Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

I recently purchased an electric anchor winch: http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product ... rchID=4006


I have installed it on the bow, but the wires for the unit are too short to directly tie to one of my two batteries in the back. Which is the best option?

1. I can get the wires to the helm, then attach to one of the existing lines going back to the battery.
2. Install protable 12V rechargeable under helm just for the winch.
3. Splice a line long enough to reach the batteries (would be in helm compartment) with silicone wire nuts.

Any other options better?

Thanks, Bart

BartMan wrote:Any other options better?
Thanks, Bart

Well, maybe use a wire stretcher, or a boat squisher?

Splice em.

From battery to winch...
1. Fuse rated for winch
2. Heavy gauge wire (dependent on amperage draw expected for device) up to a
3. A relay (also rated for winch) under the helm.
4. Use the main power switch if you have one to activate the relay
5. Power out from relay to winch.

Even if you decide not to use a relay, which you might not want because it is extra parts, I would still recommend a fuse at the battery and then splicing it to use a single long run between the winch and the battery box. I would not tie into the existing main power feed because I would be concerned that it was sized appropriately for the built in electrical system and might start popping fuses if there is too much amperage draw. But using it to trigger the relay would be very minimal.

Reason to use the relay
Cut off all power to the boat from a single location (or 2 locations on my pontoon, the battery switch and the main power toggle on the helm)

Reason NOT to use a relay
You might need to drop or pull anchor quickly and you don't want to fuss with looking for and remembering to switch the main switch.

Or, you could mount the winch on the rear next to the batteries...
-ron