The Right Drum Winch For A 5m To 6m Boat
Not all winches suit all boats. Get the fit right the first time.
- 880 / 990 Recommended series
- 9kg to 14kg Anchor weight range
- 5m to 6m Hull length
Why Hull Length Matters
A winch sized for a 10m trailer-sailor has no place on a 5.5m bowrider. The rope volume in the drum, the pull force through the motor, and the footprint on your bow all need to match the boat you are running.
For most Australian runabouts, tinnies, and bowriders in the 5m to 6m range, the Savwinch 880 and 990 series cover the field.
Which Model Fits Your Boat
Savwinch 880 series — boats up to 5.2m (17ft)
315mm wide, 210mm high, 10.5kg. Sits neatly on most tinnie and small runabout bows. Includes 65m of 6mm double braid rope and 6m of chain.
Savwinch 990 series — boats from 5.2m to 6m (17ft to 19ft)
317mm wide, 210mm high, 11.5kg. A bit more rope capacity in the same compact layout. Includes 65m of 6mm double braid rope and 6m of chain.
If you are anchoring in Sydney, the Whitsundays, or anywhere that sees regular chop and salt, the SS™ or SSS™ is worth the step up. For a weekend tinnie on a freshwater impoundment or sheltered bay, the CS™ does the job.
Classic, Signature, Or Stainless Steel
All three series share the same sealed motor design, the same self-locking worm-drive gearbox, and warranty cover in Australia and New Zealand. Here is where they differ.
Warranty terms shown are for Australia and New Zealand. International warranty terms vary by region, contact your local distributor. Full terms are on our warranty page.
What Comes In The Box
- 65m of 6mm double braid rope and 6m of short-link chain (pre-spliced)
- Backing plate
- Guide roller
- Up/down deck switch
- Circuit breaker
- Anchor swivel
- Solenoid
You will need a 12V power feed from your battery, a drill, and a couple of hours. Wiring diagrams and install guides are on the website.
Pairing Your Winch With The Right Anchor
For a 5m to 6m boat in typical Australian conditions, you are looking at a 9kg to 14kg anchor.
SAV Slider™ — Sandy and muddy bottoms. Sets fast, good general-purpose choice for sheltered bays and estuaries.
Claw Slider™ — Mixed ground, weed, and kelp. The claw profile gets through surface growth to the bottom.
Not sure what ground you are anchoring on? Call Head Office: +61 3 8361 8841
Shop the 990 range for 5.2m to 6m hulls, or the 880 range for hulls under 5.2m →
FAQs For 5m To 6m Boats
The questions we hear most from owners of tinnies, runabouts, and half-cabins in this size range.
Can I install a drum winch myself?
Yes. The fitting process is straightforward if you are comfortable with a drill and basic 12V wiring. The winch bolts through the bow with a backing plate. Step-by-step instruction manuals and wiring diagrams are available on the website, or call us if you want to talk through your setup first.
What chain do I need?
The 880 and 990 both come with 6m of short-link chain in the kit. That is enough for most recreational anchoring. If you anchor in deeper water or want more weight at the bottom of the catenary, you can add more chain.
What anchor weight is right for a 5m to 6m boat?
For a typical 5m to 6m Australian runabout, a 9kg to 14kg anchor covers most situations. Lighter boats and sheltered anchorages sit at the lower end. If your boat has high freeboard or you fish exposed coasts, call us and we will size it properly.
What if I am not sure which model fits my boat?
Use the SavMatch™ configurator or give Head Office a call. We will tell you exactly what to order.
Not The Right Size Boat?
Anchor Winch for 7m to 9m Boats
1000, 1500, and 2000 series. Centre consoles, half-cabins, and walk-arounds.
Read the guide →Anchor Winch for 9m to 14m Boats
2000 and 3000 series. Flybridge cruisers, sportfishers, and pilothouse boats.
Read the guide →Not sure which size fits?
Answer four quick questions and we will match a Savwinch, anchor, rope and chain to your boat.
Try SavMatch™ →
