Both Lewmars have identical housings. Their motors are different, however. The H3’s 300 additional watts of power made all the difference in our tests.

We wrap up our series of windlass reviews with a look at a trio of powerful horizontal windlasses. These heavyweight pullers are designed to get the job done under the most trying anchor retrieval situations aboard boats not well suited for a vertical windlass or where having a horizontal capstan would prove valuable for other winching duties. Our two previous evaluations of windlasses appeared in the July (“Windlasses Under $1,000”) and September (“Big Vertical Windlasses”).

What We Tested

The windlasses ranged in price from $1,300 to $2,500 and are recommended for boats from 20 to 55 feet in length. All are designed to be powered by 12 volts DC. …