I purchased a yacht earlier in the year and recently tried to drop anchor without my engine running. (we’re usually on moorings or berthed) To my dismay, the anchor winch only works with the motor running and as yet I haven't found a way to deploy (or recover) the anchor manually. My obvious concern is that should the motor fail whilst near a lee shore, the consequences could be disastrous. Is this a usual setup for an electric anchor winch or should there be a manual deployment and retrieval system? It seems to me to be a safety issue? Thank you Alex
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Why doesn't it work? - and other questions
The question is - why does it only work with the engine running? Is it wired that way, or are your batteries and/or wiring really, REALLY bad? Does it grind in and out slowly, or just show absolutely no sign of life? What gage wire is used - is it up to the job? Most electric windlasses have a manual means of winching in or out with a winch handle.
The question is - why does it only work with the engine running? Is it wired that way, or are your batteries and/or wiring really, REALLY bad? Does it grind in and out slowly, or just show absolutely no sign of life? What gage wire is used - is it up to the job? Most electric windlasses have a manual means of winching in or out with a winch handle.
Anchor winch
Thanks Derek It seems this electric winch has no manual override. Some more research suggests that they only work with the alternator running to satisfy the fears of the charter industry here in Australia. Apparently they don't want charterers to lift anchor without the motor running. I've checked it out and the simple solution may be to bypass the engine and have the winch operate directly from the batteries. I have almost 500 a/h of house batteries so this isn't a problem. I'm surprised though because it does seem to present a security issue not having a manual means of winching.
Thanks Derek It seems this electric winch has no manual override. Some more research suggests that they only work with the alternator running to satisfy the fears of the charter industry here in Australia. Apparently they don't want charterers to lift anchor without the motor running. I've checked it out and the simple solution may be to bypass the engine and have the winch operate directly from the batteries. I have almost 500 a/h of house batteries so this isn't a problem. I'm surprised though because it does seem to present a security issue not having a manual means of winching.
Sounds like a Horizon
windlass on a Beneteau. There is a relay that prevents operation unless the engine is running. This can be circumvented however it's there so you don't drain the battery. If you need to drop the anchor without the engine running just loosen the clutch nut on the right. The windlass will free wheel. It's a good idea to keep a big wrench handy.
windlass on a Beneteau. There is a relay that prevents operation unless the engine is running. This can be circumvented however it's there so you don't drain the battery. If you need to drop the anchor without the engine running just loosen the clutch nut on the right. The windlass will free wheel. It's a good idea to keep a big wrench handy.
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