Help, Dead Windlass

drjohn71a · Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 12:37 pm Post subject: Help, Dead Windlass

Lots of excitement and some tow vehicle problems delayed arrival, but finally made it and fishing has been very good.

Problem is, last nite at 2am, we went to raise windlass and it was dead. Does anyone know where the fuse or breaker is for that? Could just low batteries leave it dead? We raised the anchor by hand, but it still would not work upon our return to the dock.

Thanks for any advice! John

patrick and linda · Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 12:47 pm Post subject:

not sure if i can lend assistance, but, if you haven't already, would always first check for the obvious, if you have a multi-tester, check for power at the windlass motor, is there a reset button at the motor, not sure where the fuses or circuit breaker is but would look at the bus box or main circuit board.
i also had a windlass that lost power, after all options where checked out i discovered the bushings needed replacement.
good luck
pat

patrick and linda · Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 12:52 pm Post subject:

had another thought, on a prior vessel had a windlass that failed, the cause was water that had gained entrance into the motor housing unit from the retrieving anchor rode.

C-WEED · Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 1:53 pm Post subject:

My breaker is built into the switch. Just below the the switch is the reset. I think there is also a rather large metal strip (blowable fuse) at the switch backside.

Grumpy · Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 2:10 pm Post subject:

We have a re-settable breaker which is normally left in the tripped position just to avoid prying litle fingers from pushing the "down" switch while we are underway!!!. Don't know if there is any other "blowable" fuse but sure as heck will look now !

Merv

drjohn71a · Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 2:22 pm Post subject:

Thanks, guys... so far I have not found any sign of a breaker, not behind the switch,not in a panel, so I'll just go back out and anchor the old fashioned way. My sons are making fun of me over all the exotic equipment which is not doing what is suppostd to!

John

mikeporterinmd · Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 2:28 pm Post subject:

A windlass breaker should be very close to where the windlass cables are
connected to the batteries or a main breaker panel. I'd look back near
the battery switches - I don't think windlasses are usually run from the main breaker panel.

I believe most people wire windlasses to the starting battery, so I'd concentrate
on that area.

Mike

flapbreaker · Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 2:51 pm Post subject:

Mine is wired to a 50 amp breaker on the far right side of the "dash". It looks like this.

mikeporterinmd · Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 7:00 pm Post subject:

What protects the wire from the battery to the breaker on the dash?

Mike

flapbreaker · Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 7:23 pm Post subject:

Mike, Good question. I don't really remember how it's wired. I would have to look. Does it need more protection?

thataway · Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 8:13 pm Post subject:

The Tom Cat has a 50 or 60 amp breaker on the foreward part of the galley, aft of the shifter controls, on the vertical surface. I cannot find a breaker at the battery (and there should be one by ABYC standards).

I would also check out all of the wiring connections--it is very possiable that there is corrosion or a bad crimp. When we put the Windlass in the CD 25, we did a double crimp, and also put in liquid tape and adhesive shrink wrap over the joint, so it would be sealed.

Forty Two · Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 3:17 am Post subject:

I recently installed a windlass. The big breaker switch between the battery and the winch motor is the most likely candidate. There is probably a small fuse between your windlass control and the solenoid box, mine is 3 amp. If that fuse is blown, your controls will not work.

Just follow the wires, let us know what you find.

drjohn71a · Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 9:53 am Post subject:

Thanks so much for the info, guys, but I am now sitting here with egg on my face... don't you guys enjoy that too much!

I am fishing with two of my sons , in their 20's, who prefer to fish late into the nite. We are returning to port about the time I usually arise. As such, some judgement alteration may be occurring.

Anyway, a large, portable spotlight had been placed up against that breaker panel, hidden it, and tripped it, so the windlass did not work. I do have to say the windlass does not function well anyway and we've had to station a crew member up by the windlass to keep putting the line on the gypsy. There is no "keeper"ring on the roller and, if you don't watch it, the anchor will come flying up and over the roller and land aft of the windlass itself!

Thanks again for responding! John

drjohn71a · Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 9:54 am Post subject:

Also, Flapbreaker, could you have that photo of the breaker blown up to poster size and mail it to me so I can stick it on the cabin wall as a reminder?

John

Sea Wolf · Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 11:14 am Post subject: