Abstract: The invention relates to a drum winch (100) that is arranged to allow “free fall” of an anchor secured by rode to a drum (116) of the drum winch (100). The drum winch (100) includes a mounting bracket (112) and a drive shaft (114) arranged to be mounted to the mounting bracket (112) and coupled to the drive unit (118). The drum (116) is arranged relative to the drive shaft (1114) so that in a first mode of operation of the drum winch (100), the drum (116) can be rotated by rotation of the drive shaft (114). In a second mode of operation of the drum winch (100), the drum (116) is free to rotate relative to the drive shaft (114) so as to enable “free fall” of the anchor. The drum winch (100) further includes means for actuating (150) either the first mode of operation or the second mode of operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drum winch (100) that is arranged to allow “free fall” of an anchor secured by rode to a drum (116) of the drum winch (100). The drum winch (100) includes a mounting bracket (112) and a drive shaft (114) arranged to be mounted to the mounting bracket (112) and coupled to the drive unit (118). The drum (116) is arranged relative to the drive shaft (1114) so that in a first mode of operation of the drum winch (100), the drum (116) can be rotated by rotation of the drive shaft (114). In a second mode of operation of the drum winch (100), the drum (116) is free to rotate relative to the drive shaft (114) so as to enable “free fall” of the anchor. The drum winch (100) further includes means for actuating (150) either the first mode of operation or the second mode of operation.