Anchor windlass electrical switch issue.

[ddalme]

For the wench to run you must have + and -. One of your switches made contact. Got wet??? I'd check all my switches and wiring on the solenoid.

[motion30]

Yes I believe the solenoid could stick intermittently also low voltage can make it stick as well

[jskinner30PII]

In my case it was the solenoid/ relay.

[Symphony]

I saw this same problem occur with a power halyard winch on a large sailboat. The winch powered up by itself when no one was around and did quite a lot of damage to the mast and halyard system. Damp salt environment was able to connect the switch contacts, and the owner had left the power winch main breaker on.

I also know friends with Amel sailboats that have had this same problem with their anchor windlass motor.

Now I always shut the big electric motors off at the main breaker if I'm not using them.