1979 MainShip Windlass Issues

[LBethune]

I have a 1979 Mainship34ft long and the Windlass has stopped working, i think the supply power is not getting to the motor, I has two switches to control it neither works. Does anybody have any drawing on this Windlass? It looks like the switches are the controls and does not have a relay. Think my next step is to hot wire the motor and make sure it's the motor are the controls.

 

[ranger58sb]

I would guess your windlass was an aftermarket installation, or maybe only one step better, a dealer install after deliver from Mainship.

-Chris

 

[Dwk]

I would start with cleaning the massive corroison and checking all the connections first.That maybe all that is necessary.

 

[Comodave]

I would start with cleaning the massive corroison and checking all the connections first.That maybe all that is necessary.

That is exactly what I would do. That much corrosion could easily be the cause. I would also suspect that corrosion has worked its way up into the wiring itself since none of the connectors are heat shrink adhesive lined ones. Then I would check that the relays are working.

 

[Peter B]

Welcome to TF, LBethune. However, I've taken the liberty of moving your thread to an area more likely to get the sort of input you need.

 

[LBethune]

Thanks
I have located my issue and found the ground wire is loose some where likely at the grounding Buss

 

[LBethune]

I guess since this windlass only has 400 watts ( I think) it will work with just a cross over switch and has no relay as shown in my photos but still mazes me that it works like that without getting hot at the switch because the wire on the switch is only maybe no.12 and the power and supply wires are no. 6 R 4. I will clean the switches are replace , found them on Amazon but not sure yet if they cross over for revering the windlass. amazon does not show the back side and description is weak.
Thanks

 

[Dwk]

Have you tried the windlass mfg for the switches,relays and the power requirements? Seems to me that info would necessary to wire correctly for optimal operation, without the mfg info it's quessing what's correct.

 

[Comodave]

I guess since this windlass only has 400 watts ( I think) it will work with just a cross over switch and has no relay as shown in my photos but still mazes me that it works like that without getting hot at the switch because the wire on the switch is only maybe no.12 and the power and supply wires are no. 6 R 4. I will clean the switches are replace , found them on Amazon but not sure yet if they cross over for revering the windlass. amazon does not show the back side and description is weak.
Thanks

If you indeed have 12 volts there then 400 watts is over 33 amps. I don’t want 33 amps on a 12 gauge wire on my boat.

 

[LBethune]

I did find a manual and drawing showing the High Current switch instead of a relay. And found my ground wire loose causing the issue.