90s 270DA Windlass Retrofit

[ccloanin]

I am wanting to retrofit an anchor windlass on my 1997 Sea Ray 270DA. Anyone ever seen a 270DA that came with the factory anchor windlass option. Trying to find out where and how Sea Ray mounted the windlass and any wiring information for the windlass anyone can provide. I have emailed Sea Ray but have not received any reply. Bet they have pictures and wiring diagrams/specifications somewhere. Thanks:huh:

 

[MLauman]

Searay offered the Lofrans Marlin as an option for that model. I don't recall ever seeing a factory install, but I have seen several after-market installations (including mine). There is some info in the parts manual: http://www.searay.com/boat_graphics/electronic_brochure/Company1729/1C1_24_74DEIPR3B95.pdf

The main obstacle I had to work out was the anchor locker door. You cannot just mount the windlass on the door - it would rip it off. I mounted a piece of treated 2x10 in the locker and then thru-bolted the windlass to that.

Because of that, I would imagine that a horizontal unit would be easier to install than a vertical one. The factory one was vertical but I suspect the anchor locker door was glassed in and reinforced.

Other than that, it's just a major wiring project. You have to run a lot of wire to a lot of places.

I installed a Lewmar Horizon 600FF. It has given us many years of good service.

 

[ccloanin]

MLauman,

Thanks for your reply and information. Your install looks great but just have a few questions. Do you have any pictures of your install in progress? I was interested in how/where you secured the wood mounting plate for the windlass to the underside of the anchor hatch before finally bolting the hatch to the woods reinforcement.

From the picture, I take it that the anchor locker hatch is now permanently fixed; bolted to the 2x10 beneath. What do you do when you have a rode jam or need to service something or the windlass from beneath? Any access to the locker now? Also, is the button on the hatch where the latch use to be now an up/down foot switch, remote plug?

Did you run your power cables down the port side behind the refrigerator and bolsters to the bow? Did you wire into the breaker box above the water heater in the bildge. Noticed my fuse box there has a 50A breaker there labeled "Windlass". Did you run 8AWG power cable to the front for power or other gauge. Want to ensure I have big enough cable to carry all the amps.

Anything you did on your install that you wish you had done differently now? Seems like I always find something I would have done differently if was doing it over again!

Had hoped to go with a vertical unit just to keep the deck as clear as possible but I don't know if that is practical given the deck config.

Thanks for all your help!

 

[MLauman]

Sorry, no pics of the install - wish I did. The 2x10 (might be 2x12 - can't remember) is about 3 feet long and runs fore and aft spanning the top of the anchor locker. Basically, the length was determined by the maximum amount I could fit thru the opening. I put a couple of small screws in to hold it in place and then the windlass bolts clamp it in place.

The door is screwed down and caulked. Access to the locker is via the hole behind the mirror in the cabin. Perhaps you were not aware, but that mirror has a hinge along the top and velcro along the bottom. I enlarged the original hole a little to make it easier to work in.

I glassed in the hole where the anchor door latch was from the underside and then installed the foot switch there. It was slightly larger than the hole so it covered it nicely. I only installed an UP switch because the windlass is freefall.

I did wire into the breaker box above the water heater. Mine had a knockout for the windlass, but I had to provide the actual breaker. It is 50 amps. I also replaced the wire feeding that box with a larger one to the battery. The neg wire for the windlass runs straight to the battery post. I used 6ga wire, but that choice depends on the particular unit you choose. Just remember that the lengths are ROUND TRIP to and from the battery.

Lewmar has excellent instructions for wire selection (as well as the whole install). Here is the manual I used: http://www.lewmar.com/cms/assets/1/Literature/Horizon_free_600-900.pdf
See page 13 for wire specs. This model was replaced by the 700 series and I'm not sure if it is still current. The Lewmar installation manual is worth a look even if you go with another brand, IMO.

The heavy wires were routed as you suggest - behind the bolster - thru the cabinets - thru the aft cabin area below the mirror and into the ER. I mounted the solenoid (contactor) on the back of the breaker box. The wires for the foot switch (2 x 14g) run alongside the main wires. You also have to run wires for the cockpit switch (3 x 14g) which I ran across the top-front of the ER (above the water tank) and then followed the steering cables to the dash.

The only thing I might do differently would be to pull 3 wires for the foot switch instead of 2 so that a DOWN one could be added. Otherwise, I've been thoroughly satisfied with my arrangement.

 

[MonacoMike]

Does anyone have ideas or suggestions for mounting a vertical windlass on a 270? What would need to be reinforced? Is there enough drop in the compartment?

MM

 

[ccloanin]

MLauman,

Thanks for all your assistance. Some great info and I THINK I have all the scoop to take on this journey now. I'll let you know how I come out.

Thanks Again!

 

[MLauman]

Does anyone have ideas or suggestions for mounting a vertical windlass on a 270? What would need to be reinforced? Is there enough drop in the compartment?

MM

Well Searay offered a vertical windlass as an option on that model so presumeably it can be done. As for reinforcement, I think the requirements for a vertical and horizontal would be similar and I gave my 2 cents on that earlier in the thread.

BTW, IIRC vertical units were considerably more expensive than horizontal when I was shopping for one.

 

[MLauman]

MLauman,

Thanks for all your assistance. Some great info and I THINK I have all the scoop to take on this journey now. I'll let you know how I come out.

Thanks Again!

Your welcome. It's not a small project but very worthwhile, IMO. Good luck!