What Control Options Are Available For An Electric Windlass? Choose The Right System For Your Vessel

The primary control options for an electric windlass are remarkably flexible, ranging from simple footswitches at the bow to toggle switches at the helm, and even handheld wireless remotes. The vast majority of modern installations use a solenoid control box, which acts as a relay, enabling the use of multiple, convenient, low-amperage switches to manage the high-power motor.

The key to understanding your windlass control options lies with the solenoid control box. This component allows for a versatile and safe system with multiple control points; without it, you are restricted to a single, heavy-duty switch that must handle the motor's entire electrical load.

What control options are available for an electric windlass? Choose the Right System for Your Vessel

The Core Component: The Solenoid Control Box

A windlass motor is a high-demand piece of equipment. It can easily draw over 80 amps at 12 volts, requiring heavy-duty electrical components to operate safely.

How a Solenoid Works

A solenoid is essentially a remote-controlled, high-power switch. Your control panel—be it a footswitch or a helm toggle—sends a small, low-amperage electrical signal to the solenoid.

This signal activates an electromagnet inside the solenoid, which closes a heavy-duty internal contact. This action completes the main circuit, allowing the high-amperage current from the battery to flow directly to the windlass motor.

Why It Enables Flexibility

Because your switches only handle the small signal current, they can be smaller, more affordable, and wired with much lighter gauge wire. This makes it simple and safe to install multiple control stations in parallel around your boat.

A Breakdown of Common Control Types

With a solenoid-based system, you can mix and match controls to fit your specific needs. Each type offers distinct advantages for different anchoring situations.

Deck-Mounted Footswitches

These are rugged, waterproof switches typically installed on the foredeck near the windlass. They allow for hands-free operation, letting you manage the anchor and chain with both hands while controlling the windlass with your foot.

Helm-Mounted Switches

An up/down toggle or rocker switch at the helm provides the skipper with direct control over anchoring and retrieval. This is invaluable for single-handed operation or when precise boat positioning over the anchor is required.

Handheld Remotes (Wired and Wireless)

Remotes offer the ultimate flexibility, allowing you to operate the windlass from anywhere on deck. This gives you a clear line of sight to the anchor, chain, and any potential obstacles.

Wireless remotes provide maximum freedom of movement, while plug-in wired versions offer the reliability of a physical connection without the need for batteries.

Direct High-Amperage Switches

In the rare case a system does not use a solenoid, a single, extremely robust switch is required. This is almost always a heavy-duty footswitch designed to handle the full 80+ amp load of the motor directly. This setup is electrically simpler but offers no flexibility for additional control stations.

Understanding the Trade-offs and Safety

Choosing the right control system involves balancing convenience with the realities of a high-power electrical system.

The Critical Electrical Load

An electric windlass drawing 1000 watts or more is a significant electrical load. This necessitates not only a robust control system but also heavy-gauge power cables (35-50 mm²) running to the windlass or a dedicated battery bank in the bow.

Combining Controls for Maximum Utility

The most effective setups often combine multiple control types. A common and highly functional configuration includes an up/down switch at the helm for the captain and a pair of footswitches at the bow for the crew.

Essential Safety Features

Regardless of the control type, ensure your system includes safety features. An emergency stop is critical, and many modern controls integrate this function. Proper circuit protection with a high-amperage circuit breaker or fuse located near the battery is non-negotiable for protecting the motor and wiring.

Making the Right Choice for Your Boat

Your decision should be based on how you operate your vessel.

If your primary focus is single-handed sailing: A reliable helm-mounted switch is essential, often supplemented by a wireless remote for visibility at the bow.
If your primary focus is crewed cruising: A combination of a helm switch and bow-mounted footswitches provides the most flexibility for a coordinated anchoring process.
If your primary focus is maximum visibility and flexibility: A wireless remote, often with an integrated chain counter, gives you complete freedom to manage the anchor from the best vantage point.

By understanding how these components work together, you can design a windlass control system that is safe, reliable, and perfectly suited to how you use your vessel.

Summary Table:

Control Type	Primary Use Case	Key Advantage
Deck-Mounted Footswitch	Crewed operations	Hands-free control at the bow
Helm-Mounted Switch	Single-handed sailing	Direct control from the helm
Handheld Remote (Wired/Wireless)	Maximum flexibility	Operate from anywhere on deck with clear visibility
Direct High-Amperage Switch	Simple systems (rare)	No solenoid required, but limited to one location

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Let our experts help you select or customize the perfect control system for your needs. Contact GARLWAY today for a consultation and discover how we can enhance your vessel's capabilities!