Windlass malfunction

[tophooey]

2006 Beneteau 393. I'm a bit frusteated. The windlass is fine. It works when jumped to an independent battery. I replaced botth 5 blade relays, checked wiring from battery to windlass for continuity, all good. Yet, when I turn the engine switch to "on" and try to use the windlass, the voltmeter for the house battery drops to near 0 and the winch does not move, simply makes a clicking sound. I am obviously missing some relay/solenoid or something. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Davidasailor26]

If it works when jumpers to a spare battery then I’d suspect the house battery first. What’s the condition of the house battery and how does it seem to handle other loads?

It’s most typical to use the windlass with the engine actually running so the alternator can provide some of the amps. Still the house voltage shouldn’t drop to 0 of you try it without the engine running.