There are many upgrades available to older windlasses. Pictured above on the left is an old Model GAWS  windlass, well built and powerful, but with a few shortcomings. The gear case was built of steel, strong, but a maintenance nuisance. The motor is exposed to the elements. It has only one speed and is a bit on the slow side. Pictured above right is a replacement for the old GAWS. The case is built of 316L stainless steel which is offered in a powder coated or a highly polished finish. The motor is enclosed inside the case, completely protected from the elements and the windlass is much more attractive. The new case is built with the same hawse and bolt holes to avoid costly deck modifications. A variable speed hand held control is also offered.

Above left a manual windlass installed on a bowsprit on a  40' sailboat. Above right the electric replacement, an IDEAL H2S with a polished stainless steel gear case, mounted in the same spot uses 3 of the 4 original bolt holes. Note the wildcat and gypsy on the starboard side and a single gypsy on the port.