Windlass Switch

holscher2438

Has anyone installed an additional windlass switch up by the anchor locker on a 342?  I wish the factory would have installed foot controls...Just curious if anyone has looked into it.

Thanks!

davidbrooks

Would love to do this as well.  It is almost impossible to pull up an anchor without having someone feed the line and keep it from snagging.

Ian

Have done on my 310. Exactly why I did it for the reasons you stated.  I used the Lewmar 68000888 and 68000889 deck foot swtches

rasbury

Would make sense for all boats.. Can't tell what line is doing coming or going!

raybo3

Not sure why you would need a switch up on the bow. I never "pull" my  boat by the windlass. When lifting the anchor I put my boat in forward and raise the anchor. Never have a tangle problem. 

Liberty44140

I do have the admiral on deck when raising and lowering the anchor but really just to tell me what she sees, direct me if I'm going to fast or slow when pulling up to make sure the windlass is not pulling the boat and to make sure I'm not going too fast and driving over the line. She does not need to guide the line in to the bow. In another post I commented on how my spring arm was not springing so I took bit apart, greased with 30wt and now it springs nicely. 

Ian

I don't use mine to pull the boat but to lift the anchor - what it's there for. Being at the bow to ensure it comes in right and having control there is the idea. 

davidbrooks

Even if all I was doing was using the windlass to wind in the rope it would still get snagged.  The darn thing just doesn't ever feed properly without someone sitting there to help it now and then.

Liberty44140

Are you guys with snagging issues using the 3 strand or 8 plait anchor rode? The 8 plait is supposed to eliminate snags when pulling up.

davidbrooks

Good question @Liberty44140 I will have to look the next time I go to the boat.  IT would be nice to just replace the rode vs wiring in a new switch.

rasbury

I'd use the foot switch so I can see how much rode is out- otherwise I count and figure about a foot a second- guess its not a science, if the boat is not holding, let out more rode...

Ian

I have 8 plait. I don't have a snag problem, I like to be up front keeping an eye on it and controlling the windlass. Wouldn't be the first time I've stopped it pulling up due to some foliage or twigs caught on it somehow and rather than rip through the guide I can address before it's a problem.

@davidbrooks - For me well worth a few hours of work and some $$$ for nice stainless deck switches for convenience and piece of mind. But if you have snagging problems this isn't your answer and perhaps your rode needs attention/replacement. 

Stodge

@holscher2438 I looked into it for my 342.  I don't have a relay, just a REALLY heavy duty switch at the helm.  So issue #1 for me would be to add a relay.  If I do that I'll add a wireless remote.  So far it has not been high enough on my list to get it done.

frenchship

If you had a 300 express 2007 you would appreciate the foot control since the factory anchor rode most of the time would pile up in the anchor rode compartment and jam the windlass, I tried to shorted the rode by 10 feet suggested by Al but the problem is still happening. So kind of useful to have the foot control.