Windlass issue

[AlohaSpirit]

Ok, I made a bobo, trying to help my wife, we were in a tight anchoring position and the windlass quit on me when I tried to drag the boat with it. Now I hear the the click but no activity from the windlass. It is a Lewmar HC1012 1000 W 15 Amp, no fuse on the panel. Any guidance will appreciated and no I will not do that again.

[sailorboy1]

The breaker is 90+% sure to be tripped.

Look for a bigger breaker as there is no way your windlass is protected by a 15 amp breaker on the panel. On my boat there is windlass power breaker on the panel, but that is just for the control relays (that's what's going click for you). There is a separate windlass breaker that protects the windlass motor itself and that's the one that trips when you overload the system and it is normally close to the batteries themselves and may be hidden some (mine is under the nav desk and you have to be on your knees under the table to see it).

[a64pilot]

Once you find that CB, get in the habit of leaving it open when not using the Windlass.

[model 10]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Once you find that CB, get in the habit of leaving it open when not using the Windlass.

Why would someone do that? Covered switches are common.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by Guy

Why would someone do that? Covered switches are common.

Couple of reasons, for whatever treason the relay can trip or stick powering the windlass and mechanical damage could result, the other is it's a very high amperage power supply, I think mine is 100 amp, maybe higher, but certainly high enough if shorted to start a fire.
Then admittedly I am of the habit of leaving unused circuits powered off, I see downsides to leaving it powered, but none for not?

[model 10]

Then I guess you have a resettable breaker for the starter, alternator too? I've heard of relays not closing but never one that spontaneously closed unless it was a NC relay. It's just one more thing to remember.

[sailorboy1]

I normally turn off power for the control relays, but not the main power to the windlass motor. I don't really have any reason that I can't talk both for or against doing it other than it is a PITA to get to the main breaker.

[AlohaSpirit]

Thank you everyone for your guidance, the reset of the breaker works, I will keep in mind where it is located from now on. This is the reason I like this CruisersForum. Simple answer and to the fact. Good thing they breakers against the user's stupidity.