An Easy Guide to Plan Out Your Pontoon Anchoring Solution

Published: Saturday, March 20, 2021

Planning to install the E-Z Anchor Puller pontoon anchoring solution but need a little help? Use this guide to discover the correct winch to pair with the solution that’s best for you.

1. Choose Your Anchor Winch

Each drum anchor winch has the ability to power your anchoring solution for a pontoon or tritoon. Choosing which has to do with the size of your boat and the amount of anchor rope you desire. Rest assured that each unit comes with the same patented motor, stainless steel drum, and amazing seven-year recreational warranty.

Hero EX-1

Designed for pontoons and tritoons up to ~21 feet, the Hero EX-1 is the smallest direct-drive unit, has a stainless steel drum, and a powder-coated aluminium motor and gearbox. Rope capacities include: 115’ of 3/8” rope, plus 10’ of chain; 175’ of 5/16” rope, plus 10’ of chain; and 250’ of 1/4” rope, plus 10’ of chain.

>> Best For: Pontoons, tritoons up to ~21ft in shallow lakes that require minimum anchor rope.

Hero EX-2

Designed for pontoons and tritoons up to ~24 feet, the EX-2 is manufactured from the same materials as the EX-1, but is slightly larger. This gives the boater more rope capacity than its smaller counterpart. Rope capacities include: 175’ of 3/8”, plus 10’ of chain; 225’ of 5/16” rope, plus 10’ of chain; and 375’ of 1/4” rope, plus 10’ of chain.

>> Best For: Pontoons, tritoons up to ~24 ft that need more rope capacity than the EX-1.

Patriot EZ-1

Like the EX-2, this winch is designed for pontoons and tritoons up to ~24 feet, but is a complete 316 stainless steel unit. This serves boaters that prefer full-stainless and those that primarily boat in saltwater. Rope capacities include: 175’ of 3/8”, plus 10’ of chain; 225’ of 5/16” rope, plus 10’ of chain; and 375’ of 1/4” rope, plus 10’ of chain.

>> Best For: Pontoons, tritoons up to ~24 ft that prefer full stainless steel or boat in saltwater.

2. Choose Your Preferred Solution

Christy Funk, E-Z Anchor Puller’s Vice President, says that selecting your solution is not a question of which is better, but is simply about boater preference.

“Choosing between the Hinged and Retractable-style solutions is more about what the boater prefers and is most comfortable anchoring with,” she said. “Another consideration is how you trailer your pontoon or tritoon. You have to decide which is best for you.”

Hinged Anchoring Solution

Installation Overview: The sleeve of the hollow raceway immediately connected to the bow roller head should be installed directly on the edge of the bullnose. The span between the end of the square raceway and the drum winch installation should span 24 inches. Keep trailering in mind, too! Plot out the position of the installation and where it needs to be placed so the bow roller stays up and out-of-the-way of the trailer.

How does it work and look? An upward-swinging bow roller lifts and lowers the anchor as it is operated. When boating or trailering, the hinged bow roller remains in an “upward” position, cradling the mushroom or river anchor vertically a few inches away from the bullnose. From a distance, the bow roller can be seen peeking out from the pontoon skin.

Retractable Anchoring Solution

Installation Overview: The raceway should be installed 10 to 12 inches away from the bullnose so the bow roller can be fully retracted under the pontoon skin. The span between the end of the square raceway and where the drum winch is located should be 24 inches.

How does it work and look? Internal springs in the square aluminium raceway retract the bow roller and anchor completely underneath the deck. The mushroom or river anchor is held at a slightly downward, horizontal angle. When fully retracted and not in use, the bow roller remains hidden via the internal spring that pulls it in and extends it out. When in use, the bow roller head will glide forward and can be seen slightly protruding out from the bullnose while it lowers the anchor into the water during operation.

3. Choose Your Optional Upgrades

Long-Range Wireless Remote

For control beyond the helm rocker-switch, add this wireless remote to control the drum anchor winch retrieval and deployment from anywhere on your boat.

Electronic Fast Fall System

The electronic fast fall system is the perfect compromise between fast direct drive and free-fall, doubling the speed of deployment from 100 feet per minute to 200 feet per minute, while still maintaining control of the drop speed.

Waterproof Wifi Camera

For better visibility, install this compact camera via two holes drilled into the base plate. The camera is positioned behind the drum anchor winch, allowing you to watch the winch work straight from your smartphone.