Wireless windlass remote control

[mlibkind]

I want to be able to control the windlass from the cockpit of a 45' sailboat. I think the best solution would be a wireless remote because it would allow me to move forward for final adjustment without having to switch to another control.

Also, I think that a wireless remote would be easier to install because I don't have to run wires the length of the boat.

I would like any information you might give about choosing a remote control. While it would be nice to have a chain counter too, it is by far not necessary.

What do you think? Any suggestions.

Marcus

[exkma367]

I wired up a Harbor Freight wireless winch control. Hard wire to the cockpit is planned.

[ben373]

I have installed one of the cheapies on ebay and works fine. It is fantastic being wireless. Cost $12

Sent from my GT-N5120 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[svHyLyte]

When I installed our Maxwell Vertical Windlass in late 2006, I elected a wired hand held controller over foot switches. I also added a "Quick" wireless controller that I can control the windlass with from anywhere on the boat. Since then, while I always plug the wired controller in, I have virtually never used it. I have the Quick wireless on a lanyard I clip onto my belt and use that to deploy and recover our ground tackle.

Take a look at (click on) "RRC Wireless Handheld Remote". The receiver fro ours is installed in the forward cabin, below the berth, close to the control box for our windlass.

FWIW...

[AD28]

I bought one very similar to this one, got it eBay. Do some more searching ("12V Winch Remote"), you can find 'em even cheaper than my example. I think mine came with two or three units so I figured if one didn't work then I'd have a couple more. It's been working fine with my Quick system running a Lofrans Tigres windlass, it's been at least a year

12V Winch Wireless Remote Control Kit for Truck Jeep ATV Warn Ramsey | eBay

[Sailorman Ed]

I bought the same as AD28, got 2 remotes, cannot beat the price.

[bmax242]

i have both wireless and hard wire controller, on our cat. The counter is a great and saves a lot of guess work. But the wireless has has some issues so with the wireless located beside the anchor locker it is a good backup and has come thru when the wireless was having communication problems. Also the wireless goes off line fairly quickly to save internal power so you have to keep in use so it doesn't shut down.

[mlibkind]

Everyone,

Thank you for your speedy and useful comments. I had seen the Harbor Freight unit and was wondering if it might work. I guess so. I might also go with the more expensive Quick RRC simply because it is "marine grade" though that might not be critical if I'm careful.

Again thanks. This forum is fantastic.

Marcus

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by mlibkind

Everyone,

Thank you for your speedy and useful comments. I had seen the Harbor Freight unit and was wondering if it might work. I guess so. I might also go with the more expensive Quick RRC simply because it is "marine grade" though that might not be critical if I'm careful.

Again thanks. This forum is fantastic.

Marcus

Marcus--If it can get wet, it will get wet. Ours always works, rain or shine, and has for 10 Years.

FWIW...

[a64pilot]

I bought this one and it has been great
https://www.amazon.com/Anchor-Remote...remote+control
There is for some reason a very slight delay, making just bumping the windlass a little a little more difficult.
I did not install the foot switches, but did install a switch in the cockpit, it is a very simple switch, even a garage door opener would work I'm sure.

[Fast Tack]

Hi, thanks for the information on your wireless winch remote. How does the wiring go ?
Number of wires on the harbor freight item and their connections to what wires of the winch. I have a Quick anchor winch.

Thank You

[Pelagic]

Guys, I honestly don't know why you would wish to remote control the most powerful piece of deck equipment without being on the bow to make sure some obstruction does not destroy your foredeck

Those who want to blindly raise the anchor from the cockpit are just asking for trouble.

[conachair]

Originally Posted by Pelagic

Guys, I honestly don't know why you would wish to remote control the most powerful piece of deck equipment without being on the bow to make sure some obstruction does not destroy your foredeck

Those who want to blindly raise the anchor from the cockpit are just asking for trouble.

It's really handy having the option.
When dropping the hook let it hang first so you know it's free well before dropping without having to go to the bow. Raising I'm usually at the bow anyway but solo if it's blustery then it's easy to get most up from the cockpit watching the chain vibrate so you know there's very little tension on the chain.
More options are good, especially single handed.

Maybe worth giving it a go before making your mind up.

[rdempsey]

I also use a jeep winch remote from ebay.
Works great!

[cabo_sailor]

I too bought a wireless remote on Amazon. As I recall there are five wires, one of which is the antenna. Assuming you can get to the windlass relay without taking the boat apart , it takes just a few minutes.to install. It is fairly easy to reverse the polarity so check to see if the remote and the windlass agree on which way is up.

I too wanted the chain counter but the Maxwell price was so obscene and since I've lived without it since Noah loaded up the ark, it was easy to pass.

As an aside, I happen to agree with Pelagic. No way I'm going to be slinging a 45 # anchor and a couple hundred feet of chain from the cockpit. Up or down I'm going to be on the bow.