CH400 Foot Mounted Capstan 12V DC — Compact Power for Small Boats

The CH400 Foot Mounted Capstan 12V DC is a purpose-built solution for boats up to 7 meters, delivering fast anchor and cray pot recovery without cluttering the deck. Its foot-mounted design provides hands-free control, keeping you in command while maximizing deck space for other tasks.

Why choose CH400 for your vessel

• 12V DC, 400W permanent-magnet motor for reliable, steady power on the water
• Foot-mounted design enables quick, hands-free operation with minimal deck clutter
• Five-hole installation—simple mounting by drilling just five holes
• Auto brake with a roller clutch prevents backdriving and keeps the line secure when you stop the reel
• Marine-grade build: dip-coated 316SS cover (marine version), bronze drum chrome-plated, and hard-anodised, sealed aluminum deck plate
• Central underfoot cable exit through the deck for tidy, safe looping
• Includes a standard footswitch for on-deck line management
• Weight of 6.6 kg (14.5 lb) keeps installation practical on smaller vessels
• Made in New Zealand to order with a lead time of 3–5 weeks

What it’s best at

The CH400 excels where space is at a premium but dependable pulling power is essential. It’s an ideal partner for cray pot retrieval on coastal or river work, anchor recovery on small runabouts and trailer sailors, and quick line retrieval in shallow water where manual hauling would be tiring.

How it performs and why it matters

With a robust 400W permanent-magnet motor, the CH400 delivers solid retrieval rates while maintaining sensible current draw for typical 12V battery configurations. The bronze, chrome-plated drum and marine-grade deck components resist salt and spray, ensuring long-term reliability. The auto brake enables confident stops, and the footswitch lets you feed line smoothly while keeping your hands on deck.

Quick specifications at a glance

• Motor: 400W x 12V permanent magnet
• Cover: Dip-coated with 316SS stainless steel (marine version)
• Drum: High-tensile bronze, chrome plated
• Deck plate: Marine-grade hard anodised and sealed aluminium
• Deck bolts: Stainless steel
• Weight: 6.6 kg (14.5 lb)
• Brake: Auto action roller clutch
• Accessories: Footswitch supplied as standard
• Cable exit: Central underfoot, through the deck
• Recommended use: Boats up to 7 m; cray pots and anchors
• Origin: Made in New Zealand; Code CH400

Practical use and care

Before use, perform a quick setup check: ensure mounting is secure, inspect the line for wear, and verify the deck exit is clear. Use snatch pulls sparingly—brief bursts protect the drum and motor and extend service life. Maintain battery readiness to ensure consistent performance on routine trips.

Built to trusted standards

Absolute Marine designs the CH400 with a focus on deck-space efficiency, saltwater resilience, and straightforward installation. This compact capstan brings professional-grade performance to smaller craft, so you can rely on dependable retrieval without compromising space or workflow on board.