Installing New Windlass

[gulfstar37]

I'm sure this has been covered before but I'm newer to the site. I'm looking at installing a new anchor windless and would like input on the electircal end of the installation. Our battries a located in the aft secton of the boat and windless will be mounting at the bow. Question is to what options is there for running electrical. Do I just fess up and buy the heavy cable to go from the back up to the bow, install a dedicated battery towards the bow and run smaller wire to charge, or what.

I am interested in what others have done, or installation from factory.

Thanks in advance.

[Rick]

Read the other thread on sizing a windlass (not windless). Because retreival rate is important one should run the engine with a good alternator while operating the windlass (easier on the windlass with higher voltage, lower heating, as well).

It makes no sense to use a separate windlass battery; waste of space, weight, increased pitching moment, and money. Put your money in a good high output alternator, big cables, and good windlass.

[Morgan3820]

I bought 70 ft of 2/0 cable from www.genuindealz.com . My windlass at 1200 watts will pull 100 amps at load. To keep voltage drop to less than 3%, 2/0 cable was required. Genuinedealz website has a great calculator to determine the right size for your application. I paid 3.65/ft. Just checked and now it is 5.00/ft but free shipping. Expensive but a lot cheaper than WM. If you undersize the cable, poor performance and premature motor wear may occur. Spend the money and do it right. Also, ensure that the deck you mount it to has no flex when loaded.

[svHyLyte]

See http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...bles-3456.html. Everything you need to know is covered.

[gulfstar37]

Thanks for the thread line. I believe I will use what seams to work best.

Again thanks for the reply.

[Solitude]

Are you planning to go up to 24v?

[gulfstar37]

Everything on the boat is currently 12v including the alternator. I know if I went to 24V the current would essentially be cut in half and the long cable run from back to front to back could be made in snaller diameter wire. What is your thoughts to converting to 24V another alternator and battery bank?