F36 Windlass Problem
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- WayWeGo
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F36 Windlass Problem
We have not used our anchor in about six months, and tried to use it today. If I switched to up, it started pulling in rode. If I switched to down, it also started pulling in rode. There are switches at both helms and they failed exactly the same.
It seems to me that it is a problem with the relay or the windlass itself, since both switches fail with identical symptoms. I did not have much time to look at it while on the boat and figured that I would look at the wiring diagrams when I got home, but they don't show a windlass at all. Perhaps ours was added after the boat was built.
Has anyone had a similar problem? The only thing that I can think of that might be pertinent is that I had washed the windlass a few hours previously, but that has never caused a problem in the past.
It seems to me that it is a problem with the relay or the windlass itself, since both switches fail with identical symptoms. I did not have much time to look at it while on the boat and figured that I would look at the wiring diagrams when I got home, but they don't show a windlass at all. Perhaps ours was added after the boat was built.
Has anyone had a similar problem? The only thing that I can think of that might be pertinent is that I had washed the windlass a few hours previously, but that has never caused a problem in the past.
1975 F-36 Convertible
Twin Chrysler 440's
Twin Chrysler 440's
- prowlersfish
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Re: F36 Windlass Problem
Good windlass ? Rope sticking in pulley grove ? ( happened to me once )
Boating is good for the soul
77/78 TROJAN F36 Conv.
6BTA Cummins diesels
Life is to short for a ugly boat
77/78 TROJAN F36 Conv.
6BTA Cummins diesels
Life is to short for a ugly boat

Re: F36 Windlass Problem
One of the best things I kept from my old lawn mower was the 12v starting battery. It's about the size of a brick and has enough amperage to test a windlass in place. I have a Powerprobe for testing pretty much everything else on the boat but the windlass will trip the built in breaker. One of those lithuim jump pack units for a car would also work.
That's my method of testing, start at the device and work my way back. Most windlasses use reverse polarity to control the up/down or freefall. Pos/pos, Neg/neg for "up" one and then switch pos/neg to test the "down" or freefall release.
Bob
That's my method of testing, start at the device and work my way back. Most windlasses use reverse polarity to control the up/down or freefall. Pos/pos, Neg/neg for "up" one and then switch pos/neg to test the "down" or freefall release.
Bob
1988 10m mid cabin
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Re: F36 Windlass Problem
Some use a 3 wire motor ( like Good) 1 ground and a up wire and a down wire .
Boating is good for the soul
77/78 TROJAN F36 Conv.
6BTA Cummins diesels
Life is to short for a ugly boat
77/78 TROJAN F36 Conv.
6BTA Cummins diesels
Life is to short for a ugly boat

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Re: F36 Windlass Problem
Double post...
Last edited by WayWeGo on Mon Jun 19, 2017 1:57 pm, edited 1 time in total.
1975 F-36 Convertible
Twin Chrysler 440's
Twin Chrysler 440's
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Re: F36 Windlass Problem
Yes, it is a Good.prowlersfish wrote:Good windlass ? Rope sticking in pulley grove ? ( happened to me once )
I was trying to figure out what could cause my symptom electrically and could not. I'll bet you are right about the rope being stuck in the pulley.
That's what I love about this forum! Thanks!
1975 F-36 Convertible
Twin Chrysler 440's
Twin Chrysler 440's
Re: F36 Windlass Problem
Assuming my Good is still "good" this thread will assist nicely in the keep in the back of the head info. Thanks!
Currently Trojan-less 

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Re: F36 Windlass Problem
prowlersfish, did you have to take the winch apart to free the rope?
1975 F-36 Convertible
Twin Chrysler 440's
Twin Chrysler 440's
- prowlersfish
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Re: F36 Windlass Problem
No . But it was a pain from what I remember ( it was a few years ago ) I put some pull on the line and ran it up and down ( bumping the switch )
Boating is good for the soul
77/78 TROJAN F36 Conv.
6BTA Cummins diesels
Life is to short for a ugly boat
77/78 TROJAN F36 Conv.
6BTA Cummins diesels
Life is to short for a ugly boat

- WayWeGo
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Re: F36 Windlass Problem
Thanks, I will look at it later today and report back.
1975 F-36 Convertible
Twin Chrysler 440's
Twin Chrysler 440's
- prowlersfish
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Re: F36 Windlass Problem
Good luck ,
Boating is good for the soul
77/78 TROJAN F36 Conv.
6BTA Cummins diesels
Life is to short for a ugly boat
77/78 TROJAN F36 Conv.
6BTA Cummins diesels
Life is to short for a ugly boat

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Re: F36 Windlass Problem
Well, to start with, I am embarrassed to report we have a Powerwinch, not a Good. So much for my memory....
After trying to figure out how the controls were wired, I called their tech support and got a manual for my Powerwinch 612. This winch reverses when the polarity of the cables is reversed. Sounds simple, but there are 7 wires coming from the boat and 6 wires from the winch, all terminating into a board with two solenoids and lots of bus bars.
I finally figured out that one of the solenoids was clicking but not making/breaking contact on the two poles. Just about then, it started working! I used an automobile starter switch and exercised it a bunch of times and now it seems reliable. Maybe this winter I will replace the whole thing with one of the one piece reversing solenoids which may not be any more reliable, but surely easier to troubleshoot.
If anyone is interested, I can post the manual and also a drawing showing how to wire a one-piece module.
After trying to figure out how the controls were wired, I called their tech support and got a manual for my Powerwinch 612. This winch reverses when the polarity of the cables is reversed. Sounds simple, but there are 7 wires coming from the boat and 6 wires from the winch, all terminating into a board with two solenoids and lots of bus bars.
I finally figured out that one of the solenoids was clicking but not making/breaking contact on the two poles. Just about then, it started working! I used an automobile starter switch and exercised it a bunch of times and now it seems reliable. Maybe this winter I will replace the whole thing with one of the one piece reversing solenoids which may not be any more reliable, but surely easier to troubleshoot.
If anyone is interested, I can post the manual and also a drawing showing how to wire a one-piece module.
1975 F-36 Convertible
Twin Chrysler 440's
Twin Chrysler 440's
Re: F36 Windlass Problem
So it sort of fixed it's self, with a little human intervention.
I like those
One day I too will have a windlass.
I like those

One day I too will have a windlass.
Barrie
Aylmer Ontario, Canada
36' Tri-Fly "The Obvious"
Aylmer Ontario, Canada
36' Tri-Fly "The Obvious"
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Re: F36 Windlass Problem
Yes, it did fix itself, but I am not at all confident about its long term health. This was the first time we used it this season and I suspect it will fail again at the beginning of next season.
1975 F-36 Convertible
Twin Chrysler 440's
Twin Chrysler 440's