Boat Anchor Issue

Easybee

2005 Rinker Fiesta Vee. The anchor goes down, however, it won't come up using the up and down switch. The switch was replaced with a new one. The issue still remain the same. What could be causing this issue. 

aero3113

I would say solenoid probably. It’s located up at the windless.

aero3113

You might get lucky and tap it a couple of times with a screwdriver to get the chain back up if you’re in a bind.

Formulaben

You didn't say if the windlass motor was running or not when activating the switch.  If it's not turning, you could have a rode jam, a bad solenoid, or low battery current reaching the motor.  Try it again when the engine running (or genset with battery charger on) and see if it's different, as you could have a power delivery issue.  If you can hear the motor turning, but rode isn't coming up then tighten the clutch.

You didn't say what model of FV you have or which windlass, but @reneechris14 was kind enough to post how to clean and recondition the Horizon windlass that many have.  He was even kind enough to post a link to a roller bearing part this is the weak link in the unit.

mattie

All good suggestions above - also tighten electrical connections. Some heavy duty pwr usage req'd.
I was surprised on our Rinker 276 at the elec connections in the anchor locker. (not the best) 
Once solved, clean & grease windlass. (manufacturers recommend done annually......lol.)

MarkB

Formulaben said:

You didn't say if the motor was running or not when activating the switch.  If it's not turning, you could have a rode jam, a bad solenoid, or low battery current reaching the motor.  Try it again when the engine running (or genset with battery charger on) and see if it's different.  If you can hear the motor turning, but rode isn't coming up then tighten the clutch.

You didn't say what model of FV you have or which windlass, but @reneechris14 was kind enough to post how to clean and recondition the Horizon windlass that many have.  He was even kind enough to post a link to a roller bearing part this is the weak link in the unit.

Exactly, if the motor is running, it could be the clutch not grabbing the chain ... easy for it to go down due to gravity, but not back up!

aero3113

I don’t think he would’ve replaced the switch if he heard the motor running….

Formulaben

aero3113 said:

I don’t think he would’ve replaced the switch if he heard the motor running….

True, but he didn't say and that's why I asked.  When troubleshooting a problem, you eliminate ALL possibilities in the troubleshooting tree and assume nothing unless it's specifically been addressed...kinda like you do in your jet.

MH342

Just throwing a simple check into the mix …  battery health. I’ve had a battery on its last leg that could still start the motors but the windlass would stall dead in if there was any load on the line.  It would go down but up was just a ‘click’ unless the line was completely slack.