what thickness of wire should i need for windlass?

bikedaft

bikedaft

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hi,

horizon 1000 windlass, which from internet is 1000w. 12v, means 83amps is this really correct? (presumably max load)

from this table

http://www.rbeelectronics.com/wtable.htm

i need 19mm squared or 32mm squared wire (25 feet run). this seems like enough to sink the boat...

or is the windlass less than 1000w. not sure what wire is there, just know windlass not working, and its 2.5hour drive away...

any ideas? cheers...
 
I'd probably go for the 32mm2. It is not that big (6mm diameter). It will sink your purse before the boat. Whatever you do, once it is working give the thing a rest for a few seconds every 30seconds run. And keep the engine on.
 
The windlass could have its own battery .. Then the charge wire for the battery could be much thinner .. You will also get less voltage drop with shorter cables .. Other plus side is that its a dedicated battery and if you run it flat you still have power for the rest of the boat .. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Tha cables run to our (Lofran's) windlass are thick welding cables - about the size of a lorry battery cable. They are run beneath bunks and the floor boards from the main batteries which are under the chart table seat to the windlass (obviously f'ward).

I try to always run the engine at the same time as using the windlass. (Its kinder on the windlass to nudge the boat forward and not make the windlass pull the weight of the boat...)
 
I ran cables bought from my chandler in Holland. They have the appearance of welding cable, from memory 10 mm diameter, multi strand, not tinned, very flexible. They have now been installed for something like seven years, no problems whatsoever.
 
Forgive me for stating the obvious but if the windlass is not working the wire is the least likely thing to have failed. Far more likely to be a relay, solenoid, switch, battery etc. Have you eliminated those first?
 
thanks for all the info

i asked because i had some cable in the garage which is clearly too small. i agree its unlikely to be the cable, but i might need to replace a junction/relay/switch etc. will tell you after tomorrow...

cheers /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
wire fell out a connector block in the bow...

wire dia about 6mm. turns out its 1500w...

cheers for all your help /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
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