Muir debuts industry-first stainless steel Cougar Windlass for corrosion protection & durability
by Muir Anchoring Systems 18 Nov 21:38 PST
Muir's new Cougar stainless steel horizontal windlasses deliver world-first corrosion resistance © Muir Anchoring Systems
Delivering world-first corrosion resistance, greater winch strength and long-term reliability, Muir Anchoring Systems launches the innovative Cougar stainless steel horizontal windlass at METSTRADE.
The versatile new windlass incorporates Muir's pioneering stainless steel housing design to offer designers, naval architects, shipyards and vessel owners the first market solution which combines lightweight stainless casting, multi-chain compatibility, and the elimination of bowing, cracking and corrosion risks.
Blending durability, style and proven functionality, the Cougar expands Muir's groundbreaking series of the most corrosion resistant range of leisure craft winches on the market - a project driven by almost six decades of anchoring expertise honed by the Tasmania-based specialist.
The Muir Cougar, which is the next evolution of Muir's trusted HR1200/1600 series for vessels between 8m and 14m, is unique to the market for its customisation options and is the only horizontal windlass of its class with SS316 stainless steel housing.
Stainless steel versions of Muir's HR2500 Cheetah, HR3500 Jaguar and HR4000 Thor will be introduced to cater for vessels up to 24m, adding to the enhanced smaller Lynx windlass.
Ideal for both leisure and commercial vessels, particularly for high-use charter boats, exploration yachts and workboats operating in tough conditions, Muir windlasses with stainless steel housings deliver a premium product for aesthetic consistency with high quality deck hardware, plus reduced maintenance and longer service life.
Owners gain lighter, stronger, more durable winches with greater corrosion resistance to ensure safe, reliable operation in harsh marine environments, plus multi-chain compatibility for unmatched flexibility. Installers benefit from unified designs which set an industry-first precedent for reduced production complexity.
Muir Anchoring Systems General Manager Max Buckley said: "Our stainless steel HR1200/1600 housing represents a step change in marine equipment design and takes our trusted solutions to the next level. Backed by nearly 60 years of proven Muir expertise, this project redevelops our small horizontal winches into next-generation stainless steel housings that are lighter, stronger, corrosion-resistant, and more versatile, while also streamlining production across models.
"As part of our over-arching strategy to tackle the issue of corrosion in windlasses, our engineers overcame significant challenges to redesign the HR1600 in stainless steel, enhancing strength and durability while keeping weight practical for small craft. With the addition of more products to the range, Muir is proud to offer industry-first, high-quality, innovative and sustainable windlass solutions to benefit even more vessel owners, naval architects, owners, captains and crew, shipyards and marine professionals."
The development process behind the Cougar required Muir to introduce the SS316 housing due to its durability and longevity, limiting its weight through optimised casting and rib structures to just 8.5kg while withstanding over 700 kilos of dynamic load and repeated shock testing.
By transitioning from composite and aluminium housings to stainless steel, the Muir design significantly improves environmental performance by extending product life, reducing replacement demand, and cutting lifecycle waste.
The new Muir Cougar windlass is available in two options: the 800W HR1200, which covers 8-12m vessels, and the 1200W HR1600, covering 10-14m vessels.
Key features include:
- Unique customisation opportunities, with single gypsy, twin capstan, twin gypsy, and left and right-hand drive options.
- Multi-chain compatibility: the windlass can carry 6mm, 8mm and 10mm chain of all different global standards (DIN, Australian Short Link, High Test G4, BBB).
- Class-leading appearance, ideal for high-end vessels looking for a premium product on the bow.
- Power supply options: DC 12V, DC 24V (and DC 48V for the HR1600).
- Tie-off cleats and customised engraving are also available as optional extras.
Family-owned business Muir is continuing to strengthen its footprint in the global leisure craft, superyacht and mega yacht sectors, expanding its distribution network and reach across Europe and beyond.
Muir anchoring systems are suitable for a broad range of vessels from 5-metres through to the world's largest mega yachts and are trusted by foremost recreational, mega yacht and commercial maritime brands, including Feadship, Luerssen, Incat, Austal, Damen, Moonen, Riviera and Maritimo.
Muir Anchoring Systems returns to METSTRADE 2025 on Stand 08.413.