johnd01

I am planning the installation of an EZ Puller Patriot 2 drum anchor winch on my Hydra-Sports 230 WA. I have attached some pictures, showing the location with a wood copy of the winch (minus the motor). The best location for the winch partially covers the anchor rope locker. The rope locker extends back under the opening about 10 inches. My plan is to bolt a ¼” stainless steel plate over the front half of the locker opening and extending well past the opening on either side and bolt it to the deck on both sides. I would bolt the winch to the plate and modify the opening hatch lid to cover the back of the opening. This will give me access to tighten the nuts and in the future. Will this work and is it the best approach? I would like to avoid major modifications to the bow area. I’m new to fiberglass boats, but I know that I need to drill the bolt holes oversize, fill them with epoxy filler, and then drill the bolt holes through the plug. I plan on using G10 backing plates with thick fender washers. If I use ¼” bolts, how much oversize should I drill the holes before filling them with epoxy filler? EZ Puller's customer service staff (excellent and fast response) says it will work, but I can always use advice.

Proposed location of winch


The rope locker tapers down. This is as far as the winch would fit, and the motor (not shown) would be a problem

Inside of rope locker where plate would be bolted

Empty rope locker

raybark

I may be wrong, but if there's a good size backing plate and the EZ-Puller base is broad enough, you can probably avoid the epoxy back-fill.

FatKatFishing

How deep is that locker? Going with 1/2” or 5/8” rope? I’m sorry I’m filled with questions but looking to add a windlass to my Carolina Classic 25. What type of fishing, mainly <100’ depth water? All those through bolts will be above the water line so I wouldn’t think you need to go ‘overboard’ with epoxy work. Haha. 5200! I would caution you to research and use the best stainless steel fasteners for marine use. I’m sorry I don’t have a recommendation but some lesser stainless grades just aren’t designed to hold up in salt water as well. Looking good!

johnd01

The locker is about 18" deep but tapers down quickly. In the picture with the model in the locker, it's as far in as it will go. I fish in San Francisco Bay, typically anchoring in 20-40 ft, sometimes in quite strong tidal currents. Anchor line is 1/2". I may switch to smaller to get more line. It's above the water line, but probably gets quite lot of spray in the chop, plus rain in the winter.

Theman772

I am thinking of getting an ez puller as well not sure if you have enough space from your bow roller to the winch