A manual windlass is great. Only a manual windlass can provide the torque necessary to kedge you off if you run aground. Electric windlasses have a clutch that limits the torque. I typically pull up the anchor rode by hand, using the windlass only to break the anchor free and to hoist it to the surface.
The Sea Tiger is one of the best. The best feature is the two-speed gears. In low gear, I calculate that it provides you with a 100:1 mechanical advantage. The only trouble with it is the iron-aluminum reactions and eventual galling that may occur. If you get one, be sure to use anti-seize compound everywhere dissimilar metals make contact.
I'm one of the lucky few who have what Bud called, "The Taiwanese knockoff of the Sea Tiger windlass." It is 100% bronze. I'm sure that it will last 3-4 human lifetimes. Unfortunately, new ones are no longer available. My windlass is mounted on top of the bowsprit just forward of the Sampson posts.
p.s. The below-deck pipes that guide your rode to the chain locker are also important. Mine are made from PVC and they recently wore out. Inspection showed that friction from the chain eroded a 3/4 inch groove all the way through the pipe. The entire path including elbows was affected. It caused the chain to catch both feeding out and in. I need to replace the whole thing.
