2005 Sundancer 280 Windlass won't retrieve

[Texomakid]

Hey gang,

Got a couple of quick questions (I searched first and didn't find much)
Seems my Windless will only work running out, not retrieving. I switched the wires coming from the switches to see if that would be the issue but both switches are working because it would then release with the opposite switch but noting for pulling/retrieving. I've hunted for blown fuses but haven't found anything yet. Anyone run across this or similar and if so any suggestions?

Ok, this is just my dumb ass trying to get educated... Wind (as in blowing) or Wind (as in turning) I've been told both recently and I'm just trying to keep from looking like the fool I really am

 

[Halfhitch]

You didn't say if you are talking about foot switches at the windlass or helm switches or what brand windlass we are talking about but since you have eliminated the bad switch possibility and if there is no apparent effort at all when the "in" switch is activated, I would next assure that the wire for the "in" action is not compromised in some way. The wires are very often routed in the same vicinity where the chain is exiting the locker and could damage the wiring. Also it is a highly corrosive area with moisture and salt present for long periods which can destroy the wiring, especially at connections.

Good Luck and get back with what you find.

 

[Hoplite808]

The foot switches and the helm switch both send a 12+ signal to a relay/solenoid which then sends the higher amperage current to the windlass motor.

You’ll have to test to see if the switches are sending power to the relay/solenoid and then test is the relay is sending power to the motor.

If there is power at the motor when the switches are pressed then the motor is defective. If there is no power at the motor but power at the relay then the relay is defective. If there is no power at the motor or relay then the switch is defective. If there is no power at any of it the wiring is defective.

No easy way to diagnose it other than getting in there with a voltmeter and testing everything.

 

[Texomakid]

Sorry for the slow response - been busy on another project...

Thanks for the feedback and to answer a few questions I've tried at both switches (foot & helm) were checked out. By swapping the wires on the motor I was able to still release (out) on the anchor at both switches but the only thing I changed was the switch that was activating the out operation so I swapped the wires back to how i found them. What that appeared to tell me was the switches (both in & out) were working and by swaping the wires on the solenoid all I did was swap in/out operations of the switches but was still unable to operate the "in" direction.

I'm lucky in the way of corrosion since this ole girl has only been in fresh water and very little use prior to my purchase. It could be one of the lowest hour 2005 models out there. It also appears the prior owners used the windlass very little if at all.

The Windlass is a Lofrans' Marlin and I've need to confirm the motor model & type (either 400w or 700w). I'm gonna guess it's the 400w but I sure haven't confirmed that. Just a matter of getting my old fat ass out there with a volt meter as recommended. Thanks for the suggestions. I'm on a mission! this was a lot easier to do years ago

Thanks again for the reply - I'll have some new info soon - I just hope no one takes any photos of me trying to work inside that little anchor locker!

 

[Lazy Daze]

Does the motor turn at all when trying to bring the anchor in? The gypsy is the part that actually pulls the line/chain... but the motor turns the gypsy. If you can hear motor sound, then try tightening the clutch.

 

[Halfhitch]

Ha ha ha.....you are included in a large group here that don't get about quite like we did a few decades ago.
We all can run our mouth as well as before though.

 

[Hoplite808]

Do you hear the solenoid clicking when you press the switch? If so the wiring is likely fine. Your going to have to get a volt meter on the wires to the motor and have someone hit the switch for you. If voltage is good there then the motor has become defective. You can get the motor rebuilt by the way. I had that happen with the boat I recently bought and am now refitting. The brushes in the motor after 25 years around salt water had failed. Took it to the local alternator starter rebuild shop and they made it like new.

 

[Texomakid]

Was able to get to the boat slip this morning. As far as the Gypsy (I'm learning the terminology) It's for sure not turning but that's got me thinking about the clutch system ........ I need to learn a bit more on that. I guess that explains the handle that's stored inside the locker?

After looking it over real good I think I'll switch the main power cables to see if it will release. It's very possible it's in the solenoid switch box? I took a few pics to post.

Also, it' says it's a 500w so I laughed at that. I stuck my camera inside the locker and took pics of stuff I can't see other wise. That's where I got the idea to swap the power cable and see if it will run in the "in" direction.

I also need to reglue the door spring - Any recommendations on what glue or adhesive to use on that?
Pics for visual help. I didn't have time or I would have swapped those red power cables today. I'm gonna try that tomorrow. Thanks again for the reply and suggestions. Oh, getting down isn't too tough but that getting back up is pure comedy. I need to do it more often

 

[HotDirk01]

Was able to get to the boat slip this morning. As far as the Gypsy (I'm learning the terminology) It's for sure not turning but that's got me thinking about the clutch system ........ I need to learn a bit more on that. I guess that explains the handle that's stored inside the locker?

After looking it over real good I think I'll switch the main power cables to see if it will release. It's very possible it's in the solenoid switch box? I took a few pics to post.

Also, it' says it's a 500w so I laughed at that. I stuck my camera inside the locker and took pics of stuff I can't see other wise. That's where I got the idea to swap the power cable and see if it will run in the "in" direction.

I also need to reglue the door spring - Any recommendations on what glue or adhesive to use on that?
Pics for visual help. I didn't have time or I would have swapped those red power cables today. I'm gonna try that tomorrow. Thanks again for the reply and suggestions. Oh, getting down isn't too tough but that getting back up is pure comedy. I need to do it more often
View attachment 123486 View attachment 123487 View attachment 123488 View attachment 123489 View attachment 123491

One solinoid for "up" one for "down". Suggest you replace them both.