Savwinch CS Series Installation, Operation & Maintenance Manual page 7

The Winch Assembly
Our winches consist of three key components: the drum, gear box and a DC electric motor. The drum is made
from 316 marine-grade stainless steel (316 SS). The gear box and motor are various combinations of powder
coated, marine anodized and/or 316 SS.
A critical consideration when fitting an anchor winch is the strength and stability of the mounting point.
Depending on the size, weight and capacity of the winch, it could place extremely high loads. This is due to the
winch's high torque, vibration and other shock forces involved. Using a samson post can reduce the demands on
the winch mounting point while lying at anchor in heavy weather.
The Electrical System To complete your anchor system, you'll need to install the solenoid or Savwinch Electronic
Fast Fall System, Up/Down switch, circuit breaker and electrical wiring.
As a safety precaution, Savwinch recommends fitting a marine-grade audible alarm that operates whenever
power is applied to the system. This should be wired directly to the 12V input of the solenoid or Savwinch
Electronic Fast Fall System. Refer to the schematic on page 10 of this manual.
Note. The Savwinch Electronic Fast Fall System for boat winches features no mechanical
parts. This increases the speed of the motor on the way down, comparably as fast as you
can freely drop your anchor. This system can be retrofitted to most existing installations.
When considering larger cable sizes, the total length of red and black cable from the battery to the winch must
be considered. Never use cable that's smaller than the recommended size for the winch size (refer to page 8 for
cable size).
The motor is supplied with 20in/500mm lengths of cable that need to be joined to longer runs of higher-rated
cable to reach the battery (preferably in a dry area). Protect the cable joins with adhesive-sealed heat shrink to
minimize the risk of moisture ingress. Use only tinned copper wire and, where possible, terminate the cables in
a dry part of the boat to reduce the risk of corrosion – usually below deck.
One way to prevent the risk of moisture is to mount the solenoid or Electronic Fast Fall System in a dry area
(such as behind a bulkhead), as near to the winch as possible. The cable supplied with most winch models is too
small to run the full distance to the battery, as the voltage drop would be excessive. If possible, fit the solenoid
or Electronic Fast Fall System behind the dash to ensure the switch cable easily reaches the dashboard. Then fit
heavier cable from the Electronic Fast Fall System terminals to the battery. This reduces the voltage drop and
eliminates the need for cable joins.
To provide maximum protection, the winch circuit breaker should be mounted as close to the battery as
possible. The Up/Down switch and an optional isolator switch would normally be mounted near the helm, with
tinned copper wire connecting it to the control terminals of the winch solenoid or Electronic Fast Fall System. If
the battery is located close to the helm, you may prefer to mount the circuit breaker beside the Up/Down
switch, using the breaker as the isolator.
Note. Avoid operating the circuit breaker/isolator
when power is applied to the winch as this can
shorten its life.
Call a Professional
Several Savwinch vendors offer installation services
or can put you in contact with a qualified installer. If
you intend to fit your own winch system, take your
time with the planning. Think about how it will
operate. Select a solid mounting point. Ensure
everything is well sealed from water ingress. If you
don't have the tools and the skill to fabricate the
cables, purchase them from a reputable supplier or
engage a marine electrician to perform that part of
the job.
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