Inoperative Windlass

[my dash]

I was stuck a couple of weeks ago in debris while I anchored out. I was able to let loose but the windlass stopped working and I had to pull the the chain(all chain no rope)and anchor up manually. I looked under the helm station in the breaker box, the windlass breaker was reset, I checked in the engine compartment and that breaker was reset; I cannot get the windlass to work. It clicks but nothing happens. MM mobile mechanics are REALLY backed up as they had an awesom Miami Boat Show and will not be able to get to some for some time.If it is an easy fix I can handle it,but I have 2 left hands and would not even consider anything technical n order to get it to work. Does this sound familiar to any of you???
Chris :smt017

 

[skolbe]

I suspect there is a little arm on your windlass and it is bent. You are going to need to replace the arm if it is bent. It ends up jamming the windlass up. Happened with my Dad's 290 Amberjack.

 

[my dash]

Thanks, this is the second time it has jammed up.The first time I took it to MM, it is an hour and a half to get to them via the intracoastal. From what I remember you may be right ,they changed the arm that "clicks" as the anchor goes down. I will call MM and ask them if tis is a possibility.

 

[Bridog]

Chris, I had something similiar happen on my 260DA. I checked under the anchor hatch and in the wiring for the windlass there was an in-line fuse (not sure what size) The fuse was blown. Changed it with a new one and everything worked great. Good luck, Brian

 

[my dash]

Thanks for the input.I was on the phone this evening and spoke to the guys at MM, they mentioned that not only does my '04 280 have a breaker box by the helm, also inside the engine room that needs to be reset but it also has a third box that is close to the genny that needs to be reset as well. They are kind enough to give me a tutorial as to how to reset it, otherwise it is $95 for the first hour(mobile) and 15 minute labor;over $100. I am very happy with the Miami MM store as they have always been there to assist or answer any questions I may have, that makes a big difference and is why I bought a Sea Ray. I will keep you posted,that way be someone can one day use this info.

 

[my dash]

I found out that in my 280 (2004) behind the genset exhaust piping there is a little black box that hgappens to have a switch that needs to be flipped in order to get the windlass operating again. I understand that this happens frequently specially when the windlass is struggling to bring the anchor up.It trips so that the motor does not burn out.
So...next time you are out on the hook and it is time to bring her up and it trips, check the breaker box under the helm,then the one in the engine room and finally the liitle black box behind the exhausts.

 

[KevinReston]

I have had the windlass breaker (behind the genny as described above) tripped a couple times and it is tough (even with the 6's) to get in there to reset it in the 280sd.

Am i Crazy :huh: or is there a reason the helm control would be more likely to trip it than the bow control?

 

[Luckydogs]

I am having to replace the motor in my windlass, Lefran's Marlin 400W 12V. Any recommendations/suggestions on where to order the part and how to do the labor, thanks.