Dinghy winch automation

 


Launching and retrieving a dinghy using a manually cranked winch on a mast/boom can be a tricky two person operation. One control to raise and lower and another to move in/out on the boom. 

My solution was to install a winch to raise and lower and a linear drive to move the carrier in/out on the boom. With this setup I can launch and retieve easily as a one person operation. My dinghy/motor weighs about 280 pounds, so this is big improvement.

The linear drive I installed is from Progressive Automations:

Linear Actuator

Model: PA-04



The linear drive supports 400 pounds and an overall reach of 40 inches.

I installed a hand held remote that controls both:



But I found the 10 foot cable on the remote was a bit of a pain, so I installed a wireless remote:



The arrows on the remote indicate the movement up/down or in/out.

These remotes work well, as long as there are no major obstructions with the base station. Now, I can keep the remote in my pocket and have easy access to the controls. The one I purchased was:

INSMA 433Mhz Wireless RF Switch Long Range DC 12V 4CH Channel Wireless Remote Control Switch




These remotes do not support the high amperes required by my linear drive, so I connected the output to a reversing solenoid to power the linear drive (winch already has an internal solenoid):



This has been a nice setup and makes the dinghy operation so much easier and comfortable!

To switch between the wireless and the cable remote, I installed a quick connect to each:



Now lunch and retrieval is an easy one person job!

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