Say that title three times fast. I've attached a short write up how I added a $10 wireless remote to my windlass. There are more expensive units out there, mine says in/out rather than up down which to me is fairly minor. I suspect that many of these units may be prone to operating other units within it's short range - so I keep my windlass powered off unless I'm using it.
Enjoy
Les
—
Les & Trish Troyer
Mahalo
Everett, WA
1983 C-36 Hull #0094
C-36 MK 1 Technical Editor.
Commodore
Attachments:
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
 Windlass_Wireless_Remote.pdf | 176.4 KB |
Great project at an amazingly low price ! (too bad our boat doesn't have a windlass to apply this too).
A few years ago I posted about a wireless autopilot https://www.catalina36.org/forum/general-discussion/wireless-auto-pilot-remote that I thought was a great deal at $190, but it seems to me that there are probably other low-cost wireless relays out there that could probably be re-purposed this way.... (by the way, the madmadmarine wireless autopilot has continued to work flawlessly for us for 4 seasons now; one of the best additions we've made to our boat)
Matthew Chachère
s/v ¡Que Chévere!
(Formerly 1985 C36 MKI #466 tall rig fin keel M25)
2006 Catalina Morgan 440 #30.
Homeported in eastern Long Island, NY
I installed a wired remote control with up/down switch. I found the problem with wireless remote was that after you release the button the windlass motor would continue to rotate for an other second or two. For lowering it was Ok, but not for bringing up. I used two relays with 12VDC coils and 85 AMP contact that was designed to be used on golf carts. I painted them with Rust-o-lium to keep them from rusting. They were weatherproof. They work well. For short-handed anchoring it is a must.
I also added a roller to guide the anchor away from running into the jib roller and be directed into its resting slot. This image is the prototype.
Sail La Vie 1999 Catalina 36 MKII, M35B-17031, Coyote Point, San Mateo, CA
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