With 300 watts of additional power the Lewmar H3 performed notably better than the its sibling, the H2.

We wrap up our series of windlass reviews with a look at a trio of powerful horizontal windlasses. These heavyweight pullers are designed to handle relatively high loads aboard boats not well suited for a vertical windlass or where having a horizontal capstan would prove valuable for other winching duties. Two recent articles, (“Windlasses Under $1,000,” July 2005) and September (“Big Vertical Windlasses,” September 2005), compared other windlasses that may be better suited for your purposes.

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. …