Before we started cruising we decided to install a Lighthouse anchor windlass.  I purchased the unit from Defender Industries and spent several days doing the installation.

Lighthouse 1501

Along with the unit I got the heavy duty backing plate.  The motor is enclosed in a soft rubber waterproof housing with waterproof glands for the power wiring. 

Motor and backing plate

Lighthouse 1501

The electrical installation that I chose included only a foot switch for picking the chain up – we found that a free drop of chain from the deck really helps the anchoring process, having the motor run to drop the anchor just did not make any sense.   I fabricated the motor control circuit using a standard automotive (30 amp) relay controlling a heavy current solenoid all mounted in the chain locker.