"*?* lofrans foot switch

TQA

TQA

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Joined
20 Feb 2005
Messages
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Location
Carribbean currently Grenada
sailingonelephantschild.blogspot.com
Well I guess I am resigned to it by now but yet another Lofrans foot switch for my anchor windlass failed yesterday. I know by now that they last about a year before the combination of dissimilar metals reduces part of the innards to blue/green crumble.

They are only $20 US from the local chandlery but not being able to raise anchor on demand is not good.

I wonder if there is a better foot switch out there.

I would pay more than $20 for ones that would last and that is a serious statement from someone with a Scottish mother. View attachment 39451
 
My windlass foot switches are also knackered. I'm planning to replace them with a radio remote (about £7 from eBay) and a wandering lead for backup. The wandering lead will live in the forepeak and be fed out through the hatch if it's needed, so should survive ok. It's actually one of those up/down button boxes designed to dangle from an overheard crane or similar - again a few pounds from China via eBay.

Pete
 
We have Lewmar foot switches bought off eBay.
I've not had any issues and I'm wondering if your deck is the problem!
Ours are mounted on a teak deck so a smooth surface but is the non-slip pattern of your deck allowing water to get past the seal?
 
I'd also suggest there's a sealing problem. It wouldn't be difficult to fit new switches, but add silicone sealant between the rubber and the base, as well as around the cable exit.
 
I used these on my last boat


From RS - 746-8614 with an associated switch block, but I cant find the reference for the switch part, but RS will be able to help via there phone service.
 
They are well sealed and the one I looked at today was dry internally when I removed the top. The positive side of the switch just rots away. The small ?brass? plate the wire is attached to and the tiny self tapper just turn to blue crumble.

The deck is diamond non slip. I use 3M 4200 to seal things.

The switch is 'live' 24/7/365; does that make a difference?

I am considering a wireless remote with a back up wander lead but dammit I like simplicity and when the foot switches work they do the business with minimal hassle.
 
TQA said:
...I know by now that they last about a year before the combination of dissimilar metals reduces part of the innards to blue/green crumble...
Click to expand...

+1

prv said:
My windlass foot switches are also knackered. I'm planning to replace them with a radio remote (about £7 from eBay) and a wandering lead for backup. The wandering lead will live in the forepeak and be fed out through the hatch if it's needed, so should survive ok...
Click to expand...

duncan99210 said:
Wireless remote is the way to go. It is simple to fit, easy to use and puts all the components under cover where they can't be affected by corrosion. Also cheap as chips off eBay: I paid about £10 for mine about four years ago now.
Click to expand...

Fitted a wandering lead last year when the foot switch failed again. Having backup is always good, especially when cruising and the nearest chandlery may not even be on the same island. Thanks for the reminders about wireless remote, I'll have to have another look at fitting it
 
It does seem extraordinary that they should fail so soon.

The foot-switch for my SL Seawolf gives no trouble and it may be 30 years or so old.
 
duncan99210 said:
Wireless remote is the way to go. It is simple to fit, easy to use and puts all the components under cover where they can't be affected by corrosion. Also cheap as chips off eBay: I paid about £10 for mine about four years ago now.
Click to expand...

+1
When I fitted my windlass I didn't bother with foot switches just bought a wireless remoyt with two handsets on eBay
If one fails I have a backup if that fails I'll lift by hand
 
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