New foot switch - use fuse?

[John]

I'm planning on installing a second ("down") foot switch for my electric windlass. I'll be installing a solenoid switch also. These will be in the forward anchor locker. Should I install an in-line fuse before the foot switch? I'm not sure if the existing switch (the "up" switch) has one or not; I'll see when I open things up. Also, how about before the solenoid? This will be connected with very large cable - battery-type cable. Is there an in-line fuse I can use for this, if it's necessary? And if the existing ("up") switch doesn't have a fuse, should I install one? Finally, what size fuse should I use if I need it at all?

If it makes a difference, this is for a Maxwell Freedom series "800" windlass.

Thanks.

 

[Ron20324]

Sounds like a previous thread. Are you sure the windlass is reversible? Seems like they would have put in a down switch if it was, but maybe it was a bare-bones installation? Not all windlasses are reversible. Reverse the two leads and see what the motor does.

Most likely the wire to the foot switch is a "control" wire, maybe 12 or 14 guage, that goes to the solenoid and is not the large power wire that goes from battery to windlass. You can tap into the "hot" wire to the first switch and just add a new single wire from the solenoid to the new switch. To assume the hot footswitch wire comes off from the heavy positive cable, there should be a 5-amp fuse according to my Lewmar manual. It's only enough juice to operate the solenoid, not the motor itself.

 

[John]

I talked with Maxwell, and they said it is reversible, but I need to get the solenoid in addition to the switch. I guess the best thing would be to call Maxwell back and ask them about the fuses.

 

[Ron20324]

Lewmar makes a wireless windlass control switch, about 150 bucks. I don't see why it wouldn't work on a Max. They're only a switch, really.

 

[Joseph Shirley]

A thought on the solenoid.
I have a windlass that originally had the solenoid mounted in the windlass housing where it failed several times due to condensation (the housing was sealed against water). I decided to put it in the anchor locker as you are, but a pounding cruise in the straits of Juan De Fucca, where I buried my bow on every other wave, and had green water rolling back to my dodger made me realize that I was getting a lot of water down the chain pipe into the chain locker. So I changed my mind and put it on the inside bulkhead of the fwd cabin, just below the deck, and caulked the wire in the holes. It has remained dry for 8 years and I have never had to service it since.
In the picture you can see it above and the left of the chain locker doors. Don't pay attention to the mess on the bunks.

 

[Ron20324]

A thought on the solenoid.
I have a windlass that originally had the solenoid mounted in the windlass housing where it failed several times due to condensation (the housing was sealed against water). I decided to put it in the anchor locker as you are, but a pounding cruise in the straits of Juan De Fucca, where I buried my bow on every other wave, and had green water rolling back to my dodger made me realize that I was getting a lot of water down the chain pipe into the chain locker. So I changed my mind and put it on the inside bulkhead of the fwd cabin, just below the deck, and caulked the wire in the holes. It has remained dry for 8 years and I have never had to service it since.
In the picture you can see it above and the left of the chain locker doors. Don't pay attention to the mess on the bunks.

The directions for the solenoid should tell you to NOT mount it in a wet area- like the anchor locker or chain locker.

 

[seadaddler]

Below Water tight

All my electrical connections are under the windlass where no water is allowed in forward of the vee berth.
The circuit breaker is under the navstation where the the main battery 1-2 switch is and where the haevy batter cables start the run up to the windlass.
I do believe it has a special solenoid mounted on the windlass for the up and down switchs,don't understand why both were not installed????.
They do make a controll box for up and down with a long cable that can be added but also needs a special solenoid for hook up.
Nick

 

[John]

yes, I haven't looked closely at it yet, but my understanding is that the bulkhead just forward of the v-berth can be removed. I would place the solenoid there. This area is sealed off from the anchor locker and, normally, it would not get water in there. If a significant amount of water enters there, then I think I'll have a lot more to worry about than damaging this solenoid!

 

[Ron20324]

When I put my windlass in, I saw how easily the anchor-well drain can get clogged up. It is known that a blockage can cause water to fill up the well and flow back into the cabin area. I put a second drain in, and foot higher and on the other side of the hull.