Lofrans anchor windless problem

[branko]

Few days ago when I start anchor windless (LOFRANS Cayman 88) DOWN , it starts but when I release button, motor continue to working. I had stop it with boat main switch off only.
Problem was in control reley box - contacts stayed conected in ON possition.
I dissmounted control box ,open it and clean contacts.After that it works without problems.
Question: Is cleaning contacts enough to be sure that such thing will never happen or I have to change reley box ?
Your suggestions I shall appreciate very much.

 

[moonie1]

It could depend on the circuit driving the relay. You could have arcing across the relay contacts making them stick or the contacts could be oxidised being exposed to sea air. Arcing should be quite visible when the contacts make. How old is the boat?

 

[branko]

5 years !

 

[moonie1]

If the relay was fitted after the purchase of the boat,check to see if the relay has a large enough rating to handle the current drawn by the windlass. You can PM me if you need more help.

 

[Freebee]

I had exactly this problem and could not get to the main switch before the motor burnt out. In future I will be installing a main switch in the anchor locker to ensure this does not happen again. As new motor is £250 -300 I would be absolutely certain with your points cleaning, I think I would fit a new relay as this is cheaper than motor. Plus burning motor is rather scary for passengers.