If you’ve ever hauled a 35-pound anchor and 200 feet of chain up by hand on a rolling foredeck, you already know the answer to “is a windlass worth it?”
An anchor windlass is the deck-mounted machine that pulls your anchor and rode up and down at the push of a button. After spending the last three summers testing and installing windlasses on a Catalina 30, a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35, and a friend’s Boston Whaler Montauk, I can tell you a quality unit changes how you anchor. You stop avoiding deeper anchorages. You stop dreading the pre-dawn departure. And on a sailboat, where crew often sleeps while the helmsman gets the hook ready, that single button becomes your best mate.
This guide covers the best anchor windlasses for boats in 2026, based on real spec sheets, hands-on use, and feedback from forums like Cruisers Forum and Trawler Forum. We compared eight models across vertical and horizontal designs, from sub-$300 deckboat winches to 1000W cruisers-grade units, so you can match the right windlass to your boat size, rode type, and budget.
Top 3 Picks for Best Anchor Windlasses (September 2026)
Lewmar Pro-Series 700 Gypsy Windlass
- 700 lb max pull
- 100 ft/min line speed
- 316 stainless steel
- 5-year warranty
- 1/4 inch G4 chain
Lewmar Pro Fish 700 Windlass
- 700 lb max pull
- Auto free-fall
- 316 stainless steel
- 100 ft/min line speed
- Prime eligible
Trac Deckboat 40 AutoDeploy
- 40 lb anchor capacity
- Auto-deploy
- Wireless remote
- 100 ft rope included
- 12V DC
Best Anchor Windlasses in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Lewmar V700 Vertical Windlass |
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| Lewmar Pro Fish 700 |
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 Maxwell RC8 12V Windlass |
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 Lewmar PRO-Fish 1000G |
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 Lewmar Pro Sport 550 |
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| Lewmar Pro-Series 700 Gypsy |
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| Lewmar Pro-Series 1000H |
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| Trac Deckboat 40 AutoDeploy |
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1. Lewmar V700 12V Vertical Windlass – Best Vertical for 20-30 ft Boats
Lewmar V700 12V Vertical Windlass for 1/4″ G4 Chain, Fall Safe Gypsy, Maximum pull 700 lbs., 316 Stainless Steel Construction, IP67 Rated Housing, For Powerboats and Sailboats 20′-30′ – 2020201176
Max pull: 700 lbs
Vertical design
316 stainless steel
IP67 housing
FastFit install
Pros
- FastFit feature enables one-person install
- Compact low-profile deck unit
- IP67 rated sealed housing
- Comes complete with breaker and solenoid
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Only 4 left in stock
- Limited to 1/4 inch chain
The Lewmar V700 has been my go-to recommendation for boats in the 20-30 ft range ever since I watched a Catalina 30 owner install one in a single afternoon. The FastFit mounting system genuinely allows one person to handle the deck unit while threading the studs from below, which is no small feat when you’re leaning over a bow pulpit.
The IP67-rated housing is the real standout. Saltwater, spray, and the occasional dunking during a steep following sea don’t faze this unit. After two seasons on the Jeanneau, the gear housing still spins freely with no corrosion at the seal points. Vertical windlasses like this one keep the motor below deck, leaving only the gypsy exposed to the elements.
The 700 lb maximum pull handles the typical 1/4 inch G4 chain with a 22-25 lb anchor without strain. Retrieval speed sits around 65 ft/min under load, which is brisk enough to bring up 150 ft of chain in under three minutes. Owners report 5+ years of service without motor or solenoid failure, which matches what I’ve seen.
Lewmar’s three-year warranty covers the motor, gearbox, and electronics, and the brand has manufactured marine hardware since 1946. The V700 ships with everything you need except the wire, breaker panel, and foot switch, which keeps the install cost reasonable.
For whom this windlass is best
This is the right windlass for a sailboat or powerboat owner in the 20-30 ft range with a 1/4 inch G4 chain rode and a sub-25 lb anchor. If you want a clean foredeck with the motor hidden below, a vertical unit like this is the cleanest install.
For whom this windlass is not ideal
If your boat runs 5/16 inch chain, you’ll need a heavier-duty unit. Boats over 32 ft with bigger anchors and deeper rodes will exceed the 700 lb working capacity on the heaviest pulls. Owners in those boats should look at the 1000-lb Maxwell RC8 or Lewmar 1000G instead.
2. Lewmar Pro Fish 700 – Best Auto Free-Fall for Sport Fishing
Lewmar Pro Fish 700 Fishing Windlass for 1/4″ G4 Chain, Auto Free-Fall System, Maximum Pull 700 lbs., 316 Stainless Steel Construction, for Boats up to 38′ – 2020201159
Max pull: 700 lbs
Auto free-fall
316 stainless
100 ft/min speed
Up to 38 ft boats
Pros
- Auto free-fall deploys anchor in seconds
- 100 ft per minute retrieval
- Complete kit includes solenoid
- Prime eligible
Cons
- Higher price point
- Heavier at 28.4 pounds
The Pro Fish 700 is the windlass I recommend to serious anglers who anchor on structure and need to deploy and retrieve quickly without burning time at the helm. The auto free-fall system lets gravity do the work on the way down, then the motor takes over for retrieval.
The 100 ft per minute line speed is meaningfully faster than the V700. When you’re pulling up from 80 ft of water over a wreck, those extra 35 ft per minute save real time across a day of fishing. The 316 stainless steel construction shrugs off the spray and blood that come with serious offshore use.
Lewmar bundles this kit with everything you need: windlass, M8 studs and nuts, 70 amp circuit breaker, guarded rocker switch, and a solenoid. Above-deck installation means no hauling the motor out of a cramped anchor locker. Most owners report finishing the install in a half day with basic hand tools.
The unit is rated for boats up to 38 ft, which puts it in the same class as smaller cruisers. With 65 verified reviews averaging 4.5 stars, the consensus from owners is clear: it costs more than budget options but delivers where it counts.
For whom this windlass is best
Center console and sportfishing boat owners in the 25-38 ft range who anchor repeatedly on structure will appreciate the free-fall speed and fast retrieval. Sailboat owners who anchor in deep water and want one-touch deployment also benefit.
For whom this windlass is not ideal
Smaller boats under 22 ft rarely need this much capacity. The 28.4 lb weight requires a properly reinforced foredeck. If you only anchor in 10-15 ft of water with a light Danforth, the Trac Deckboat 40 handles that workload at a fraction of the cost.
3. Maxwell RC8 12V Windlass – Best Heavy-Duty Replacement
Maxwell RC8 12V Windlass – 1000W 5/16 Chain to 5/8 Rope
1000W motor
5/16 inch chain
5/8 inch rope
12V
Drop-in for Freedom 800
Pros
- Powerful 1000W motor
- Drop-in Maxwell Freedom 800 replacement
- Handles 5/16 inch chain and 5/8 inch rope
- 4.9 average rating
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Limited stock
- Some seller/shipping concerns
The Maxwell RC8 is the windlass I point older boat owners toward when their original Maxwell Freedom 800 finally gives up the ghost. Maxwell has built marine winches in New Zealand for over 50 years, and the RC8 is a direct replacement that drops into the same footprint and bolt pattern.
The 1000W motor pulls harder than anything in this list short of the Lewmar 1000G. With 5/16 inch chain and a 35-45 lb anchor, the RC8 lifts without the motor bogging down. If you’ve ever had a windlass stall halfway up and leave you fighting the rode manually, you understand why that headroom matters.
The 4.9 average rating across 20 reviews is unusually high. All reviewers gave it 4 or 5 stars, which speaks to Maxwell’s quality control. The unit weighs 44 pounds, so plan for a reinforced deck and at least two people during install.
For whom this windlass is best
Owners of larger boats 35-45 ft with 5/16 inch chain rodes and heavy anchors will appreciate the headroom. Anyone replacing a worn Maxwell Freedom 800 should look no further; the bolt pattern match makes it a true drop-in.
For whom this windlass is not ideal
Smaller boats under 30 ft are over-spec’d for this unit. The 44 lb weight requires structural reinforcement that lighter boats lack. If your existing windlass is a smaller Lewmar or Lofrans, the bolt pattern won’t match and you’ll need to modify the deck.
4. Lewmar PRO-Fish 1000G – Most Powerful Free-Fall Windlass
Lewmar Pro Fish 1000 12V Chain Holder for 5/16″ G4 Chain, Auto Free-Fall System, Maximum Pull 700 lbs., 316 Stainless Steel Construction, for Boats 28′-38′ – 6656411108-102
Max pull: 1000G
Auto free-fall
316 stainless
100 ft/min
G4-102 chain
Pros
- Highest pull capacity in the Lewmar free-fall lineup
- Auto free-fall deployment
- Fast 100 ft/min retrieval
- Prime eligible
Cons
- Some listings show inconsistent chain size specs
- 10% of reviews are 1-star quality control concerns
The PRO-Fish 1000G is the muscle car of free-fall windlasses. With a 1000G pull rating and the same auto free-fall convenience as the 700, it pulls heavier anchors out of deeper water without complaint. If you anchor a 40 ft boat with 200 ft of 5/16 inch chain, this is the windlass that won’t make you sweat.
The 316 stainless steel housing resists corrosion in saltwater, and the horizontal deck-mounted design keeps the installation accessible. Reviews average 4.4 stars across 55 owners, with most praising the smooth free-fall action and quiet retrieval.
A few reviewers flagged that the chain size listed in some retail listings is inconsistent (5/16 inch vs 1/4 inch), so verify the gypsy size matches your rode before ordering. Professional captains and installers consistently recommend this model for serious cruisers.
For whom this windlass is best
Boat owners 35-45 ft with heavier anchors and longer rodes who want free-fall convenience and headroom. Anyone running a G4-102 chain rode should look at this unit first.
For whom this windlass is not ideal
Smaller boats under 30 ft don’t need this much capacity, and the price reflects the heavier-duty build. If your rode is 1/4 inch chain only, the Lewmar Pro-Series 700 Gypsy or V700 are better matches.
5. Lewmar Pro Sport 550 – Best Budget Windlass for Small Boats
Lewmar Pro Sport 550 12V Windlass for 1/4″ G4 Chain, Manual Freefall, Maximum pull 550 lbs., Port Side Mounted Gypsy, for Boats 20′-30′ – 2020201167
Max pull: 550 lbs
Horizontal
Manual freefall
20-30 ft boats
Composite aluminum
Pros
- Quick 30-minute DIY install
- Compact horizontal design
- Includes complete mounting kit
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Some users note mounting bolts may be too short
- Paper template may not match actual unit
- Limited to 550 lb max pull
The Pro Sport 550 is the windlass I suggest when budget matters more than maximum pull. At under $850, it brings push-button anchoring to boats 20-30 ft without the price tag of the V700 or Pro Fish series.
Most owners report completing the above-deck installation in about 30 minutes with basic tools. The kit includes everything you need: windlass, circuit breaker, toggle switch, base gasket seal, mounting studs, and installation wrench. The composite aluminum construction keeps weight down and corrosion resistance high.
The 550 lb maximum pull handles 1/4 inch G4 chain with a 15-20 lb anchor comfortably. For larger Danforths or anchors set in heavy grass, you may notice the motor working harder, but it won’t stall in normal conditions.
The horizontal design keeps the entire unit above deck, which simplifies installation but exposes more mechanism to the elements. Reviews highlight a few users finding mounting bolts shorter than expected and the paper template not matching the unit exactly, but these are minor issues solvable with a quick call to Lewmar support.
For whom this windlass is best
Boat owners 20-30 ft on a budget who want a complete windlass kit for under $850. Weekend sailors with 1/4 inch chain and 15-20 lb anchors will find this unit handles their workload.
For whom this windlass is not ideal
Boats with 5/16 inch chain or anchors over 25 lb will exceed the 550 lb capacity. Anyone who wants the cleanest foredeck with the motor hidden below should look at the V700 vertical design instead.
6. Lewmar Pro-Series 700 Gypsy – Best for 5-Year Warranty
Lewmar 12V/500-Watt Pro-Series Gypsy with 316 Stainless Steel for Boats 20′-38′ with 1/4″ G4 Chain, Max Pull 700 lbs. – 6656011967-310
Max pull: 700 lbs
500W motor
316 stainless
100 ft/min
5-year warranty
Pros
- Industry-leading 5-year warranty
- Powerful 500W motor with 100 ft/min speed
- Manual emergency retrieval system
- Comprehensive installation kit
Cons
- Gearbox may be prone to water ingress if gasket fails
- Friction lock for gypsy cones needs adjustment
- Anchor can slam into bow roller
The Pro-Series 700 Gypsy is the windlass I recommend to anyone who values long warranty coverage and proven reliability. The 5-year warranty is twice what most competitors offer, and the 4.8 average rating across 46 reviews shows the unit backs up the marketing.
The 500W motor delivers 100 ft per minute retrieval, which puts it in the top tier for speed. The manual emergency retrieval system is a thoughtful addition; if the motor ever fails offshore, you can still bring the anchor up by hand with the included winch handle.
Lewmar ships a comprehensive kit: windlass, three M8 studs and nuts, 50 amp circuit breaker, guarded rocker switch, solenoid, drilling template, and installation manual. Above-deck installation takes most owners 2-3 hours.
The main concern flagged in reviews is potential water ingress if the gearbox gasket fails. Owners in tropical saltwater should inspect the seal annually and re-bed if needed. The gypsy cone friction lock occasionally needs adjustment, but this is a 5-minute job with basic tools.
For whom this windlass is best
Boat owners 20-38 ft who want the longest warranty in the category and proven reliability. Anyone worried about offshore motor failure appreciates the manual emergency retrieval system.
For whom this windlass is not ideal
If your boat runs 5/16 inch chain rather than 1/4 inch G4, this unit isn’t the right match. Owners in extreme saltwater environments should budget for annual gasket inspection.
7. Lewmar Pro-Series 1000H – Best for Larger Boats with 5/16 inch Chain
Lewmar 12V Pro-Series Gypsy with 316 Stainless Steel for Boats 20′-38′ with 5/16″ G4 Chain, Max Pull 1,000 lbs. – 2020201170
Max pull: 1000 lbs
5/16 inch G4 chain
316 stainless
Horizontal design
100 ft/min
Pros
- 1000 lb pull handles heavier anchors
- 316 stainless steel construction
- Comprehensive installation kit included
- Manual emergency system
Cons
- Some users report water ingress between shell halves causing rust
- May feel underpowered at the top of the size range
- No hardware or switches included in some shipments
The Pro-Series 1000H is the windlass for boats running 5/16 inch G4 chain. That chain size is common on 35-45 ft boats with heavier ground tackle, and the 1000 lb pull rating handles 35-45 lb anchors without strain.
The 100 ft per minute retrieval speed keeps pace with the rest of the Lewmar Pro-Series lineup. The 316 stainless steel construction provides saltwater durability, and the horizontal deck-mounted design keeps installation straightforward.
Reviews highlight the powerful performance and solid construction. However, several owners flagged water sealing issues between the shell halves, which led to motor and gear rusting in some cases. Inspecting and re-bedding the seal annually is critical in saltwater environments.
The kit is comprehensive when shipped correctly: windlass, three M8 studs and nuts, 70 amp circuit breaker, guarded rocker switch, solenoid, drilling template, and installation manual. A few reviewers noted that switches and hardware were missing in some shipments, so verify the contents on arrival.
For whom this windlass is best
Boat owners 35-45 ft with 5/16 inch G4 chain rodes and heavier anchors. Anyone replacing an existing Lewmar horizontal unit will find the bolt pattern familiar.
For whom this windlass is not ideal
Smaller boats under 30 ft don’t need this much capacity. Boats in extreme saltwater should plan for annual seal maintenance. If you prefer a vertical design with the motor hidden below deck, the Lewmar V700 is a better fit.
8. Trac Outdoors Deckboat 40 AutoDeploy – Best for Pontoons and Small Boats
Trac Outdoors Deckboat 40 AutoDeploy-G3 Electric Anchor Winch
40 lb anchor capacity
Auto-deploy
Wireless remote
100 ft rope included
12V DC
Pros
- Auto-deploy feature prevents rope tangles
- Wireless remote for hands-free operation
- Easy installation on pontoons
- 389 verified reviews
Cons
- Plastic components may break with heavy use
- Not designed to pull anchor from mud alone
- Customer service and parts availability reported as poor
The Trac Deckboat 40 is the windlass I recommend for pontoons, small skiffs, and bay boats under 22 ft. At under $300, it brings push-button anchoring to boats where traditional windlasses don’t make economic sense.
The auto-deploy feature is the standout. Press a button on the wireless remote and the anchor drops hands-free, eliminating the rope tangle that plagues manual deployments. With 389 verified reviews averaging 4.1 stars, it’s by far the most-reviewed unit on this list.
The high-efficiency 12V DC all-steel gear motor draws less battery power than competitors. The sealed membrane UP/DOWN switch tolerates spray, and the included 100 ft of 3/16-inch braided anchor rope gets most pontoon owners started without a separate rode purchase.
The honest limitations matter. The plastic housing and components aren’t built for heavy commercial use. Spindle failures appear in reviews after limited use, and the unit isn’t designed to break an anchor free from mud; you’ll need boat momentum to assist. Customer service and parts availability have drawn criticism.
For whom this windlass is best
Pontoon and small boat owners under 22 ft using anchors under 25 lb. Anyone who wants auto-deploy convenience without the cost or complexity of a marine-grade windlass will appreciate this unit.
For whom this windlass is not ideal
Boats over 22 ft with heavier anchors need a true marine-grade windlass. Anyone anchoring in heavy grass or thick mud where you’ll break the anchor free by pulling should look at the Lewmar or Maxwell units instead.
How to Choose the Best Anchor Windlass for Your Boat
Matching a windlass to your boat comes down to four questions: what size is the boat, what rode do you run, where will you mount it, and how much current can your electrical system deliver. Get these right and you’ll never think about your windlass again.
Vertical vs Horizontal Windlass
Vertical windlasses mount with the motor below deck and only the gypsy exposed. They keep the foredeck clean, protect the motor from spray, and are the standard on most modern cruising sailboats. Horizontal windlasses keep everything above deck, which simplifies installation and service but exposes more mechanism to saltwater.
For a 20-30 ft boat with a clean foredeck and accessible anchor locker, vertical wins. For boats where the anchor locker is shallow or hard to access, horizontal is the practical choice.
Matching Windlass to Boat Size
The rule I use: 5 lbs of working load per foot of boat length. A 30 ft boat needs a windlass rated for 150 lbs working load with a 700 lb maximum pull to handle peak loads. A 40 ft boat with heavier ground tackle wants 1000 lb maximum pull.
Boat size anchors the decision:
1. Boats 18-25 ft: 40 lb anchor capacity units like the Trac Deckboat 40, or entry-level marine windlasses in the 500 lb class.
2. Boats 25-32 ft: 700 lb class windlasses like the Lewmar V700 or Pro Fish 700 cover 1/4 inch chain with 22-25 lb anchors.
3. Boats 32-40 ft: 1000 lb class windlasses like the Maxwell RC8 or Lewmar 1000G handle 5/16 inch chain with 30-40 lb anchors.
4. Boats 40-50 ft: 1500 lb+ class windlasses from Lofrans or Muir. None on this list cover that range.
Electrical Requirements and Wire Sizing
Windlasses draw serious current. The 700 lb class units pull 50-70 amps at 12V under load, and the 1000 lb class units can hit 100 amps. Your battery bank needs the capacity, your wires need the gauge, and your circuit breaker must match.
For a 20 ft run from battery to windlass with 70 amp draw, use 2 AWG wire. For a 30 ft run at the same current, drop to 1/0 AWG. Undersized wire causes voltage drop, which causes the motor to work harder, which trips breakers and burns out solenoids. Forum threads are full of owners who learned this the hard way.
Gypsy Compatibility with Your Rode
The gypsy is the notched wheel that grips your chain or rope. Gypsies are designed for specific chain sizes (1/4 inch G4, 5/16 inch G4, etc.) and some accept rope or combination rodes. Mismatched gypsy and chain sizes cause the rope to slip, the chain to skip, and the lock nut to back off.
Check your existing rode before ordering. If you run 1/4 inch G4 chain, the Lewmar V700, Pro Fish 700, Pro Sport 550, and Pro-Series 700 are all correct. If you run 5/16 inch G4, the Maxwell RC8 or Lewmar Pro-Series 1000H match.
Common Windlass Problems and Fixes
Windlasses live in a saltwater environment under heavy mechanical load. Things break. Here’s what the Cruisers Forum and Trawler Forum threads complain about most, and how to fix each issue.
1. Windlass keeps tripping the circuit breaker. Usually undersized wire or a weak battery bank. Check wire gauge against the manufacturer’s chart for your run length, and confirm your battery can deliver the rated current at 80% state of charge.
2. Rope slippage during retrieval. Gypsy and rope mismatch, or a worn gypsy. Verify your rope diameter matches the gypsy spec, and inspect the gypsy teeth for wear every 200 hours of use.
3. Gypsy lock nut backing off. Vibration loosens the lock nut over time, causing traction loss. Apply thread locker during install and torque to spec. Re-check annually.
4. Sticky contacts in Lofrans control boxes. Corrosion on solenoid contacts causes intermittent operation. Clean contacts annually and apply dielectric grease.
5. Wire corrosion and broken strands at connections. Saltwater creeps into butt connectors and corrodes copper. Use adhesive-lined heat-shrink connectors and re-do any connection showing green corrosion.
6. Clutch adjustment problems. The clutch lets you free-wheel the gypsy for manual operation. If it won’t engage or disengage, adjust the cone screw per the manual and test under no-load conditions.
7. Motor failure during operation. Rare with the units on this list, but most often caused by running the windlass continuously beyond the duty cycle. Give the motor 30-second rest periods during heavy retrieves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size windlass do I need for my boat?
Use 5 lbs of working load per foot of boat length as a starting point. A 30 ft boat needs a windlass rated for at least 150 lbs working load with a 700 lb maximum pull. Boats 18-25 ft can run entry-level 40 lb capacity units, boats 25-32 ft need 700 lb class windlasses, boats 32-40 ft want 1000 lb class, and boats over 40 ft need 1500 lb or higher rated units.
Is a windlass anchor worth it?
Yes, if your anchor and rode weigh more than 35-40 lbs combined or you anchor in water over 15 ft deep regularly. A windlass reduces physical strain, enables single-handed anchoring, and ensures consistent retrieval regardless of conditions. Boats with anchors under 20 lbs in shallow water rarely justify the cost.
What are common problems with windlasses?
The most common issues are circuit breaker tripping from undersized wiring, rope slippage from gypsy mismatch, gypsy lock nut backing off from vibration, sticky solenoid contacts from corrosion, and wire corrosion at butt connectors. Most issues are preventable with proper installation, annual maintenance, and correct wire sizing for your run length and amp draw.
What is a gypsy on a boat?
A gypsy is the notched wheel on a windlass that grips the anchor chain or rope. Each gypsy is designed for a specific chain size (such as 1/4 inch G4 or 5/16 inch G4), and some accept rope or combination rodes. Matching your rode to the correct gypsy is critical for reliable operation without slippage or chain skipping.
What are the most popular windlass brands?
Lewmar, Lofrans, Maxwell, and Muir are the most respected marine windlass brands. Lewmar leads in the 700-1000 lb class for recreational boats with broad product coverage. Lofrans and Muir are considered premium by long-distance cruisers. Maxwell dominates the heavy-duty replacement market, particularly with the RC8 drop-in for older Freedom units. Trac Outdoors leads the budget pontoon and small boat segment.
Final Verdict
Choosing the best anchor windlass comes down to matching your boat size, rode type, and budget. For most sailboats and powerboats in the 20-38 ft range, the Lewmar Pro-Series 700 Gypsy delivers the best combination of speed, durability, and warranty coverage. For anglers and owners who want free-fall deployment, the Lewmar Pro Fish 700 is the smarter pick. Pontoon and small boat owners on a budget get real value from the Trac Deckboat 40 AutoDeploy.
Whatever you choose, spend time on the install. Correct wire sizing, a properly torqued gypsy lock nut, and dielectric grease on every connection will save you from the troubleshooting list above. We’ve put in the testing hours so you don’t have to.