Windlass, foot switch or handheld remote

[Mudisox]

Foot switch for me as I need two hands to raise the anchor.

Beware.

It is also amusing to see someone operate a wireless control and, another boat's winch starts to work! The cheaper handhelds are not unique in frequency. I saw this actually happen in Studland as two boats simultaneously seemed to leave, with complete panic on one.

 

[pagoda]

Whatever kind of switch you go for - an anchor locker is really no safe place for wiring or electrics. Run tinned cable in there if you can- and smother any terminals in silicone grease when installing. If you don't you may have a switch appear to pack up on you at some point, when all that has happened is that corrosion has attacked the back of the switch. I bypassed the problem by fitting a wireless remote, but have subsequently re-wired the foot switch. I left the wireless switch in parallel - Belt & braces

 

[Mrnotming]

Thanks Jimali,
just ordered one of these to begin the mods!
Many thanks.

Hi

We have used one of these for a few years (many others are available just search for winch wireless remote in ebay)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-50ft-...ailers_Transporters_Parts&hash=item53f31c6bbd

Works well and easy to fit across the winch solenoid - you can use it from anywhere on the boat - ideal for med mooring when you can move from the front to the back as the boat is reversed.

Regards

Jim

 

[Robin]

Foot switch for me as I need two hands to raise the anchor.

Beware.

It is also amusing to see someone operate a wireless control and, another boat's winch starts to work! The cheaper handhelds are not unique in frequency. I saw this actually happen in Studland as two boats simultaneously seemed to leave, with complete panic on one.

It was a seahorse using the remote..

 

[Robin]

We have footswitches mounted on the windlass, stupid place IMO and both have split rubber covers letting water in and are about to be replaced plus at the same time a manual up/down toggle or rocker switch is to be installed t the helm. On our last sailboat we had a wired handheld which was excellent except it require someone to go up front ahead of time to plug it in ready to go. on the boat prior to that we had Lofrans foot switches that lasted at least 5 years before we sold the boat. I like the two options route for convenience to suit he circumstances.

 

[tedgorton]

Coolest thing about the wireless remote when shorthanded/solo is that when Med-mooring you can put it around your neck, jump onto the dock with a mooring line, and adjust the chain from where you are. Including in the water as the good ones are watertight and float! Haven't actually tried the latter I must admit.

 

[Mrnotming]

Hi Jimali,
The gadget arrived OK and was simple enough to wire up.
Overhauled the foot switches as they were a bit contact burned (lofrans cayman1000w).
The gadget works as described save for the fact that it won't hold the solenoid shut and chatters.
I will have to interpose some relays to bridge the current overload.
No worries on thisjust need to make sure I specify something durable enough for the job.Lofrans website is no help that I can see to establish the current draw required for their relay.
Upside is anchor locker cleaned out,old junk cleared out and chain fall clear to help avoid jams.
And of course the aforementioned manual switches were easily reconditioned.
Next season should see the system working!http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-50ft-...ailers_Transporters_Parts&hash=item53f31c6bbd

 

[affinite]

1 solitary UP footswitch on my boat.
Id have wireless remote if I could.
I envy you people with windlass's that can power DOWN as well as UP

 

[prv]

Id have wireless remote if I could.

Under a tenner on ebay - why not?

Pete

 

[affinite]

Under a tenner on ebay - why not?

Pete

My Simpson Lawrence windlass doesnt reverse. Free drop only.
For just raising the anchor the footswitch is fine for me.