Windlass wiring

[dicor]

I'm installing a Anchorlift windlass on my 270 and was happy to hear that Sea Ray pre-wired my model for a windlass. Today I was hoping to install the windlass but when I found the wire Sea Ray ran for the DC motor feed I got nervous. It seemed too small. The Anchor Lift draws 50/60 amps which requires a 2 gauge cable. Essentially a battery cable. The one Sea Ray installed isn't very much larger than a toaster cord. I looked up the Lofran windlass specs which I believe is the one Sea Ray used and they also draw 50/60 amps. What gives?? :huh:

 

[2texoma]

The wire that was factory installed is likly meant to operate a relay to which the owner must supply and connect the actual power transmission cables.
There are dependable ways to miniumize amp demand and use smaller conductors. One way is moving the battery closer to the point of demand. Another is by useing a 24 volt device and setting the circuit up to use power from house and start batteries in series. And of course combining closer supply source and increased voltage will dramaticly reduce required conductor size. In the intrest of safty, I prefer installing the relay near the battery so the postive cable is only live while you are operating the device. Electrocution is no concurn but 12v with high amps presents far more danger of causeing fire than 120v normaly does if the wire shorts.

 

[dicor]

I don't know about that, according to the wiring diagram there are 2 wires on the SB side coming from the dash which switches the solenoid, I found them. Also there are 2 wires coming from the bilge on the Port side which is the DC motor feed, these connect to the solenoid assembly I found them and they are too small. If I connected them to my windlass after 5 minutes of operation I'd be able to toast a pop tart over it.

 

[Phlorida]

I always thought that the two extra wires in the anchor locker were probably for the remote light option.

 

[dicor]

They are for the windlass operation. If you remove the back panel from the interior of the port storage closet in the forward cabin you will find the other bundle containing the windlass DC feed wiring.

 

[Phlorida]

I stand corrected. I never researched it as neither the windlass or the remote spotlight interested me, it just seemed like the wire gauge was too small to have anything to do with the windlass.

They are for the windlass operation. If you remove the back panel from the interior of the port storage closet in the forward cabin you will find the other bundle containing the windlass DC feed wiring.

 

[sdarc]

Is it possible those 2 smaller wires are for the foot switches that would have been installed if the windlass option was installed from the factory?

I'm not at the boat this weekend to look and next weekend is looking iffy too.

 

[MonacoMike]

This is a response based on logic not experience. I find it hard to believe SR put $200+ of wiring in boats on the off chance a customer would want a windlass. I understand they have on occasion but it seems more the exception than the rule and even rarer for one that needs it.

Disclaimer: I badly wanted it too. :smt043

MM

 

[dicor]

I thought the same thing with copper at about $4 lb, however when they built my 270 it was under a dollar.

 

[2texoma]

I believe MM has it right and no amount of pacing hand wringing will change it. So at this point should we start comparing ideas on completing the wireing? Truth be known,Sea Ray proably put those switchs and wires in place to accomindate several different dealer installed options. Some without additional wireing because the wire can carry light loads. Heck,I think I even recall a wealthy oil man who had a Longhorn steer head mounted up there that would bellow,blow snot out the nostrils,light up red eyeballs or release smoke from tips of his horns depending on what switch was flipped.:smt017:smt115:lol:

 

[dicor]

Well no, I'm not expecting anyone to begin to compare there windlass wiring, I'm simply pointing out an observation. I found all the hidden wires that are supposed to be there and 2 were not the correct gauge. Once I realized this I logged onto eBay, while still on my boat as a matter of fact, and got a deal on 60 ft of 2 ga. for $113, no hand wringing or pacing here. However if I had a factory installed windlass I would stick my head in the locker and take a look at the DC feed just out of curiosity.