Hello Erik,
I found this post when searching the subject of remote contolled windlass.
Wondering if you ever got any answers or if you've adapted a remote control for your windlass. I plan on doing some single hand cruising and need to address the anchoring issue. Or for that matter has any other owner added a remote control to their windlass? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Sam

I have not done this myself - however I would imagine that this can be done very easily. Use an auto start relay - that can handle 30AMPs easily - and place it next to the switch underneath the foot switch. Then bring 2 18AGW wires into the helm panel and place a momentary switch on this panel. When you press and hold the switch down the relay contacts will provide current to the windlass motor. To raise the anchor - I normally pull the rode and the chain in as much as I can by hand until the chain is directly vertical - this means that the anchor is directly below the bow. Then I lock the chain to a cleat and drive the boat forward. This will break the anchor loose. Then while at the helm you can raise the anchor until you see it at the bow. In my case the anchor will not set in its cradle and I have to raise it by hand and place it on its holder. So I go to a dock and finish the job. Or if there is no dock then hopefully there is plenty of room for you to motor slowly and go to the bow to adjust and tie down the anchor.

Sam,
I'm in the process of installing a maxwell windlass and it came with a switch that installs at the helm. I was reading an article about a windlass install that was posted by Gary Teeter and in his description he says: "A pendant to control the winlass is passed out through the starboard opening window. The pendant we use was designed for industrial hoists and has up and down buttons."
I really like this idea, since it gives a lot more mobility than a fixed switch at the helm. As I've looked through various industrial pendants (pendant stations) that are available, for running hoists and power winches, they all seem to be for AC power. I don't know if they could easily be adapted for a 12 volt windlass?

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I have a remote control for the windlass, and I love it!

Originally the boat had only the stock "up" foot switch at the bow.

I installed a second foot switch for "down", and also installed the solenoid unit needed to switch back and forth.

Then, I installed the wireless controller to control the solenoid.

Now, as I approach the anchorage, while at the helm, I can release and drop/set the anchor single handing.

When ready to depart, again the remote windlass makes it easy to "up anchor" and pull away.

Here are some photos of all that:

Captions:

1) Starting point, single switch
2) Second switch and solenoid installed
3) Detail of solenoid/receiver wiring
4) Solenoid unit
5) Remote control fob for windlass control

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Rick, that looks great but where did you buy the parts please?
Thanks
Sam

Rick, How and where does the receiver for the remote install?

You will find a lot of diagrams etc on the Maxwell site:
[URL="http://www.maxwellmarine.com/gen_accessories.php"]http://www.maxwellmarine.com/gen_accessories.php[/URL]
If you open some of the PDF documends there are details on the various instalations.

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I bought all my Maxwell stuff from Defender. Great prices, good service.

Here is additional detail on the remote/receiver (second photo).

The receiver with it's antenna (green tape) sits right next to the solenoid.

Hey, if I could drill the deck, mount a footswitch, then wire the solenoid with big cables and hook up a wireless, anybody could do it!

.

Great pictures Rick. Very useful for me since I am doing a new install of a Maxwell windlass.