What is the difference between capstan and windlass winches?

Capstan vs. Windlass: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the difference between capstans and windlass systems is essential for professionals in lifting, rigging, and marine environments. While both are mechanical devices used to apply force via rope or chain, they are engineered for different purposes—and it’s important to choose the right tool for the job.

This article breaks down how each system works, where it’s used, and where Lifting.com fits into the picture—especially when it comes to supplying windlass-compatible marine chain from Peerless Acco.

Capstan Winches: Portable Power for Lifting, Pulling, and Hunting

A capstan winch uses a vertical rotating drum that provides controlled lifting or pulling with rope. Rope is wound around the drum using friction, giving the operator precise control and the ability to work with long lengths of rope. These winches do not store rope internally, unlike traditional drum winches.

Common Applications:

• Utility pole setting
• Forestry and land clearing
• Rescue and access
• Hunting and game retrieval
• Equipment handling in rugged terrain

At Lifting.com, we offer Portable Winch Co. capstan winches powered by gas, battery, or electric motors. These winches are trusted by professionals for their portability, strength, and reliability in tough environments—including remote hunting areas. Depending on the jobsite, standards such as ASME B30.7 and OSHA 1910 Subpart N may apply—always follow applicable safety guidelines.

Windlass Systems: Marine Gear for Anchoring and Retrieval

A windlass is a mechanical device most commonly used aboard vessels to raise and lower anchors. Typically mounted at the bow, a windlass includes a horizontal drum and a grooved wheel called a gypsy (or wildcat) that grips the anchor chain. Some models also include a vertical capstan section for handling rope separately.

Key Functions:

• Deploying and retrieving anchors
• Managing heavy anchor chain loads
• Operating in saltwater marine conditions

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Not all galvanized chain is suitable for use in a windlass system. You must use calibrated marine chain—such as Peerless Acco G4 or BBB chain—that is specifically manufactured to fit windlass gypsy wheels. Using the wrong chain can cause dangerous jamming or failure.

While we do not sell windlass winches themselves, we offer a full line of Peerless Acco windlass chain made to exact tolerances for safe, smooth engagement. We are not sailing specialists and do not target the recreational sailing market, but many of our products—especially marine chain—are used in commercial and boating applications.

Capstan vs. Windlass: At a Glance

• Capstan: Vertical drum, rope only, used in lifting, pulling, and hunting
• Windlass: Horizontal drum with gypsy wheel, handles anchor chain (and sometimes rope)

A Note on Terminology

The term windlass is not a brand name—it’s a category of marine anchoring equipment. It’s often confused with “capstan,” especially when the two are integrated on the same unit. But they serve distinct functions:

• The windlass handles chain and anchor deployment.
• The capstan section (if present) manages rope independently.

Accurate terminology is important for selecting the right product and ensuring compatibility—especially with chain and gypsy configurations.

Conclusion

Capstans and windlasses may seem similar at a glance, but their differences are significant—especially when safety and performance are on the line. Whether you're anchoring offshore, retrieving big game in the backcountry, or pulling cable through rough terrain, using the right equipment matters.

At Lifting.com, we offer premium capstan winches for industrial and outdoor use—including hunting—and we stock calibrated marine chain for windlass systems. You’re covered both on land and at sea.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the primary functional difference between a capstan and a windlass?
A capstan is vertically mounted and designed for rope, often used in pulling and lifting operations. A windlass is horizontally mounted and built to handle anchor chain and sometimes rope.

Can both capstans and windlasses manage rope and chain?
Capstans are generally rope-only. Windlasses can handle both, but only with calibrated chain and often a specific rope/chain configuration.

Why is the windlass usually mounted at the bow?
The bow placement allows direct deployment and retrieval of the anchor with minimal directional resistance.

Can a windlass have a capstan section?
Yes. Many windlasses include a capstan drum for rope use, but this does not make them interchangeable with standalone capstan winches.

Does Lifting.com sell windlass winches?
No, we specialize in lifting equipment and do not sell marine windlass systems. However, we do offer windlass-compatible chain from Peerless Acco.