Factory-audited suppliers Class certificates from the maker · CCS · BV · ABS · DNV · LR · NK · KR · RINA · RS Est. 2015 · Taizhou, Jiangsu
sales@hiqool.com +86 523-8762-5500
Request Quote

FAQ

Anchor capstan: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

Published | Updated | 11 min read
Qiangbin Zhu, Founder of Hicool

Qiangbin Zhu

Founder, Hicool Machinery

Expertise: 10+ years in marine & industrial equipment sourcing. Supplies equipment with CCS, BV or ABS class certificates for vessels and industrial facilities.

anchor windlass capstan
Table of Contents

    This post has all information you are finding of Anchor Capstan.

    Whether you want to study about the parts, function, testing outline, working principle, trouble

    in operation or tips to buying anchor capstan from China, you will find everything in this guide.

    Keep reading to know more about this mooring equipment.

    What is Anchor Capstan

    The Anchor Capstan could pay in and out the chain to control the anchor.

    Let a boat dock or mooring in a pier or anchorage.

    anchor windlass capstan
    anchor windlass capstan

    How much does Anchor Capstan cost?

    Ok, you will pay between 8500.00 and 25000.00 USD Dollars for your anchor capstan.

     You could pick the many kinds of anchor capstan from different configure in price.

     Among the different configures of anchor capstan, we also have other quality ratings that affect the price.

     Namely, the better the quality of anchor capstans, the more money you will pay for them.

    What is the quality standard of our Anchor Capstan Winches?

    Anchor winches must strictly comply with the relevant quality standards.

     The following are the central quality norms or classification society norms to which the anchor winches will comply:

     CCS Classification Code for Steel Marine Ships

     CCS Code of Materials and Welding

     ISO4568-2006 "Shipbuilding - Sea-going vessels - Anchor lifters and anchor winches

     GB4447-2008 "Anchor Hoists and Anchor Winches for Marine Ships

     GB6918-2005 Manual Anchor Hoist and Anchor Winch

     ABS

     BV

     KR

     NK

     DNV-GL

     RMRS

    How do you custom-make Anchor Capstan?

    We often customize the anchor capstans according to the client's requirements.

     In this situation, you will supply the right information to allow us to customize the anchor capstan.

     Among the communication that we request is the design of the anchor you want.

     You send information such as working load, speed, materials, motor and reducer brand, and others.

     With the information in our hands, you will get the first draft and function.

     To help you save time, please answer the questions as below:

    What is the function of Anchor Capstan?

     You will use the anchor capstan for berthing and anchoring, and mooring operation.

     In berthing and mooring operation, anchor capstan will wind the mooring lines in the capstan head from the ship to the anchorage or harbor.

     In anchoring operation, anchor capstan will pay out anchor chain to drop the anchor in berthing place.

     You will, therefore, have a proper device that helps you complete the appropriate operation.

    What are the components of Anchor Capstan

     An anchor winch consists of the following components:

     the clutch device, coupling flange, Capstan head, anchor chain wheel, belt brake, reducer, and motor.

    anchor mooring capstan breakdown
    anchor mooring capstan
    • 1. Clutch handwheel
    • 2. Warping head
    • 3. Gypsy
    • 4. Brake
    • 5. Connecting flange
    • 6. Reducer
    • 7. Motor

    Brake Part

    38mm anchor capstan Brake Part
    38mm anchor capstan Brake Part

    The anchor chain wheel brake consists of a brake band, screw, worm gear reducer, and operating handwheel. When the brake is needed, the handwheel is turned clockwise, and the brake band is tightened by the worm gear and the screw, thus realizing the braking function. The opposite direction is to loosen the brake belt.

    Clutch Part

    38mm anchor capstan Clutch
    38mm anchor capstan Clutch

    Clutch part by the handwheel, screw, nut three parts, the nut, and winch cover are welded together through the handwheel to turn the screw to achieve the lifting of the winch through the nut so that the winch part of the teeth embedded and anchor chain wheel on the teeth embedded to achieve clutch.

    flange

    38mm anchor capstan flange
    38mm anchor capstan flange

    The coupling flange is mainly made of 20mm and 25mm thick steel plates. A 20mm flange fixes the motor, and a 25mm flange is welded to the ship deck. The anchor winch is set to the deck by 15 M20 bolts.

    Motor

    38mm Anchor Capstan Motor
    38mm Anchor Capstan Motor

    The motor is a three-phase marine motor, flange mounted and equipped with a brake, explosion-proof grade BT4, edge insulation grade F, and protection grade IP56. Its output shaft is directly compatible with the input end of the reducer.

    Reducer and axis

    cycloid reducer
    cycloid reducer

    Speed Reducer is a built-in planetary reducer purchased directly.

    The installation method involves vertical upside-down oil lubrication. The output flange is connected with the connecting plate, the shaft output is matched with the anchor sprocket and the capstan hub, and the input end is matched with the motor

    Cable lifter

    78mm anchor chain lifter
    78mm anchor chain lifter

    The gypsy part is executed according to the standard CB/T3179-1996, and the anchor cable lifter is cast and processed by the material ZG310-570. Its hub part is matched with the output shaft part of the reducer device through the sliding bearing.

    the capstan head

    cast for capstan head
    cast for capstan head

    The winch part is executed according to the standard CB/T3827-1998, welded by the material Q345B, and its hub part matched with the output shaft part of the reducer device through the key

    How does Anchor Capstan work?

     Through the cycloid reducer deceleration, Driven by the motor to the output shaft output to the head of the winch through the key and reducer output shaft coupling, motor rotation, then winch rotation. Receiving and releasing the rope and anchor chain is achieved by the forward and reverse rotation of the motor output shaft to meet the customer's needs for work.

    How does the Anchor capstan compare to the mooring capstan?

    From components, the anchor capstan has a particular part: anchor gypsy. As follow:

     From a price perspective, the anchor capstan may be more expensive than the mooring capstan, which has the same function and size.

     From the Anchoring system, the Anchor capstan is your favorite.

     From the mooring system, mooring capstan is your best choice.

    How do you maintain Anchor Capstan?

    Check frequently whether the anchor winch is deformed and cracked and whether the mounting bolts are loose. If so, eliminate them before use.

    If you need to stop using it for a long time, please cover it with a protective cover.

    Lubricant grade

    Lubricating oil refueling quantity about 4L~5L

    How do you disassemble and assemble the anchor capstan?

     Remove the clutch handwheel on the anchor winch.

     Remove the bolts on the upper cover plate of the winch and take off the upper cover plate.

     Remove the brake parts and chain release device on the anchor sprocket.

     Remove the winch and anchor sprocket in turn.

     Remove the bolts on the flange connecting the reducer and the ship's plate, and remove the reducer and the motor from the ship's deck together.

    The order of installation is opposite to the order of disassembly and removal.

    How do you operate anchor capstan?

    The winch should do the following checks before each work to correct it before work.

    Check whether the cable and anchor chain is worn Whether to replace them.

    Check whether each part of the connection bolt is loose and whether each oiling point oil is sufficient.

    Check if there are obstacles around.

    Second, the operation of the anchor winch.

    When the winch part works, brake the anchor chain wheel, disengage the clutch, and start the motor.

    Then start the motor. The winch part starts to work. When the engine stops, the brake is automatically applied by the brake on the motor.

    When the anchor sprocket part is working, the winch can not be wound with cable. Close the clutch and release the manual brake. The anchor chain wheel starts to work, and when it stops, the brake on the motor automatically works. The handwheel tightens the manual brake, and the clutch is released.

    To avoid damage, the winch and anchor chain wheel should not work at the same time.

    Apart from anchor capstan, which other devices do you need?

    We offer many kinds of anchor caps from 12.5mm to 56mm(as of 15 January 2020).

    Here are some of the products that you ought to consider buying alongside the anchor capstan:

    Chain stopper

    How do you increase the efficiency of the anchor capstan?

    It would be best if you took good care of the anchor capstan regularly to increase its efficiency of the anchor capstan.

    Here are a few tips you should pay close attention to to increase the productivity of the anchor capstan.

    Good record keeping

    You must maintain the right record and keep track of the performance of the anchor capstan.

    Based on the information, you will know the parts that reduce performance and make the necessary changes.

    Proper machine maintenance

    Please find "How do you maintain anchor capstan."

    Replacing the broken parts

    You must also ensure all the parts are working well with no problems.

    In that situation, you need to change any damaged part, as it will cause machine malfunctions.

    Right operate anchor

    Please check FAQ"How do you operate anchor capstan."

    What should you think when buying anchor capstans?

    Well, you must be very careful when you are buying the anchor capstan.

    You must check the correct technical specifications and decide based on application requirements.

    Safe working load, speed, overload, holding the load of an anchor capstan

    You could ask them to submit a calculation book with the specifications to you.

    It is essential to match each parameter in the calculation.

    The material of housing and capstan and others

    Each part's material could be tracked by steel factories that produce it.

    Equipment commissioning

    If you have enough capital, please ask the factory to issue the classification society certificate according to the relevant needs.

    If you have limited funds, ask the classification society to do a third-party inspection.

    If you have insufficient funds, please ask the factory to issue the test outline according to the classification society inspection standard and conduct the test according to the method.

    What are the benefits of our anchor capstans?

    You choose our anchor capstans for several reasons, including its great benefits.

    Here are some of the benefits that you will enjoy by using our transparency testers.

    Better safety and performance

    We often use electricity to power our robust anchor capstans, making the berthing or mooring process safer and more comfortable.

    Our sturdy construction pledges top performance under all harsh conditions.

    Quality control and extensive guarantee

    We design, produce, test, and trade hundreds of marine capstans at our manufacturers.

    It helps us to supply customized marine capstan solutions.

    We provide a comprehensive guarantee on all our products and offer all your device's services on the requirement.

    Reduces overall costs such as time and money

    When you send your request, you will receive your sketch, functions, specifications, price, and delivery time within 1-24 hours.

    Compared to other trade companies and factories, we do what we are familiar with. We have been focused on marine winches and marine capstans for about 15 years. We earn only a little profit, but we help you establish a good relationship with your client and increase the number of orders we place.

    Easier to operate and more comfortable to maintain

    High levels of durability

    Marine material

    marine motor

    marine reducer

    Marine welding certification

    Test it in our workshop before delivering.

    How to Source Marine Capstan from China

    If you are looking to buy a marine capstan from a Chinese supplier, here are the most important tips to help you source the right product at a fair price.

    1. Find and Verify the Right Supplier

    Marine capstans are specialized equipment — avoid general marketplaces and look for suppliers that specialize in deck machinery. Verify their background: are they a manufacturer or a middleman? How many years of experience do they have? Check whether they hold CCS, BV, ABS, or DNV type approval certificates for their capstan products.

    2. Don't Sacrifice Quality for Price

    Chinese manufacturing offers competitive pricing, but the cheapest quote often reflects lower material grades or skipped inspections. Look for suppliers committed to classification society standards and full material traceability. A well-built capstan with proper marine-grade motor, reducer, and welding certification will far outlast a bargain unit.

    3. Communicate Specifications Clearly

    Put everything in writing: working load, speed, overload capacity, motor type (explosion-proof grade, IP rating), chain caliber, and any classification society requirements. Ask the supplier for a calculation book and match these parameters against the actual product specifications. Clear documentation prevents costly misunderstandings later.

    4. Ensure Full Material Traceability

    A reliable supplier will provide material certificates traceable back to the steel mill for every major component — housing, gypsy wheel, shaft, and capstan head. At Hicool, each component can be tracked to its source factory, giving buyers confidence in material quality and providing documentation for classification society surveys.

    5. Request Classification Certification

    If your budget allows, request full classification society certification (CCS, BV, ABS, DNV-GL, etc.) for the capstan. This includes witnessed factory testing of load, speed, and braking performance. If funds are limited, at minimum request the factory test report following classification society inspection standards.

    Qiangbin Zhu, Founder of Hicool

    Written by

    Qiangbin Zhu

    Founder — Taizhou Hicool Machinery Co., Ltd.

    Qiangbin has been sourcing marine and industrial equipment from China's top manufacturers since 2015. He specializes in supplying equipment with CCS, BV or ABS class certificates. He holds deep relationships with factories across Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shandong provinces.

    Need Help Sourcing This Equipment?

    Get quotations with classification society certification, factory test reports, and competitive FOB pricing from verified Chinese manufacturers.

    10+ Years Industry Experience
    CCS · BV · ABS Certified Products
    7–45 Days Delivery Window