Wireless Windlass Controller, Cheap Solution.
Publié : 26 juin 2023, 10:39
I do a lot of anchoring in the West Coast of Scotland and some of it solo sailing (1070 #5). By the time I walk to the bow and control the windlass the bow can be lost in the wind. Therefore, I wanted to be able to control the windlass wirelessly from the cockpit so I looked up Lewmar for a device only to discover they are really expensive. A bit of research I discovered you can get very cheap 12v wireless winch controllers online. I found one for £11.59 so I thought I would give it a go. It came with 2 wireless controllers and a small wireless receiver. The receiver was very easy to wire into the white box in the anchor locker. Simply wire live and neutral and then the two switched lives to the correct up/down existing wires.
I have just come back from 2 weeks sailing and the system works perfectly for a fraction of the cost of a Lewmar controller. I have a S80 Spade anchor which self launches which assists with the process. It means I can hold the boat into the wind until the anchor is on the seabed. A chain counter is not require as you get used to guessing how much rode is out before going to the bow to monitor the remaining deployment of chain. The system doesn't replace your existing wired controller it works in addition to it. My only concerns are accidental deployment of the anchor while motoring, although the controller comes with an off/on button but the controller is cheap which makes me a little paranoid, although you can remove the battery from the controller. The other concern is how long it will last but at £11.59 it hasn't broken the bank if it fails. For UK sailors I bought mine here but I am sure there are EU sites just as cheap https://www.onbuy.com/gb/p/new-wireless ... oup%20%231
I have just come back from 2 weeks sailing and the system works perfectly for a fraction of the cost of a Lewmar controller. I have a S80 Spade anchor which self launches which assists with the process. It means I can hold the boat into the wind until the anchor is on the seabed. A chain counter is not require as you get used to guessing how much rode is out before going to the bow to monitor the remaining deployment of chain. The system doesn't replace your existing wired controller it works in addition to it. My only concerns are accidental deployment of the anchor while motoring, although the controller comes with an off/on button but the controller is cheap which makes me a little paranoid, although you can remove the battery from the controller. The other concern is how long it will last but at £11.59 it hasn't broken the bank if it fails. For UK sailors I bought mine here but I am sure there are EU sites just as cheap https://www.onbuy.com/gb/p/new-wireless ... oup%20%231