Windlass Solenoid Location - 46 LE

[rnp]

I am on a cruise, days from any port with services. One of the foot switches on my windlass stopped working. Of course, it was the UP foot switch. I switched wires to the two switches and the one that stopped working worked again, but it still only let the anchor down. This tells me that both foot switches are working, but the solenoid is probably bad. I have searched every nook and cranny on the boat but I can't find the solenoid to switch the wires on it.

Any help would really be appreciated. I have tons of chain and a heavy anchor. Hauling it manually is tough. Thanks.

 

[SEMPERAVANTI41]

I think the part your looking for is called a contactor, which on my windlass is located on it. There should be light gauge wires from the contactor to the foot switches and possibly heavy gauge wires from the contactor to the windlass motor. I don't think it would make sense for the "solieoid, i.e. contactor" to be very far from the load (motor). It might be possible to switch the heavy gauge wires so you will be able to operate the windlass to raise the anchor until you can replace the contactor.

 

[heritage]

On most larger windlasses the contactor/solenoid is not attached to the motor. But, like SEMPERAVANTI41 said, it should be fairly close to the motor because of the large wires between it and the motor. To find the contactor, follow the small wire from one of the foot switches to the contactor. If you want to get the UP function working, reverse the two small foot switch wires at the contactor and also reverse the two large cables on the contactor that go to the motor. The DOWN function will no longer work, though.

 

[seadaddler]

Next to

Take apart a panel in the vee berth to expose your windlass and it should be between the foot switches and next to the windlass.
Nick

 

[rnp]

For the archives:
It turns out that, contrary to what the Lewmar folks first told me,
and the Hunter manual schematic indicated, the Lewmar model H3 windlass on my 2006 46LE has the solenoid inside the windlass casing itself. Hope this info will save another owner from tearing the boat apart.

 

[artboas]

Correct

For the archives:
It turns out that, contrary to what the Lewmar folks first told me,
and the Hunter manual schematic indicated, the Lewmar model H3 windlass on my 2006 46LE has the solenoid inside the windlass casing itself. Hope this info will save another owner from tearing the boat apart.

This is an integrated unit, which has all components in one package.