lewmar winch electrical problems

[boaterjoe]

On my 2016 R29S my winch switches on the bow and inside the cabin stop working or are intermittent. Does not seem to be a fuse problem nor related to the winch reset button. happens both on top switches and in cabin. Anyone have this problem when anchoring? thanks

 

[Rocky]

I believe the there is also big ANL style fuse for the thrusters as well. It should be bolted in one of the side lazerettes..... I am sorry I don't remember which one without looking....

 

[knotflying]

Assuming all connections for power are good and you are getting proper voltage, check the solenoid. It seems like that may be the issue since it is happening on all switches. Check all connections at solenoid and jump out solenoid to eliminate it as an issue. Here is a troubleshooting guide for Imtra. The prcess is the same: https://www.imtra.com/learning-center/articleid/46/windlass-troubleshooting

 

[Capt’nKarl]

I just replaced the down switch on the bow on our 2018. It would only work occasionally. The cockpit switch still works.The Lewmar switch that was originally installed is on longer being made. The new switch is slightly larger and requires new holes to be drilled but works fine.

 

[Scottfree]

I've replaced both the deck switches on my R29 and they work fine. New holes for screws too. Cabin switch has not been a problem.

 

[boaterjoe]

Thanks all for your help on the winch problems. Especially KnotFlying as the article from IMTRA was very useful

 

[hansvillejohn]

The Lewmar windlass power comes through the thruster switch. Make sure your thruster switch is ON.

 

[sgeary]

When you operate the cabin switch, can you hear the solenoid behind the instrument panel closing. You may have to open the door to the back of the instrument panel while a second person operates the windlass switch.

If the solenoid is working, check the connections to the windlass inside the anchor locker. On my boat, the wire connections visually seemed OK, but the ground wire connection was bad and pulled out when a strong tug was made on the connection.
We re-did this connection and all worked again on our boat.

In our case, while raising the anchor I did not knock down the chain stack often enough and the when the chain stack hit the windlass, it caused the windlass to lock-up and the chain stack must have simultaneously hit the wiring to the windlass, loosening the connection.

Check the wiring closely, with a decent tug on the connections, before you start replacing the expensive pieces like solenoids or windlass motors.