Two direction foot switch, one housing?

[MentallyAdrift]

Hello everbody,
I'm upgrading my windlass from a single direction to dual direction.
Does anyone know of a dual direction deck switch in one housing so I don't have to add another hole through the deck?
It will be actuating a relay & not under full amp load of the windlass motor.

thanks,
James

[Shrew]

I've never seen one. I certainly wouldn't want one. It's too easy to step on the wrong one accidentally. When we're weighing anchor, we usually have the cover to the 'out' switch closed.

[BillKny]

We MUCH prefer our wired handheld remote for the windlass. It plugs into a socket in the bow locker when needed, and stores below--safe and dry--when not in use.

It allows a lot more mobility for the bow crew when weighing anchor, much lower chance for leaks, or accidental activation by an wayward toe or water intrusion into the switch.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by BillKny

We MUCH prefer our wired handheld remote for the windlass. It plugs into a socket in the bow locker when needed, and stores below--safe and dry--when not in use.

It allows a lot more mobility for the bow crew when weighing anchor, much lower chance for leaks, or accidental activation by an wayward toe or water intrusion into the switch.

+1

I built a wired remote for less than $20. Going on 12 years now. Raise chain and wash mud off at the same time!!

[MentallyAdrift]

Sailmonkey, is your wash down a permanent mounted "auto wash down" setup which is triggered when your raising the chain?
If so I'd love to know more about it.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by MentallyAdrift

Sailmonkey, is your wash down a permanent mounted "auto wash down" setup which is triggered when your raising the chain?
If so I'd love to know more about it.

No, what I meant by my disjointed post was that with the wired remote (handheld) you can walk up to the pointy end while raising the chain and holding the washdown hose over the chain before it comes over the roller, keeping muck off of the deck. No need to stay rooted in one spot on the deck to keep the windlass running.

[stormalong]

You could also do a cordless remote.

I have both a corded control and a cordless FOB.

The corded is for backup and for when the wife hauls me to the top of the mast.

The cordless is a very inexpensive control available from many sources. Since you will be using a contactor (relay) to control the windlass the relays within the receiver for the cordless are sufficient to handle the current.

The advantage of cordless is that you can be at the helm, decide where to drop the anchor, start dropping it and then walk forward while playing out the chain.

[SouthBaySailor]

I made my wired remote using 2 golf cart relays and one toggle switch that returns to off position when released. The cord reaches the helm and the bow.
I have images and write up of how I installed it, but this site does not allow links to other websites. Visit the link on my signature.

[M Porter]

I am interested in seeing SouthBaySailor images for wiring your two direction windlass. My ancient windlass has only two wires, so I have to reverse polarity to switch directions.
Can you send along a wiring diagram for how to connect up relays to switch the windlass in this way? mporteratp@gmail.com

[Cheechako]

+1 for Handheld remote. You can brace yourself, you can see what you are doing at the bow etc etc. I used a small crane pendent from Grainger for one boat.
and +2 for the handheld washdown stored in the anchor locker. Coily hose.

[Tom Boles]

Southbay

Could I get that information on how you did your wired remote as well? I have a Hunter 380 I just bought....am about to install a windlass and your description sounds exactly what I am looking for.

sailing0612@yahoo.com

Thank you

Tom

[PirateGuy]

just make sure you use momentary switches - or unlatched relays for winch controls.
Safety first.