windlass reversing contactor

[Sailorman Ed]

My windlass is only set up for "UP". I want to add a reversing contactor.
I see prices all over, the "marine" ones, quite high.
Any reason I cannot use a winch contactor as it will be mounted in the salon, safely out of any wet?
Amazon.com: TEMCo 250 Amps DC Winch Motor Reversing Solenoid Relay Switch 12 Volt Contactor 5 YEAR WARRANTY: Automotive

The run from the contactor to the windlass is only a few feet. And only a few feet from the battery to the contactor.
Ed

[Lancerbye]

That should work fine. It's made for forward/ reverse control and the amperage rating is high enough. Or you can also do it with two solenoid switches..

[Terra Nova]

It does not appear to be rated for marine use.

[GordMay]

A “marine” unit would have a “Nema 4X” or “IP66" waterproof enclosure.

[colemj]

Don't worry at all about "marine" use or waterproof enclosure.

As a catamaran owner, I understand exactly where you will be mounting this. In the same compartment on our boat we have the inverter, charger, an AC unit and the reefer compressor - none of them are waterproof.

By the time water or explosive gasses get into your compartment, you will have much bigger worries than using the anchor!

Mark

[John Boor]

Before you do this perhaps you should check to see that the motor/windlass was designed to work in both directions.

John

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by Sailorman Ed

My windlass is only set up for "UP". I want to add a reversing contactor. ...........

How do you get the anchor down?

I agree with John, make sure it's intended to be reversed before you install something that may not work.

[Lepke]

If you have diesel engines and are not using propane inside the hull, as I do, you probably don't have explosive gases. I mount my contactors inside plastic electrical boxes. Most contacts have silver contacts and brass exposed parts that seems to protect them from the marine environment. 12 volt is usually made for auto use and better than household products. If you are using propane inside the hull... good luck!