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I have a 2015 R5 with the factory windlass (Lewmar V700). Bought the boat last August, used the windlass every time we took the boat out (8 times), worked perfectly and never had a single issue. Boat went in storage for the winter (pulled the batteries out), came out this spring, and now the windlass is completely inoperable. Does not work from the switch in the anchor compartment or at the helm.

Breaker next to the battery switch was not tripped, but reset it anyway and no-go. All wiring looks good and connections are tight (freshwater boat). Haven't done much in the way of voltage checks yet, figured I would lean on the collective wisdom of the group first in case it's a common issue/easy fix.

I don't hear any clicking when I toggle the switches, so I'm thinking the most likely culprits are the 3A fuses I see in the Lewmar owner's manual wiring diagram (see screenshot below), or it sounds like there should be a solenoid somewhere close to the windlass that sometimes fails.

Anyone had this issue before? Would disconnecting the batteries for the winter have anything to do with it (see troubleshooting screenshot below, mentions "the battery may have been dead or disconnected")?

Also, any advice on location/getting access to the solenoid and fuses?

Thank you in advance.

I have the same setup, never an issue. I think until you check for voltage starting at the switch in the anchor locker (check the help switch also) it's hard to say wat the problem is. This setup is about as simple as it gets.

Thanks for the reply billk - I'll check for voltage at the switches next.

I'd be tempted to see if it will run with 12v supplied directly to the windlass (a la jumper cables or a 12v charger). If that moves it, you can start tracing backward.

I just bought the same boat this year and haven't seen an anchor switch in the windlass compartment. Where are y'alls located in the compartment?

Solenoid is usually located in the anchor locker or near the breaker.

Both batteries in good condition?

Can you crank the gypsy with the Lewmar tool? That windlass has scheduled maintenance. If it wasn't done, the problem could be there.

Well, I feel dumb. After an hour of checking voltage, connections, fuses, and switches, it turns out I neglected to connect a ground wire to the battery when I put the batteries back in this spring

Apparently the windlass has its own ground wire, and it had gotten shoved behind the battery when I was maneuvering it in to place and was partially hidden. Connected it up, and the windlass works perfectly. Oh well, I guess I learned a little about my boat! Never did find the solenoid, but the 3A fuse is located behind the breaker in the engine compartment.

Bryantdawg wrote: Tue Jun 17, 2025 10:15 am I just bought the same boat this year and haven't seen an anchor switch in the windlass compartment. Where are y'alls located in the compartment?

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So glad you found us BD….

Hopefully the above ideas help.

Any pics?

And welcome aboard mate.

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