Anyone installed a windlass themselves or had it installed?

woggy718 · **Posted:** Sun Feb 15, 2009 8:26 am

How much would I be looking to spend here? I know that Four Winns prewires their boats for all options so I am sure it can't be too bad to install, right?

jnizi · **Posted:** Sun Feb 15, 2009 9:09 am

Somehow, FW missed installing the windlass that we ordered and our dealer had to install it after it arrived. Although the control wiring appears to be part of the wiring bundles, the motor cables (2 gauge wires) were not put in. That required the dealer to get that cable from the stern circuit breaker to the bow. In his words, he would hope he never has to install one like that again.

Although I love small projects around the boat, this was more I would like to undertake.

jsimon · **Posted:** Sun Feb 15, 2009 9:23 am

Woggy

I installed one, it was straightforward, but time consuming. I ended up with a horizontal Lewmar, becuase at that time I didnt know much about them, and had asked my dealer to geive a price, and that is what they proced for me. If I had to do over again, I would definatly put the vertical Maxwell unit in, mostly for looks. This is a good looking unit bright polished, but the verticals, most if it is mounted below deck, assuming you have the room.

I also has to run the cables, and forward the galley the only place to hide them is behind the upper shelf in the v berth, to the anchor locker. I had a blank spot where the windlass breaker was supposed to go, and bought an matching breaker and installed in the battery switch panel.

mkivbren · **Joined:** Tue Mar 13, 2007 8:53 pm **Posts:** 739

Here's a link to my install:

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=977&hilit=+windlass+install

Brett also has an install thread. I think the hardest part was finding the hidden FW harness! I had a hell of a time with that. The rest is pretty straight forward, but totally worth it. I did this mod before my boat ever even went into the water. I couldn't imagine not having one!

woggy718 · **Posted:** Sun Feb 15, 2009 9:40 am

What did that cost you to DIY?

mkivbren · **Joined:** Tue Mar 13, 2007 8:53 pm **Posts:** 739

off the top of my head for the anchor, rode, relay, windlass and mat'l figure around 1300 - 1500

jnizi · **Posted:** Sun Feb 15, 2009 11:09 am

It's worth every penny to have a windlass. You will enjoy having it.

Brett248Vista · **Posted:** Sun Feb 15, 2009 11:33 am

I already had the appropriate Anchor Chain/Rode package from FW, I needed to purchase the windlass, and I did not want to use the included help switch which is high amperage, I wanted to use the Four Winns switch which is low amp, this means you need to buy a "Contactor" which is a high amperage rated solenoid switch. I was fortunate to get mine for free (it's a 90 amp continuous water proof Warn switch) they usually cost $300 for the contactor (a good one). I can't remember exactly what I paid for the windlass, I picked it up off ebay, new in the box for less than $600. I went with the Lewmar V700.

The power wires are not in the boat so you will need to run a -VE and +VE all the way from the bow to the engine room and you will need to use at least 8 Awg marine wire, most say you should use 6 Awg.

To have one installed? Fuhgetaboutit! They would charge you a fortune... I could see a marine dealer charging $1200 easy to install one.

www.iFourWinns.com

Anyone installed a windlass themselves or had it installed?

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