windlass project?

[John]

I have a Maxwell windlass with a foot switch to wind in the rode and chain, as seen in the photo. The way to let it out is to loosen the top of it and pull the chain and rode through. Actually, this is a major hassle. If you don't loosen it enough it takes quite a bit of strength to pull it through. If you loosen it too much, then there's a little piece inside that slips out of place and the chain then slips out of place and it's very hard to get it back. So, what I'm thinking is this:

Is there any reason why i can't either (a) install another foot switch wired the reverse of the one there and use this to turn the windlass in the opposite direction, or (b) install some sort of waterproof switch that can reverse the wiring for the present switch? I was thinking of the second alternative if there isn't enough room for another foot switch.

If I can do this, it doesn't appear that there is access to this wiring from any other place but by removing the present switch. Does this sound right, and is there any problem I should be aware of in pulling this switch up?

Thanks in advance.

 

[JustDucky]

Maxwell

I have a foot switch for up and down.

 

[RAD]

I have a pendant switch with about 5 foot of cord and just leave it in the locker,works great and no holes in the deck for foot switch's and I can work the windlass from the dock if need be

http://www.mcmaster.com/#remote-switches/=1wcadg

 

[Ron20324]

There would be 3 control wires if you have a windlass that will reverse- to assume yours WILL reverse? Maybe not reversable! Somewhere there might/should be a control relay to convert a low amperage (foot) switch to a high amperage switch that can handle the current of the windlass. That would function like the starter relay. There would be two heavy wires to the windlass, and two or three lighter ones to the foot switch(es). If your windlass is reverseable, Lewmar makes a wireless system for about $150.oo that can be used from anywhere on the boat.

 

[Bad Obsession]

It would be nice to be able to control the windlass from the pedistal. You could singlehanded let the anchor out and then set it with the engine.

I don't have a windlass. I end up running back and forth to get the anchor set. It is quite the scene but I get the job done.