370 / 375 - Windlass secondary circuit

Windlass secondary circuit

Printed From: myHanse.com
Category: Hints & Tips
Forum Name: 370 / 375
Forum Description: 370 / 375 Hints, Tips and News
URL: https://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14647
Printed Date: 27 March 2026 at 03:51
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Topic: Windlass secondary circuit

Posted By: mike pearce
Subject: Windlass secondary circuit
Date Posted: 31 May 2024 at 13:04

Hi, we recently encountered an issue with the remote hand circuit on our 370 so I’m hoping someone may have experienced a similar issue and found the problem / solution.

The system was working fine until a fault in the secondary circuit resulted in the relay located just to the right of the main circuit contactor / solenoid with started to flick on & off rapidly. Also, the anchor light switch on the panel flickered very rapidly in unison.

An engineer checked the relay which was ok. He identified the issue with a secondary relay located within the panel itself. This he bypassed & all seemed well in so much as the panel light remains on and the remote operated fine. Also , we are able to operate the windlass without the engine ignition being on.

Sadly, that solution has not lasted & we now have no power to the anchor locker remote. I’m assuming a fuse has blown in the secondary circuit but unable to locate this or find the source for the secondary circuit. The cables to the contactor disappear behind the panel so difficult to trace to the switch. Any thoughts / suggestions before I seek further assistance would be appreciated. Thanks

Replies:

Posted By: DJgun
Date Posted: 07 June 2024 at 10:55

I and others have experienced corrosion of the wiring to the anchor locker for the winch control.

Although I have recently replaced that wiring, it is a significant job because wires were corroded more than a few meters back from the anchor locker.

When I first encountered this problem the simplest solution was to buy a wireless remote control on eBay for about AU$35, which included 2 remote key units. The small receiver unit is fitted in the electrical space near to main solenoid and connects to the solenoid.

So far after 3 years this cheap remote has worked faultlessly.

Cheers

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DJ.....Sailor Ordinaire
HIN DE-HANJ0331J708

Posted By: mike pearce
Date Posted: 07 June 2024 at 13:38

Many thanks for your feedback & thoughts on a solution. I also have reached the conclusion that a wireless remote would be the simplest solution! I cannot see how it would be easily possible to replace the wire without cutting an access hatch on the internal moulding of the anchor locker. ( and possibly more dismantling work!).

Since my post I have established the return circuit from the Hand unit to the solenoid is ok so perhaps the wire is ok & the fault lies elsewhere. I shall still seek advice from an engineer to check all is well with the relays & panel circuit before a decision on how to proceed. Thanks again for your reply! Mike

Posted By: DJgun
Date Posted: 08 June 2024 at 02:42

Hi Mike,

Something to be aware of.

A mistake I originally made was checking continuity with a multimeter, without taking too much notice of the voltage drop or measuring resistance. As soon as a slightly higher current was required the voltage drop was so high that things didn't function. Not even a LED bow light which only needs 7V minimum.

The radio frequency remote is a very simple, quick, and inexpensive solution.

Good luck.

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DJ.....Sailor Ordinaire
HIN DE-HANJ0331J708

Posted By: Pride of Waterford
Date Posted: 19 June 2025 at 20:04

Hi Guys,

The LED light for the winch on the panel has suddenly stopped working and no power to the winch.

Anyone ideas where to start looking?

Thanks

Jon

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Brod Port Lairge