Anchor windlass

[osprey877]

Not sure if this post belongs in this forum, or in "anchors and mooring". Anyways, I have a Lofrans windlass which has a two pole motor. As currently wired, it is "up only". I find this dangerous to use as the chain is prone to jumping off the gypsy at high speed, usually just when I'm trying to tighten the wing not with my hands.

The current wiring configuration has the hot lead going from the breaker to a foot switch on deck and then to the motor.

My first question is whether or not I am correct in assuming that if I reverse the polarity on the motor, it will run in the opposite direction and there will not be any damage done to the motor?

My second question is whether or not I can reverse the polarity without buying a solenoid? My previous boat had a solenoid, and I had to replace it after two years because of an electrical fault. Also, The solenoid's require 2 foot switches where as I would prefer a single foot switch with A toggle for up or down. Does anybody have any suggestions? The boat is 40 feet with 150 feet of chain and a 45 pound Rocna anchor, so there is a pretty good current load going through the foot switch when hauling the anchor up. The foot switch is rated for the load, but some people have told me they think the solenoid switch is safer than running the full load through the foot switch.

Suggestions/advice welcomed. Thanks.