Windless article

[Jim Hardesty]

Does anyone have pictures of the new windlass once installed.

Here are some pictures of my windless.  Maxwell Freedom 500.  Mostly factory with the reverse switch added.  Works great.  Added feature, I remove the rode and use the drum to go up the mast.   Just have a couple of blocks to lead the halyard to the drum, a good person tailing and toe pressure is all it takes to send 200# up the mast.

Jim

[Jim Hardesty]

More.

[dfloeter]

Here is one photo our Maxwell VW10 in the well.

[bayates]

All,

I have the original article from the author Chic Lasser and able to send out with his permission. But unable to post it as file size to large with pictures. I even converted to PDF format to dhrink it but not enough. Send me a note and I will email to anyone who wants it.

[Dave S]

Dietrich,
My upgrade looks just like yours. I wish we had room for a second switch for "reverse." Fortunately the remote works well.

[dfloeter]

While not sure if I mentioned it before but my remote cost $12.40 from Amazon and still operated at 425 feet away.
So far so good on this key fob sized remote but like Dave said, it saves trying to install a down button. I have been wondering if one day we'll find ourselves within 425' of another remote using the same frequency.

[Lucky Tiger]

I know this thread is a bit old but which remote are you using? I'm looking to replace stock windless with the VW10 soon. TIA

[Noah]

I am using the very expensive one that is designed to match it. Plus I have its corded version as well, as a "back-up" that plugs into a socket in the anchor locker. Both work well but....lots of $$
https://www.defender.com/search.html?q=maxwell%20aa710%20wireless%20handheld%20remote%20windlass%20controller%20%26%20rode%20counter

[waughoo]

I installed a version from this company for a customer that wanted to wirelessly control a dinghy davit.  Their system is adaptable to any brand of hardware (in my application it was used to controll Warn hoist drums).  They also have larger remotes that float.  It was a very nifty setup.

https://www.quickusastore.com/boat-supply/accessories/wireless-remotes-and-receivers/rrc-wireless-pocket-remote/

[Lucky Tiger]

Thanks, I was hoping to get the info on the $12.99 Amazon special mentioned above. I have a MKii with just the rope drum. Is the swap strait forward or is there any modifications needed?

[dfloeter]

The Amazon price went up to $17.99 but that includes to transmitters and I initially only had one.  Search for Liebmaya windlass remote and at that price you will find the receiver and two transmitters that are about the size of a car remote. The remotes have worked for years with the only issue being they do do not like to make the trip to the bottom on an anchor check.  Salt water kills them.
Maybe I mentioned this before but my initial test showed a 450' range on the transmitter.  With that range I hope few people use these units as I do not know how many different frequencies are used.  I hope to never encounter another user on 403mhz while raising the hook. I did buy another remote/receiver as a backup and got one marked 404mhz and will change out the receiver if I go for another swim.  The battery in the transmitter seems to have a good lifespan.  So far so good. 

[Lucky Tiger]

Thanks for the info!

[Ron Hill]

Guys : My major regret is that when I installed my windlass - is that I didn't install a down switch.  The solenoid is set up for it and another switch and it's not that costly!!

So Don't make the same mistake that I did.  Have both "up" and "down" switches!!!

A thought

[Noah]

Ron- EDIT:
No room for two foot switches on the MKl SINGLE-DOOR locker set-up as Catalina installed the up switch taking up too much real estate. So I decommissioned my up foot switch and go with a wireless remote, as well as a wired remote that can be plugged in to a waterproof socket that is inside the anchor locker.

[waughoo]

I have never considered a wireless remote for an anchor windlass on a c34 till you memtioned it Noah.  It certainly makes for a great short handed anchoring set up!  I might have to consider that when I get to installing a windlass.