Hi guys,

Just need so quick advice on the typical wiring for an electric anchor winch.

These are the bits I can find on my boat:-
1) Winch with its motor
2) Circuit Breaker (I think for the motor)
3) Switch (up/down) in the cockpit
4) Switch (I suspect for the control circuit)

My question is, will there be (somewhere hidden behind a panel) a relay? I'm assuming the switch controls a relay which then operates the winch motor. But I'd like to be sure before I start stripping my boat looking for a potentially non-existent relay.

maybe go to the manufactures web site and see if they have a wiring diagram to suit that model or similar ........

Hi John

I don't suppose you can follow the power cable from the battery to the winch and find a relay along the way or follow the wiring from the switches back to a relay

Regards Don

The relay should be in a dry area as close as practical to the winch motor. Follow the cable back from the winch and you'll likely find it somewhere in you vee berth.

There will most definitely be a relay or maybe two.

Your switches etc are the control circuit (low current draw) and the heavy duty cabling is the power circuit (high current draw).
Control circuit makes the relay close to provide power to the motor.

If you are really having difficulty finding it, disconnect the positive from the motor, wrap it up in tape so it doesn't short out on anything, and operate the switch - hopefully you can hear the relay clicking each time you operate your up / down switch.

This is average three wire set up depending on your winch motor . In the above drawing the motor has two +terminals and one earth back to the battery


The solenoid above usually is located close to the winch motor .The three terminals on the winch motor run to the solenoid

Thanks for all of your advice.

Looks like I'm going hunting for the relay(s). I like the idea of listening for the energising relays without the background noise of the operating winch.

I'd like to parallel up the cockpit switch near the winch to remove some of the communication required between helm and bow!

Thanks again!

Just run it off your solenoid
These guys had some on Ebay but the 12 volts units are gone now at a reduced price
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Anchorlift-Solenoid-24v-1500-3000w-/221919200146?hash=item33ab6a4392:g:KlsAAOSw5ZBWJyls

www.southernseasmarine.com.au/anchoring/lofrans-windlasses-accessories/lofrans-control-box-for-lofrans-windlass

Select to expand quote

HG02 said..
Just run it off your solenoid

Yes, easy done...... and shorter cable run, assuming the solenoid is close to the motor!!

Select to expand quote

SydneyJohn said..

HG02 said..
Just run it off your solenoid

Yes, easy done...... and shorter cable run, assuming the solenoid is close to the motor!!

the solenoid should be as close as possible to the motor baring in mind water damage