When it comes to finding an anchor winch for your boat, Minn Kota is one of the best in the business. I have a Minn Kota DeckHand anchor winch on my Pontoon boat, and it makes raising and lowering the anchor so easy.
In this article, I’ll list the 3 best Minn Kota Anchor Winches, including their features and specs.
Minn Kota Anchor Winch – 3 Best Winches:
- Minn Kota Pontoon DeckHand 40 – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
- Minn Kota DeckHand 25 with Corded Remote – Click here to see it on Amazon
- Minn Kota DeckHand 40 Electric Anchor Winch
Read on to learn more about the best Minn Kota anchor winches, including the features and specs for each.
Also, take a look at the Minn Kota Pontoon Deckhand on Amazon to see its price and great reviews:
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Minn Kota Anchor Winch – 3 Best Electric Winches
1. Minn Kota Pontoon Deckhand 40
Our top pick for the best Minn Kota anchor winch is the Minn Kota Pontoon Deckhand 40.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The package comes with an 800-pound test nylon rope of 100 feet in length. It also comes with an MKR-12 quick connect plug, a DH-40 corded remote control, and an MKA-16-03 quick release bracket. Its maximum anchor capacity is 40 pounds.
This Minn Kota anchor winch was initially launched in June 2008 and is guaranteed to be one of the most durable Minn Kota products we have today. Weighing 30.2 pounds, its dimensions are 16.5 inches x 12.5 inches x 14 inches.
This heavy-duty product is a top preference among boaters due to the convenience it brings. Using this anchor winch, the anchor can be released and lifted with ease.
Its davit can horizontally stow the anchor to prevent anchor swing. It also features an anti-drag system that allows controlled drifting. Indeed, with the Pontoon Deckhand 40, there’ll be no issues in managing the anchor.
Not to mention the fact that you’ll surely have no problem in keeping the boat in place.
The Deckhand 40 has been successfully tried and tested with different types of pontoon boats. It works well on a 25-foot Tritoon with a 30-pound river mushroom anchor.
It operates smoothly on a 24-foot pontoon with a 35-pound anchor. It also runs efficiently on a 22-foot fishing boat with a 20-pound anchor. These are only a few of the boat anchors and boat types in which we have successfully tried the Deckhand 40.
This Minn Kota anchor winch doesn’t only address concerns involving the anchor. It also addresses body ache issues that are usually experienced by boaters right after boating. The bottom line is, this product offers ease, starting from the installation right down to its usage.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Includes an 800-pound test nylon rope of 100 feet in length
- Maximum anchor capacity of 40 pounds
- Has a MKA-16-03 quick release bracket
- Comes with a MKR-12 quick connect plug
- Includes a DH-40 corded remote control
- Comes with a touch button feature
- Features a special anti-drag system
- Works well on a 12-volt battery
- Highly durable
- Comes with a manual with detailed instructions
2. Minn Kota DeckHand 25 with Corded Remote
Minn Kota also offers an anchor winch that can hold a 25-pound anchor or less. This is the DeckHand 25 with Corded Remote, our next favorite Minn Kota Electric Anchor Winch. It only weighs 13.9 pounds with dimensions of 11.6 inches x 7.2 inches x 13.39 inches.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
This Minn Kota anchor winch works well on a 12-volt battery. The package comes with an 800-pound test nylon rope of 60 feet. Its davit is capable of stowing different types of anchors.
That’s why this is the choice of most boaters who own a 25-pound anchor or less. However, if you already have an anchor that pulls up smoothly, it’s possible that you don’t have to mount the davit anymore.
Its touch button feature will allow you to raise and lower the anchor automatically and efficiently. The package comes with a 12-foot corded remote control. It will allow you to control the winch anywhere you may be on the boat.
When it comes to installation, we didn’t experience any problem at all. As long as you follow the instructions indicated in the manual, you definitely won’t go wrong. A friend of mine installed it on his 14-foot boat with an anchor of 18 pounds.
He has not experienced any issues with the DeckHand 25 — both with the installation and usage. Another friend installed it without the davit and, still, it works smoothly.
For such a little electric anchor winch, this product surely doesn’t disappoint. It definitely works better than expected.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Has a two-year warranty
- Operates on a 12-volt battery
- Comes with an 800-pound test nylon rope of 60 feet
- Maximum anchor capacity of 25 pounds
- Includes a 12-foot Minn Kota Anchor Mates corded remote control
- Comes with a manual with detailed instructions
- Its davit is capable of stowing most types of anchors.
- Weighs 13.9 pounds
- Highly durable
3. Minn Kota DeckHand 40 Electric Anchor Winch
The Minn Kota DeckHand 40 Electric Anchor Winch is pretty much similar to the Minn Kota Pontoon Deckhand 40.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Like the other Minn Kota anchor winch models, the DeckHand 40 Electric Anchor Winch comes with a manual with installation instructions. Furthermore, installing it is as easy as installing the other models. The package also comes with assembly hardware.
This model has a maximum anchor capacity of 40 pounds. While the package doesn’t come with an anchor, it does have a 100-foot test nylon rope that weighs 800 pounds. It also comes with a davit that can prevent the anchor from swinging.
It seems quite like the Minn Kota Pontoon DeckHand 40 model, right? In fact, there are even more similarities than what we have mentioned above. One of these additional similarities is its anchor shackles that allow quick adjustments between anchors.
Another one is that it features an anti-drag system necessary for controlled drifting. It works well on a 12-volt battery too.
The appearance of the Minn Kota Pontoon DeckHand 40 and the Minn Kota DeckHand 40 Electric Anchor Winch has slight but unnoticeable differences. But when it comes to weight, they are pretty much distinct. The Pontoon DeckHand 40 weighs 30.2 pounds.
Whereas the DeckHand 40 Electric Anchor Winch weighs 4 pounds only. In terms of dimensions, there is an unnoticeable difference. The Pontoon DeckHand 40 measures 16.5 inches x 12.5 inches x 14 inches. Simultaneously, the newer Minn Kota Electric Anchor Winch model measures 17 inches x 14 inches x 12 inches.
The DeckHand 40 Electric Anchor Winch is indeed way lighter than the Pontoon DeckHand 40. Nonetheless, it is as durable, if not more durable, than the older model. It’s been tested in a boat with a 30-pound anchor.
It holds the boat in a stable position even on rough waters. Indeed, this model is a heavy-duty one, too, made of high-grade materials.
When it comes to installation, it’s not a challenge at all to install this Minn Kota Anchor Mate. You can easily install it in a matter of an hour or less. We suggest that you read the installation instructions first before starting drilling holes on your boat.
You have to decide well as to which area of your boat you want it installed. Make sure that you measure everything at least three times. Lastly, make sure to consider all pros and cons before starting drilling.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Has a two-year warranty
- The package comes with assembly hardware
- Comes with a manual with detailed instructions
- Includes an 800-pound Test nylon rope of 100 feet
- Maximum anchor capacity of 40 pounds
- Features a davit that prevents the anchor from swinging
- Effortless boat placement and navigation
- Highly durable
Minn Kota DeckHand 40 Remote Switch
This last product we looked at for our Minn Kota Anchor Winch reviews is the DeckHand 40 Remote Switch. This can be installed if a DeckHand 40 Electric Anchor Winch is mounted on your boat.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The Minn Kota DeckHand 40 Anchor Winch comes with a corded remote. But if you lose yours or it gets damaged, you can purchase this remote separately.
This is a plug-n-play product, meaning there’s no need to configure it with your DeckHand 40. There are no other wirings involved. Thus, a remote control that is easy to install and use.
It comes in black to match the color of your anchor winch. You can mount it anywhere you deem appropriate, whether surface-mounted or in-dash. Self-tapping screws may be used for mounting. But it can also be hand-held should you want it that way.
This remote control features a cord of 25 feet long. It is more than enough to allow you to operate your anchor winch anywhere you may be on the boat. It weighs less than 2 pounds and has dimensions of 10.35 inches x 9 inches x 2 inches.
The DeckHand 40 Remote Switch can amazingly last for a decade or so. It has been tried and tested to be such a durable product. You’ll definitely get your money’s worth.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Compatible with the DeckHand 40 Minn Kota Electric Anchor Winch
- Designed to have a plug-n-play feature
- Can be hand-held, surface mounted or mounted in-dash
- Comes with a cord of 25 feet in length
- Allows you to operate the anchor winch anywhere you may be on the boat.
- Weighs 1.36 pounds
- Has dimensions of 10.35 inches x 9 inches x 2 inches
- Highly durable
About Minn Kota
Minn Kota Motors has been in the electric trolling motor industry for over 80 years now. It was founded by the inventor of the trolling motor himself, Mr. O.G. Schmidt.
The business began in Wheatland, North Dakota but was eventually relocated to Fargo. Their business office is near the border between Minnesota and North Dakota. Hence, the business name Minn Kota Manufacturing Co.
Over the years, Minn Kota has been known for driving product innovation and its cutting-edge technology. These include the first electric gear-driven motor, the first wireless GPS trolling system for motors, and the first injection-molded composite, among many others.
Minn Kota has been known for manufacturing and offering high-grade products worldwide, especially the Minn Kota anchor mates or winches.
Conclusion: Minn Kota Anchor Winch – 3 Best Electric Winches
Let’s have a recap of the three best Minn Kota anchor winches. They include the following:
- Minn Kota Pontoon DeckHand 40 – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
- Minn Kota DeckHand 25 with Corded Remote – Click here to see it on Amazon
- Minn Kota DeckHand 40 Electric Anchor Winch
To reiterate, the Minn Kota DeckHand 40 Electric Anchor Winch and the Minn Kota Pontoon DeckHand 40 have almost the same features. There are unnoticeable differences between them. But the most remarkable one is the corded remote control.
The Minn Kota Pontoon Deck package comes with it. Whereas the Minn Kota DeckHand 40 Electric Anchor Winch doesn’t. However, the Minn Kota DeckHand 40 Remote Switch is readily available and can be installed effortlessly for your DeckHand 40.
It is safe to say that the Minn Kota DeckHand 25 has similar features to the Pontoon DeckHand 40. It’s just that the DeckHand 25 can apparently hold an anchor with a maximum weight of 25 pounds only. Whereas, of course, the other model can lift a 40-pound anchor at maximum.
Among these 3 Minn Kota electric anchor winches, our top choice is the Minn Kota Pontoon DeckHand 40. First and foremost, it is because of its maximum weight capacity for lifting an anchor.
Second, it is because it’s considered a modernized version of the Minn Kota DeckHand 40 Electric Anchor Winch third, because it fits my boat well, as well as the boats of my colleagues.
But then again, we highly emphasize that you familiarize yourself with your boat. Identify which Minn Kota anchor winch perfectly fits yours. Doing so will surely contribute to your ultimate boating experience.
Related reading:
Windlass Anchor – 10 Best Anchor Windlass Systems
Anchor Roller – 7 Best Bow Anchor Rollers for Your Boat
Anchor Winch – 8 Best Electric Boat Anchor Winches
