windlass bow controls?

boatman37

boatman37

Well-Known Member
Jun 6, 2015
4,242
pittsburgh
Boat Info
2006 Crownline 250CR. 5.7 Merc BIII
Previous: 1986 Sea Ray 250 Sundancer. 260 Merc Alpha 1 Gen 1
Engines
5.7 Merc BIII
So almost done with my windlass install. Was planning to finish it tonight but mother nature nixed that one. But I wasn't planning to install foot switches but watched a video the other day and whatever boat they had had an anchor locker hatch like our 250CR and they had a regular helm switch mounted under there. Since my boat already had a factory windlass switch at the helm I didn't use the one that came with the windlass. So after seeing that video started thinking about installing that switch on the side wall under that hatch? I could activate it from right there if need be. And when I found the 8GA wires I also found the foot switch wires so should be an easy install. Think it's worth it? How often are controls up front necessary? I know this is personal preference but if it's something I would never use then I won't bother. My plan was to install a wireless controller later on just in case I needed it but with the switch under there I shouldn't need that.

This is what mine will look like. Switch would be mounted on the sidewall of the 'shelf' under that hatch
 
I use my bow switches more than my helm switch. I like to be close to the action to supervise the retrieval.
 
Unless the wind is blowing when I raise the anchor, I typically will use the bow windlass controls. If wind/current are present, I’ll use the helm switches so I can maintain position (using joystick/throttles/etc) as the anchor comes off the bottom. Conversely, I almost exclusively lower the anchor from the helm.

Also, fixing the occasional windlass jam without windlass controls at the bow can be mildly frustrating.

If you have the hardware and knowledge to install them, I don’t think you’ll regret the flexibility and convenience of windlass controls at the bow.
 
May go ahead and install them then. Went down tonight to try to finish the windlass install but my anchor locker was full of water from the hard storm. Apparently some of those drilling chips plugged up my drain. Got it almost empty but have to go down tomorrow to try to shop vac the rest out and get it all cleaned out
 
51841BA2-4EFC-4948-B181-0BDF57D3AC02.jpeg

We use both. I’m usually on the bow and drop the anchor. Wife is at the helm and backs down as I play out more rode. Once we have proper scope, I cleat the rode and wife backs down and sets the hook. If it is pouring down rain, I use the helm and do the drop and the back down. Then go forward once scope is correct and cleat the rode. Then back to the helm to set the hook. When we leave, wife drives forward as I pull in the rode from the bow. If weather is still bad, we do it all from the helm.
 
So noticed a similar type boat with a hatch cover with the windlass under the hatch. Guy had a separate switch installed under that hatch. I didn't have to use my switch that came with mine cause my boat already had a switch at the helm so plan to use the new switch and mount it under the hatch on the side wall. Here is a pic of mine and plan to put the switch to the right of the cleat on the side wall. This is my actual boat here after install


 
I never use the bow foot switches. I always have to drive up on the anchor to get all of the chain in. Having the windlass pull the boat in wind isn't the best way to keep your windlass in good shape.
 
SKybolt said:
I never use the bow foot switches. I always have to drive up on the anchor to get all of the chain in. Having the windlass pull the boat in wind isn't the best way to keep your windlass in good shape.
Click to expand...

Likewise.

I only use my footswitches when the anchor picks up something or doesn't want to flip correctly. Nothing like pulling up a dead tree once in a while.
 
I always drop the anchor from the dash and retrieve it from the bow. My boat is supplied with a wash down at the bow that is only effective if you are at the bow. My wife handles the shift levers as per my hand signals from the bow to move up on the anchor.
 
Install them, they come in handy. I've begun to use mine more often. Drop from help and raise from now. I can better see when I have slack line to pull in
 
My wife always works the throttle while I'm pulling it before we had the windlass and I have been sitting at the helm to raise and lower it but figured I already have the switch, it will be out of the way and not cost anything to install. May come in handy some day
 
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