Wireless remote control for Windlass

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mikehibb

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Being an off roader with a winch on my Land Rover I have read about the wireless remote controls that are now quite commonly available.

An electric windlass is basically the same set up, with solenoid pack etc.

So I was wondering if any one has already tried this and can report on how well they work (on a boat not a Land Rover)

Yes I am aware that this could be adding another point of failure to the system, and that it would also be another piece of equipment that would most likely be the frst thing to accidently go for a swim at just the wrong time.

Reasons for asking:

It would be one less thing for SWMBO to have to do on board, easier for her to just check how much has been let out and shout stop, rather than be in total control herself.

Alternative is to let her take the helm, whilst I look after the front end, this is not an option yet, her words not mine. However she will soon get to grips I am sure, she can reverse park any vehicle better than most people that have met.
 
Yes, Lofrans has a wireless control and I bought it last year. The main reason for me was that I had problems with corrosion in the cables and the contact for the windlass control I had installed in the anchor locker. After having cleaned it many times and the corrosion still returned, I realised I would have to rewire the installation. However, this is a big job so I got the wireless instead. The main reasoning was that 'if you don't have any wires; they cannot corrode'.

It has worked fine and it was really easy to install. The only problem to watch out for is that you don't lose the wireless control. Having no wires attached, it can easily go overboard. Attach it to a long line and wear it around your neck!
 
Thanks Christer.

Did you buy yours whilst in Turkey?
I will be over there for new year for a few days. I also have Lofrans so will check out their website. Do they have a good local dealer in Marmaris/Bodrum that you know of.

cheers
Mike.
 
Not only can you get a wireless remote for your anchor windlass, but also a chain counter, so milady can continue to loll, bikini-clad, with margherita in hand on the foredeck and you can do all the work.

Look on the Flair site (though some of the translation into English is a bit hilarious)
 
I also bought a Lofrans radio remote control. It installs easily into the normal Lofrans relay/solenoid control box circuit and can be wired in parallel with other manual switches. As stated the big risk is to lose it (inboard or overboard) so we have a float and lanyard attached. Very handy if you tie up in the Med stern to and want to hold the boat further off - loosen the stern lines, jump off to the quay with the controller and wind in the anchor a meter or two.

However, in the end I have gone back to the wired controller! The problem with the radio unit is that it can run low on battery power just at the wrong moment. The battery lasted only about 5 weeks of cruising and daily (maybe 4-5 times a week) anchoring then quit half way through an anchor retrieval. Luckily the wind was not too difficult and I had a cockpit up/down switch to take over but otherwise it could have been embarrassing in a tight anchorage. Might have had to resort to the manual handle!

The above may be atypical for many users and to give them credit, Lofrans include a spare battery inside the controller but it does take minutes to get it open and fixed.
Another thing to remember is that the receiver part of the unit draws a small amount of current at all times, unlike a relay box, so you must switch it off before leaving the boat for some time.

A neat gadget and very handy but as always there are some problems to consider.
Ray
 
I have a wireless remote made by Coastline Technology www.coastlinetechnology.com which is wired independently to a Lofrans Cayman. Works beautifully from a controller worn on a lanyard round neck or in bracket at helm. The main controller is a commercial style up and down on a wander lead hard wired via the forehatch. This means that the connections are in the warm and dry and the wander lead is well clear of the windlass.

Wireless is good for operating at the helm, particularly when mooring stern to. My techniques is that crew (wife) lets out chain in a controlled way using wander lead. Wireless can be used to make final adjustment when both of us are in the cockpit tending lines.

Easy to install - suggest you talk to Clive at Coastline. No connection, just satisfied customer.
 
G'day Mike,

Just make sure someone is up the front to keep an eye on things particularly when recovering the anchor, as has been mentioned wireless remotes can and do go flat, the hold in type are safer than than the push the up button then push the stop button when you think it needs to stop.

Also a good idea to keep the deck mount switches in working order.

Avagoodchrissie......
 
Hi Mike. No, I bought this from Mailspeed in the UK while I was on a temporary visit there. I am sure you can get it in Turkey as well, there are several chandlers in Marmaris who seem to be able to get anything from anywhere. Price was about 150 pounds.
 
What sort of range do the remotes have, and can you get them seperately? Think of the fun you could have on an August weekend in Newtown. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
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