Windlass trips breaker

[BobsBaby]

Do I need to replace my windlass or just replace the windlass's breaker?
My windlass can lower and raise my anchor except it blows the fuse. The first time the fuse blew we were directly above the anchor and raising it in a location that offers great holding. Now the fuse blows regularly as the anchor passes over the anchor roller/mount. Could this be an early sign that my windlass is failing or that the fuse is failing?

 

[Ron20324]

The fuse is cheaper to replace. Should be at least 70 amps- can you borrow a clamp-on ammeter? Change it to a larger size if the wiring can support it.

 

[Chuckbear]

I doubt that anyone here can answer your question suitably. The fuse/circuit breaker needs to be "tested" as does the solenoid and windlass motor to determine which is the culprit because it can be any of those, up to and including something as simple as corrosion in the connections or wiring. Chuck

 

[sea_to_see]

I'd first try to figure out why the fuse is blowing.

A fuse us designed to prevent the wiring from overheating and generally is much bigger in amperage than the average current draw of the windlass.

There could be several possible reasons:
- low voltage to the windlass (Put a digital meter on the leads to the motor and see what the voltage is. The lower the voltage, the higher the current draw. Is the engine on and the alternator providing charging voltage to the windlass battery? Is the windlass battery in good condition?)
- motor failing (motor windings shorting or brushes failing or mechanical problems)
- internal gearing and lubrication problems (Enough oil? Does the windlass sound like it's laboring? Does the fuse blow when just lifting the rode or when it's lifting rode and anchor?)
- undersized windlass (Are you lifting more rode and anchor than in other anchorages?)
- improper use of the windlass (The purpose of the windlass is to raise the rode and anchor, not pull the boat to the anchor.)

 

[JoeWhite]

I am with see-to-sea. You mentioned that you were anchored in a location where there is a good holding ground. I think what you are saying is that you are using the windlass to pull the anchor out of the ground. To properly pull the anchor out of the ground - you must engine forward to break the anchor out of the mud first then use the windlass to raise the anchor out of the water.

 

[Ross]

If the anchor digs in well it is sometimes necessary to use the wave action to break it out. Sometimes we have to motor up to the anchor as I am pulling the rode and I snub it when it goes vertical and we are still moving. As others have said use the windlass to lift the anchor but break it out by other methods.