There comes a time when power-assist is a good thang. Now that I have a power windlass I'll never again own a boat over 25 feet that doesn't have one.

When we bought our current boat it came with power main winches on the cabin top. I figured I need the exercise and would always use the winch handle. Well, I can't remember the last time I used the winch handle -- on our 55-foot leech full-battened main that weighs at least 70+ lbs.

When was the last time you mis-placed your TV remote? Would you get up and change channels on the TV manually? No... You'd turn the house upside-down looking for it before you'd resort to that!

Note the button at the top of the bulkhead, below the winch... That button is my friend. Note also the thruster and windlass controls on the pedestal. I like them too.