Windlass Foot Switch Replacement

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osubux1

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Model
Freedom 307
I have a 307 Freedom, and and the 3rd owner. I believe the windlass (Lewmar) foot switches are original. They are a black sort of rubberized texture. Over the years, they are very weathered, and I noticed one of the switches tends to get stuck on the "on" position until I am able to force it to stop. So, I want to have those replaced. Looking at the Lewmar website, it looks like there are three replacement options: Gray, White or Stainless. The gray and the white would not be a good luck against the Grady tan color. So, I guess stainless is the way to go. Has anyone else gone this direction? I would have to think it's actually a nice look with the other stainless items near it.
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You don't need to use Lewmar brand $witche$. But it simplifies decisions...you can't go wrong with the pictured switch(es) if it is running a relay.
It is a 5 amp switch.

IDK what is there now.
You need to look at whether the switch is controlling the full current of the motor or whether it is just controlling a relay.
Full current (25Amp or more....)switches are pretty beefy. Switches to control the relay can be had pretty cheap on Amazon.

You should verify that the switch is the problem and not the relay.

Do you have an Up/Down switch at the helm that operates without problems?
 
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Thank you for the details. An electrician I am not. :)
But, yes, I have an up/down switch at the helm and it works without catching like the foot switch I have. That being the case, what does that point to (if anything)?
 
osubux1 said:
Thank you for the details. An electrician I am not. :)
But, yes, I have an up/down switch at the helm and it works without catching like the foot switch I have. That being the case, what does that point to (if anything)?
Click to expand...
That tells you the relay is not the problem.

You should definitely fix that because "stuck on" is a bad situation.

There are lots of choices for switches out there. West Marine, Amazon...
The Lewmar SS ones are the prettiest and most expensive.
West Marine foot switch
 
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Alongside what Skunk said - you should notice that the footswitch's wires are thin gauge. This means you don't need anything "heavy duty". So as he mentioned... any 'ol switch will work.
 
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SkunkBoat said:
That tells you the relay is not the problem.

You should definitely fix that because "stuck on" is a bad situation.

There are lots of choices for switches out there. West Marine, Amazon...
The Lewmar SS ones are the prettiest and most expensive.
West Marine foot switch
Click to expand...
Much appreciated. Luckily, my wife wants and likes when things like this are stainless. Thus, she doesn't complain when I buy the nice shiny things for the boat. :D

I'll go for the Lewmar SS.
 
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