How to install an electric boat windlass?
Anchor and chain are two of the main components of a boat's mooring line. To maneuver them, you have to use a windlass. The latter is a must-have piece of equipment if you don't want to work your biceps using a crank to raise the anchor. Indeed, the windlass can be manual or electric, but it is often offered as an option with some boat manufacturers. If your boat is not equipped with this deck fittings, simplify your mooring maneuvers with an electric windlass. Whether you opt for a horizontal axis windlass or a vertical electric windlass, installing this mooring equipment will make your life easier. How to install an electric windlass? Discover the different steps to follow in the rest of the article.
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Tools required to install an electric windlass
The installation of an electric guide is a task that should be carried out with a team member as much as possible. Indeed, it is not advisable to carry out this kind of work alone if you want to succeed in the assembly. Before you ask how to install an electric windlass, check all the tools you need. The first thing that you absolutely must have in front of you is the assembly diagram of the electric windlass. Also, don't hesitate to take out your toolbox because all of its contents could be useful to you during the installation. Installation of the windlass motor and electric windlass davit requires a marker, mounting plate, backing plate, drill and a hole saw. The latter is very useful for the installation of certain models of Quick windlass and Plastimo windlass. You will also need some flat wrenches suitable for the fixing nuts of your equipment. For the connection of an electric windlass, you need electric cables, some crimp fittings with crimping pliers, a collar pliers and screwdrivers. Plan a whole day to assemble your vertical or horizontal windlass.
How to install an electric windlass in a few steps?
In general, the installation of a windlass on a boat, whatever its brand, is done in three stages: fixing of all the elements, electrical connection and adjustment. However, other steps can be added to these depending on the operation of an electric windlass.
The assembly of a windlass on the deck
Before starting the assembly of an electric windlass, it is more convenient to finish the installation of the davit. This helps to find the correct alignment, as well as the correct distance between the davit and the windlass gypsy. It is also necessary to take into account the location of the chain locker to find how to install an electric windlass. When you find the best position for the equipment, place the mounting and stiffening plates over that area. Position the windlass on these brackets and trace the template, as well as the bolt holes with the marker. Remove the windlass and drill all the holes. You can then remove the plates and start the assembly. Before replacing each element, apply a coat of silicone sealant. Replace the backing plate, windlass base and backing plate, along with all bolts. Be sure to tighten the nuts securely to complete the assembly. For added safety, we recommend using a blocking glue.
Connecting an electric windlass
This is the very technical part of installation an electric windlass. Indeed, even the choice and the calibration of the batteries to be installed require calculations. A 500w, 700w, 1000w, 1200w or 1500w electric windlass must work with a battery of a given wattage. You must therefore determine what power do you need for your windlass. In principle, after the wiring an electric windlass, the other elements must be fitted in the following order:
- Battery installation
- Installation of the relay box for an electric windlass and the inverter
- Installation of the control panel
- Laying of foot control buttons on the bridge
- Windlass remote control installation
The connection can be done differently on certain models such as the Lewmar windlass, the Italwinch windlass and the Lofrans electric windlass.
Also, if the remote is not included, be aware that you can get one online:
- See the Italwinch remote control
- See the Lofrans remote control
- See the Lofrans wireless remote control
- See the Quick wireless remote control
Adjusting an electric windlass
To optimize the use of an electric windlass, you need a good setting. It is a question of determining the correct speed of an electric windlass in relation to the workload it has to support. The tuning also relates to the mooring line calibration because it allows, for example, to determine whether the 6mm or 8mm windlass chain you have installed is well suited to the power of the engine. So we have to finish the installation of an electric windlass by various settings.
How to create a mooring line adapted to your electric windlass?
Your anchorage is not just about the electric windlass. All the elements of the mooring line must be adapted to each other to work in harmony. The davit adapts to the anchor, the chain to the windlass, the anchor swivel to the cable, etc ... Otherwise, you will quickly encounter problems. It is therefore imperative to choose all the elements of your mooring line. We explain everything in our article: how to make an appropriate mooring line for your boat?
Difficulty of assembly and problems of incorrectly installed windlass
Even with these instructions quoted above, many sailboat owners are wondering how to install an electric windlass bought from this or that equipment manufacturer. Indeed, the installation steps often vary from one brand to another. The assembly procedures also depend on the type of boat and its size. An electric RIB windlass is probably not suitable for a small sailboat with a fiberglass hull. Failure to properly mount your windlass can shorten the life of your equipment. The only solution is to call in a professional installer. Moreover, the price of installing an electric windlass is still negotiable. Better yet, some manufacturers offer excellent after-sales services including installation, windlass maintenance and the supply of spare parts for the windlass.
If you purchased a windlass without these options, you can find maintenance kits for your windlass online. You just have to choose the kit corresponding to your model:
- See the Maintenance Kits for FALKON LOFRANS Windlasses
- See the Maintenance kits for TIGRES LOFRANS windlasses
- See the Maintenance Kits for ROYAL LOFRANS Windlasses
And if you can't find the maintenance kit for your model, you can always buy spare parts so you can repair your windlass on long trips:
- VSee the spare parts for Lewmar V3 and V2 windlass (Manual lifting kit)
- See the spare parts for Lewmar V3 and V2 windlass (Control arm kit)
- See spare parts for Lofrans Tigres windlass
- See spare parts for Lofrans Tigres windlass (Spare gasket)
- See spare parts for Lofrans X2 windlass
- See spare parts for Lofrans X3 and PROJECT 1500 windlass
You will find many other parts on Amazon, Ebay et Ticketmaster in order to leave with peace of mind!
Finally, for maintenance, rinse the windlass with fresh water after each trip, regularly check the electrical connections and ensure that they are watertight. An annual review must be performed by an authorized service. You can still grease your windlass from time to time, check the oil level and change it if necessary.
- Use only SAE 80W-90 oil for your electric windlass.
- And use marine grease to lubricate the gears.
