Anchor windlass switch

[BelleSerene]

I need to replace a broken anchor windlass switch on my 39' Beneteau. It's the handheld remote control kind, on a curly cable that you pull out of the anchor locker and try not to cut its cable off as you gingerly close the locker so the cable exits through a designated notch in the locker door. The gadget you hold has a couple of press switches in it, one for 'up' an the other for 'down'.

Idea A is to use a couple of those toe- or heel-operated foot switches with a flip-up lid, set into the deck somewhere around the anchor windlass. Advantages: easier to use because you don't first need to locate the remote control won't chop off the lead again; can use the windlass as a MOB winch with a spinnaker sheet without tying up your hands for operating it.

Idea B is just to get a similar hand-operated box with another curly cable and wire it in. Advantages: don't clog up the extreme foredeck with two switches; the work is simpler.

Any suggestions as to whether deck-mounted heel-operated switches are better than handheld ones?

And also whether, while I'm at it, I should run a lead aft to the cockpit and mount a single 'up' only switch for easy weighing of the anchor.

 

[TFJ]

I had the same problem so now have fitted a wireless remote, its great and doesnt get wet
Terry

 

[BelleSerene]

Terry - what did you get and how do you stop yourself losing the wireless remote?!

 

[Tranona]

Suggest you replace your hand held remote with an industrial unit such as is used for controlling hoists. Would not recommend foot switches - handheld is much better as you can move around a bit. We had ours re-wired so it comes out of the forehatch so the hard wiring is inside in the dry and the curly cable comes from behind so does not get near the windlass.

However we also have a wireless control with a bracket at the helm as well. Available from www.coastlinetechnology.com. Clive, who makes them used to run the anchor feature at the London Boat Show. An excellent bit of kit.

 

[snowleopard]

I had the same problem so now have fitted a wireless remote, its great and doesnt get wet
Terry

I have a wireless remote. This season, for no apparent reason, both buttons result in 'up'. I don't know whether the transmitter or relay box is at fault and the supplier is ignoring my emails.

 

[BelleSerene]

Interesting, SnowLeopard. There'll be a procedure to go through to re-pair your two receivers (up and down) with the two buttons on your remote transmitter, and they will have defaulted to button 1. You may be able to find the manual by Googling the name and model of the unit: most manufacturers maintain instructions and manuals even for discontinued models on their websites.