Considering too install a Windlass - Best for my needs also little room too work

[al1026]

I own a 2003 Regal Commodore
​Model 2860 - 30 ft
​9000 lbs with fuel & water
​twin 4.3 GXI
Volvo I.O.
Was hoping Regal was pre - wired for windlass but don't think so . Exploring all areas I don't see any heavy duty except in engine room for batteries, starter, battery switch, generator . There is a separate 50 amp breaker that has a 2 gauge red cable but it runs into a metal track along fire wall , gets lost in maze .
​I am thinking this black box with a single red 50 amp button is used for windlass or generator . Need more inspection
Engine room has 2 engines, hot water tank, generator , packaged so tight that I don't know the thought process Regal did when building these weekenders.
Calling Regal customer service asking if they pre- wired all larger boats at time of build out. ? They said unless customer paid for pre wiring NO
​WHY CHEAP OUT , what's another thousand . Cost more later on with labor
​While on phone I asked about thought process that goes into a 30 footer within engine room and access for repairs.
The person I was speaking with said customers want all that equipment. Install engines last. They don't care about the repair guy customer wants all this stuff.
​HELM
Further inspection see no heavy gauge wiring . Opening all switch panels entire helm no heavy gauge . There is a panel with a number of push button circuits breakers and one is labeled windlass. Wiring going too this breaker is 16 gauge red like all the rest ?

Anchor locker
opening too small too stick my head in but can feel wiring. Took pics . I see a bundle of wiring attached. . Few plastic connectors .
2 wires that look 10 gauge a red & green but not sure were it goes . What color codes are used for windlass up - windlass down - ground
​What gauge & wiring color is universal for windlass . From engine room too up/ down switch & solenoid
​If it was pre wired what gauge would I be looking for ?

Lemar Gypsy model seems too popular
Not sure if I need horizontal or vertical

​Presently too drop anchor I have too climb thru window walk too bow . In rolling seas nothing too hold on too dangerous . I keep a 15 lb anchor on swim platform and if I drop anchor its from there.
​Owing 2 years, I have done number of projects . Every one simple but due too lack of clearance challen
​Windlass must be perfect with no wiring exposed .
​I snaked wiring from radar arch for a cable tv antenna it took hours.
Simple job was not fun. Thankfully I found buried old cable that went too cabin .
​Wow that was a great find,

Wiring diagram ? Color codes . gauges needed ,

thanks

 

[Scott Danforth]

WHY CHEAP OUT , what's another thousand . Cost more later on with labor

because most people spec the boat they want at the time and don't want the additional cost. its like buying a car and them charging you $1000 extra for something you didnt ask for because maybe the next guy that owns the car may want it. would you pay the extra grand?

windlass wiring is not universal. you could be looking at a 500# capacity winch or a 50,000# capacity. each would have a different wiring gauge requirement

 

[tpenfield]

I did the windlass/anchor roller installation on my 33 foot Formula . . .

None of the wiring will be there, so plan on doing a fair amount of work.

Here is the link to my thread for doing the bow roller and then eventually the windlass.
http://forums.iboats.com/forum/gener...and-bow-roller

The wiring is going to be challenging . . . be prepared to take the interior and the helm apart. Here is another thread (link below) where I was replacing the headliner in the cabin and ran the heavy gauge wire for the windlass. I think I used 4 GA wire, but some windlasses may need 2 GA. From the helm I ran 10 GA Triplex wire for the controls.

Here is the link to my headliner replacement . . . http://forums.iboats.com/forum/boat-...r-refubishment

Post some pictures of the tight spaces, anchor locker, cabin, helm, etc. for your boat, as that will help with responses and guidance. If you buy a 'kit' version of the windlass, then your circuit breaker, solenoid, and possibly a bow switch will be included with the kit.