Windlass

[fellinger]

I just picked up a Good Automatic Company windlass at a price I could not turn down. I am running a 1995 272 Sailfish that is pre-wired. For those of you who installed your own windlass can you please share ideas, pictures and suggestions to make this install successful?

If you have firsthand knowledge of Good windlass's I'd like to hear that as well.

Thank you!

 

[ROBERTH]

Hi Tom, I did not have a windlass when I got my boat so had to install from scratch.

Installed a heavy aluminum plate to underside and also 2 additional cleats, port and starboard you can see the backing plates in the pic.

 

[ROBERTH]

This was the finished result and used some 1/2" Seafoam colored Starboard for the chain plate.

 

[ROBERTH]

Oh Yeah, then I installed the safety clasp and tensioner to keep the anchor tight.

 

[fellinger]

Thanks! For some reason I thought the hatch cover for the locker would have to be secured. This makes sense.

Thanks again. Since mine has the wiring can I assume the solenoids are installed and all I need to do is wire to a switch?

 

[ROBERTH]

When I got the Lewmar 700FF model, it came with the solenoid. I had to purchase the breaker separately.
At the time, I got the remote control, which I really don't like as it has a slight delay which can allow you to wreak havoc once the anchor is coming up over the roller. Think FLYING anchor!
So last year I installed the foot controls and they are great and more suited for controlling when at the windlass.

The switch, I can't recall, but think it also came with the windlass and I installed it in a really good spot on the helm.

 

[ROBERTH]

For the solenoid, I installed it just under the anchor hatch inside the anchor locker. There, it has the best access to the wiring. However, it is a PITA to get to, so I remove the forward bulkhead board to open/access the anchor locker from within the cabin, then can slide into the locker facing up and access/screw it in securely there.
For accessing simple things like connecting the wires or testing if I have an issue, I still can reach it from the topside. Will try to find a pic of this be explain it better. There might be a better place for it, but not sure where it would be. Best I could come up with during the install. I spray it down with corrosion block or Amsoil protectant to keep any corrision down.

 

[ROBERTH]

Finally found a pic that might make sense where it is for the solenoid. Also, stumbled on a pic where earlier I was mentioning the extra anchor line storage capablity if you open up more into the forward cabin hatch.

 

[ttles714]

i wish i have found that windlass !!! lol !! Good Luck

 

[ocnslr]

Since mine has the wiring can I assume the solenoids are installed and all I need to do is wire to a switch?

No.