whats the purpose of a bow roller?

[morel]

I just purchased a new 24 cruiser. It has no windlass. Dealer offered a windlass for about $2600. Is it worth putting an anchor roller on for about $600. does it make it any easier to pull up the line. I had a windlass on my 32 and not so sure I need a windlass for an 8 lb anchor. If the roller would make life a lot easier I'd spring for it