass's maximum pull.

What size chain and rope does the H2 gypsy accept?

The H2 is versatile and designed to handle both rope and chain on the same gypsy.

• • Chain: Most kits are fitted with the '505' gypsy, which takes 8mm (5/16") DIN 766, ISO 4565, or G4 chain.
  • Rope: It is compatible with 14mm to 16mm (9/16" to 5/8") 3-strand or 8-plait medium-lay nylon rope.

Why should I choose a horizontal windlass over a vertical one?

The H2 is a horizontal windlass, meaning the motor and gearbox are housed in a single unit above deck. This makes installation much easier as you don't need to cut large holes for a motor to hang below into the cabin or locker. It is the ideal choice if you have a shallow anchor locker, as it allows the chain to fall directly into the deepest part of the locker.

How easy is it to install?

One of the best features of the H-Series is the one-piece installation. Because the contactor (relay) is integrated into the main case, you have far fewer wires to run and fewer components to mount in the locker. If you’re handy with a drill and basic marine electrics, it’s a very straightforward DIY job.

Is it durable enough for the British marine environment?

Absolutely. The maincase is built from a combination of aluminium and composite materials to keep weight down without sacrificing strength. It features a waterproof seal that requires very little maintenance, and the warping drum (if selected) is made from high-quality stainless steel with Lewmar’s unique "Wear and Abrasion Reduction Pattern" (WARP) to protect your ropes.

Can I operate the H2 manually if my battery fails?

Yes, though it requires an optional Emergency Recovery Kit (sold separately). We highly recommend adding this to your kit if you plan on doing long-distance cruising, as it allows you to recover your anchor manually using a standard winch handle should you lose power.

Does the H2 support a chain counter?

Yes, the H2 comes with a reed switch and magnet pre-fitted as standard. This means it is "chain counter ready"—you simply need to plug in a Lewmar AA series chain counter to see exactly how much rode you have deployed from the comfort of the helm.

What maintenance is required?

Because the H2 is a sealed, waterproof unit, maintenance is minimal. We recommend rinsing the unit with fresh water after use to remove salt deposits and checking the mounting bolts and electrical connections once a season to ensure everything remains tight and corrosion-free.