Simpson Lawrence Seawolf windlass

[gregorius]

On my Colvic Victor 40 a Simpson Lawrence Seawolf windlass (from 1983) is installed. I have had some problems with what I suppose is a thermal switch (fuse) that is fitted in the power cable. The function is to protect the motor from overheating. As far as I know the producer is no longer in business.

Does anybody know the specifications, and where such a switch can be obtained?

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[Robin]

If you mean the circuit breaker on/off/overload switch you can replace this with one of about 100A capacity +/-. Try Index Marine or Maplins or order through your local chandler, I think ECS list them too.

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[pvb]

Check the motor wattage first...

Many Seawolf windlasses were supplied with a little thermal cutout which was supposed to be mounted in the wiring near the windlass to give protection against the motor overheating when overloaded. It wasn't actually thermally connected to the motor, but just disconnected the power when it sensed a higher than normal current for a certain time. In contrast, many modern windlasses have a proper thermal sensor switch actually incorporated in the motor.

You should already have a circuit breaker on your windlass circuit, at the battery end. The primary purpose of this is to protect the wiring in the event of a short-circuit. If it's a thermal/magnetic breaker, and if it's correctly rated, it will also give you some protection against windlass overload. If that's the case, you can just remove the old thermal cutout and rely on the main breaker. If not, you should replace it with a thermal/magnetic breaker - I'd suggest you get an E-T-A type 3400 (which Index Marine sell as the E-3400).

However, you must choose one which is correctly rated for your windlass. If you just follow vague advice to fit a 100A breaker, you'll pay too much and you won't get the overload protection. Seawolf windlasses used surprisingly small motors, and you should try to check the wattage before you buy a breaker - if you don't have the original literature, it should be marked on the motor somewhere. You may well find that a 30A or 40A breaker will give you the protection you need. If in doubt, you could ring E-T-A's UK office on 01296 420336 and talk it through first.

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[journey]

I see that you have also got a Colvic Victor 40 and was wondering if you have or know of anyone who has fitted or had fitted a bow thruster? I am thinking of doing so but would like to know from other peoples experiences on carrying it out and which one would fitted the best. Thanks for any help

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