I have seen several brands and sizes and read a lot of the reviews of each. The MinnKota winches seem to be the highest rated on the sites. However, there maybe brands and designs I have yet to see, so I figure who better to ask than the guys/gals here as to what opinions they may have formed of certain winches...brands, sizes, their ease of use, reliability, ability to repair, plastic gears versus metal gears, etc...and the most important question is: Is it even worth it?
I would appreciate the input. My boat is a Kenner 18.5ft CC if that helps in any way.

I have a used electric one I am willing to part with. PM for more info.

I appreciate it, I may do that. Right now, I have no idea what size or design I need. I was hoping to get some feedback from people, but none so far.

I would not put an anchor winch on a boat that size. I think it's too much of a hassle and usually only works with mushroom anchors. Those won't hold a boat like yours very well.

Thanks Kat. You're right, in that a mushroom anchor doesn't do squat. I got to thinking along that line of reasoning and because my anchor has the flapping fin grapples, the winch would pull it right into my hull because gravity would cause them to be pointed down toward the boat when it was being retrieved. I am glad you brought up the subject of the actual anchor. I reckon I need to scrap that idea.

Keep in mind that if you install a anchor winch you are limiting your self on when you can anchor. Without the winch and only the anchor, chain and line - you will have more mobility when and where you anchor.

As an example:
Say that winch only holds 100 ft of line. Winds are 15mph with gust as high as 20mph. You mark fish in 40 ft of water. You may find your self short 20 - 30 ft of line to hold your boat in that wind.

Without that winch, if you ever use it or not, you could carry 200 ft of line. The extra line would allow you to make changes in the event that you did not drop your anchor where it needs to be. More line to let out or repositioning to another clete to make the boat swing in a direction can do alot for you at times.

Well said Holzer. I don't use a winch. Helps keep the "guns" in shape this time of year pulling two anchors up from 40-50 feet deep. Another option for you is to get an anchor lift system like this one.

http://www.ironwoodpacific.com/p-3-anchorlift-anchor-puller.aspx

If you are dead set on wanting a "winch" go with a true anchor windlass such as the ones made by Lewmar, etc and get one with the free fall feature.

I've used them offshore and they do work and you can carry as much or as little anchor rode as you need because they don't "wind" up the rode they simply pass it into an anchor locker or onto the deck.

As Bobby mentioned you can also pull it with a large fender buoy and a heavy duty caribiner(no need for a fancy "system"). Clasp the caribener onto the rode and motor up past the anchor and the force on the buoy will draw the anchor up to the buoy, turn around and collect the rode and anchor. The only downside to this method on a lake is it takes more time and room than its worth....helpful if you are in 200ft of water, not so much in 20ft.

+1

I have a good minnkota on the front of my 17ft CC and I never drop it anymore cause it just won't hold. Even in a 10mph wind. All you can do is pull anchors. You need a set of box anchors if you really wanna stay in place and be positioned right

I invested in an anchor pulling system. Don't go out without using it. It operates one anchor off of the bow and two off the stern. I luv just sitting back and watching her pull 'em up!! Anchor wenches are the best!! ( until she outfishes me )!