electric windlass

[Jim Cozy]

I am about to install an electric windlass and would like to hear other's experiences, esp. re: forward mounted batteries. Seems to me the heavy draw of the windlass would benefit from the shorter cable run, and the smaller charging current would handle the longer run easier. Agree or not? Also, how to wire it: Parallel to the house? Separately with a combiner? Other considerations? Help me out guys. Jim

[RayNWanda]

We have a group 31 AGM battery behind the forward water tank. I built a shelf for it, part of the framing was already there. Right now, we can only charge it with an AC battery charger. I have battery combiners to install so that it will get charged through the alternator. This setup also allows the alternator to provide some help when weighing anchor.

[graemek]

hi
I have a eagle anchor winch with a 1500 whtt motor,i have a battrie the same size as the engine start battrie mounted in the stbd front locker,i have kept the size the same in-case the engine battrie fails miles from home,the cables are about 3/16 copper wire that go to the domestic battrie via a separate master switch,when the domestic battrie charges so does the winch battrie,the macerater and bow truster also run of this battrie,the winch controls are on the front deck and also run back to steering position
great for single handed use,hope this is of help yours ocean pilgrim

[Don Woodruff]

Two years ago I installed a Lewmar windless using two 6 gauge wires running along the port side to the battery selector. I have two deep cell house batteries and one starting battery connected to a selector switch. When I leave an anchorage, my engine is usually working and the windless is working off the alternator. I installed an up down switch at the bottom of the air scupper and a remote control unit. All has gone very well and I would recommend my set up. It is simple requires little maintenance and I did not have to set up new battery stations.

When I start up, I usually put my selector on both and leave it there until I anchor. At times I will switch over to charging just the house batteries but the voltage difference between number one and two is slight and I do not loose sleep over the fact that the charging stays at the lowest battery state.

Keeping it simple has worked for me for many many years and I recommend the outcome. Usually it also saves a lot of money.

Don Woodruff