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Old 18-09-2006, 17:13   #1
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Windlass Controls

My much-hated corded windlass remote is about to die so I have an excuse finally to replace it. Was orginally just going to go with footswitches but the new wireless controllers have me intrigued.

Does anyone have experience with them? The two I know of are:

http://www.coastlinetechnology.com/remote.htm and
http://www.vetus.com/anchor_windlass...lasses_acc.cfm

They are about twice the price of footswitches but wouldn't involve drilling holes in the boat.
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Old 18-09-2006, 19:04   #2
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I have Vetus foot switches. They work fine from a functional perspective. The trick with them is you step on the wrong one a lot. Flip open the cover on the one you need. I find some times when raising I need to lower. The Chesapeake mud is pretty ugly stuff and needs a wash down.

I'm looking at everything but my feet. Up when you mean down is a problem. I also have a wired control but I've never used it. Ikepp thinking it would be better I also have a helm toggle switch that I won't allow my wife to use (she motors and I drop and raise the hook). It was for doing the hook solo.

You learn. Find something that works for you and the crew and stick with it. On the fly procedures usually are doomed. I learned all that with docking in the home slip. One simple procedure works best. Hand signals are better than yelling. I get in trouble if I yell. You really don't need to look (and sound) like a jerk when anchoring.
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Old 19-09-2006, 05:05   #3
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My issue with the wired remote is more about the installation than the unit itself. Seems like the French manufacturers are doing this primarily. The plug for the wired remote is installed the interior panel in the fwd cabin closest to the windlass motor. So, to use the remote, you have to open the forward hatch, place it on the foredeck, then go back topside to use it. A real pain and in the rain or heavy weather I usually end up with a wet bunk as a bonus!
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Old 19-09-2006, 06:12   #4
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Curtis--

Last winter we installed a new windlass with both a corded controller and a second, "Quick" hand held, wireless controller, that we obtained from "MariSafe" in Sarasota, Florida. The link to the second page of our discussion is http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...?t=3456&page=2
Take a look at the second to the last entry (#25).

The Quick wireless is easily installed, inexpensive, and works well.

Good Luck--

s/v HyLyte
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Old 20-09-2006, 04:57   #5
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Thanks very much for the reference. I haven't seen the Quick before. Which remote did you get (they list a "pocket" size and a regular one)?

Regards,

Curtis
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Old 20-09-2006, 10:00   #6
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Wireless reliability

The most reliable windlass switch is, in general, a good quality sealed foot switch with an opening cover to prevent inadvertent contact. Cabled switches and wireless switches all rely on the use of a relay or contactor to conduct the motor current. Windlass motors for a 40 ft cruiser will be rated for over 100A at a nominal 12V.

Reliable high current relays rated for over 100A are expensive as compared to good sealed high current switches. The Kilovac EV200 series Czonka contactor (sold by Blueseas) is one good example and at least two are needed for reversible motors. If your remote cable or wireless system does not use such a sealed quality contactor you ought to at least have manual sealed switches installed as a primary method of controlling the windlass.
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