I have a Lofrans windlass installed on the bow of my J/37 with heavy ground tackle. Below the deck is a large, maybe 3 ft by 2.5 ft 1/4in aluminum backing plate. Works fine. If you get a windlass with a gypsy and a working rope drum, then you can use the drum for other tasks. I use it to raise the dinghy on the topping lift. You could use it with a snatch block to raise the main. I second the Tides Marine sail track.

Paul L