Lewmar Wireless Remote

[Palarran]

Thank you sailorman for the great information. I almost got suckered into purchasing one based on price. That is an old model and the new unit has an enclosed case and lights to program it. Also the remote looks beefier. So I did order that one. After I get it installed and tested I'll let you know how it works. Ordered from Defender for $230.

[Dragon Lady]

Hi Palarran, how did you go with your remote control?

[Palarran]

It works very well. It was easy to install and seems well built. So far, I'd recommend it.

From a use standpoint, it really is nice as I can hold on to my bridle and lower the chain at the same time.

[Dragon Lady]

Thanks it looks like wireless is the way to go and the new type of Lewmar kits is the best value of the name brand marine units.

[Dragon Lady]

Thumbs up for the Lewmar remote easy to install and use, much safer than bending down into the chain locker, where my switches are.

[charris]

A followup to my post from 2009. We are into our third season cruising all winter on the west coast of Mexico. The Lewmar wireless windlass controller has performed flawlessly. No complaints from me whatsoever. We usually anchor out so have upped and downed the anchor a whole lot of times and I cannot fault the unit at all.

[Dragon Lady]

Yes mine is still going well after 16 months.

[Redline452]

Originally Posted by Sailor_Man

In respect to the Lewmar 68000844 wireless remote that I recently installed, here's a little added information :

The little receiver board wrapped in heat shrink must have DC power applied to it constantly.

Each time that power to the receiver is interrupted (batteries off, breaker blows, checking the fuse, etc.) you have to reprogram it so that it recognizes the transmitter again. If you pick up the transmitter and it doesn't function, you must assume that power was possibly interrupted to the receiver and get out a jumper wire so that you can reprogram it again.

I have that Lewmar remote and shrink-wrapped receiver, and for safety reasons and to reduce current drain, I switch off the power to it whenever I am not using it. There is a waterproof toggle switch in the anchor well which also powers the washdown pump (to keep that one from losing pressure then running continuously into a closed valve attempting to re-prime). I only use the remote when retrieving the anchor, which is when I use the washdown, and have not had to reprogram it even after months of powered-down winter storage.

On the other hand, while it works to haul the anchor, it does not have enough range to use from the cockpit, or even half-way aft. This isn't a problem for me as I have a Quick wired remote with chain counter at the helm which I use for anchoring. I prefer to retrieve from the bow anyway so I can see the chain direction, hose off the muck, and stop in time (the counter sometimes misses counts when you stop/start a lot). Basically the wireless remote saves me from having to do the splits to keep one foot on the footswitch at the aft end of the anchor well while leaning forward to see over the bow roller. But it's definitely short-range.

[Palarran]

I will second Dragon Lady. Mine has worked flawlessly. It really has to be one of the best gadgets you can buy for two and a half boat bucks (or 1/4, depending on the buck guage).