Anchor Windlass circuit breaker

[Mavis]

While sailing in heavy weather last Friday, my windlass suddenly started to whirl away and I had no way of stopping it apart from turning the electrics off. The cause seems to be water getting into the "down" footswitch on the bow. I have one of these on the main panel http://www.lewmar.com/products.asp?id=8233&type=113&channel=1 but the little red button fell out and the breaker appears to be broken. Doing a Google search I can see that I can buy new ones (on ebay).

My question is, having never touched or used this circuit breaker before, if the circuit breaker was working properly could I have used it to temporary turn the bloody thing off instead of having to sail the rest of the day with the electrics off. Or can I install some other cut off switch to prevent such a thing happening again??.
Thanks.

 

[neil1967]

I only turn the breaker on when I need to use the windlass, to avoid inadvertent activation - I don't want to accidentally drop the anchor (even though it is tied on) or burn anything out by trying to lift an anchor that is already stowed! So, answering your question, I would have used the c/b!

Neil

 

[Cardo]

I only turn the breaker on when I need to use the windlass, to avoid inadvertent activation - I don't want to accidentally drop the anchor (even though it is tied on) or burn anything out by trying to lift an anchor that is already stowed! So, answering your question, I would have used the c/b!

Neil

+1
Windlass remains unpowered at the breaker unless I am about to use it.

 

[ffiill]

First thing to say is that you can source relays;circuit breakers and footswitches without having to pay anything near the price you will get charged by winch manufacturers.
The second point is I would reccommend an isolator switch-one of those with a red key readily available on e bay for £5.Install it in your cockpit or in easy reach and keep the whole circuit switched off other than when you want to use the windlass.
I am just installing a renovated Seawolf windlass and I have it fitted with a footswitch;100amp relay;push button thermal circuit breaker and the isolator switch.
The souped up 450 amp non standard motor is another story!

 

[Mavis]

Thanks for you suggestions which I will carry out.