Powerwinch Deck Mate 25 - Manual (Page 2)

2
Rope breakage and
whiplash hazard.
1. Never stand between the load point and the
winch. If the rope breaks it could snap back with
enough force to cause severe injury or death.
2. The winch is shipped with a closed loop
anchor roller. If the included anchor roller is
ever replaced it must be replaced by a closed loop
anchor roller. The closed loop anchor roller will
prevent the anchor line from snapping onto the
boat deck in the event the rope breaks.
3. Always use nylon rope specifically rated for
this product. Never substitute cable for rope.
Cable is not an acceptable anchor line because
it does not stretch and is easily frayed. If cable
breaks it can snap back with more force than
nylon rope.
4. This product is intended to lift only river &
mushroom anchors. Do not attempt to lift or
move people or other objects with this winch.
5. Inspect entire rope for weak or worn condition
or kinking (short tight twist or curl) before
each use. Replace worn rope with nylon rope
specifically rated for this product.
Electrical shock and
fire hazards.
1. Do not use electrical wire sizes other than
those specified in this manual. Using wire that is
too small could result in overloading and a fire.
2. Use only the supplied or recommended circuit
breakers when installing this winch. Using
incorrect circuit breakers could result in a fire.
3. Use only marine grade, fully tinned wire for
electrical connections between the battery and the
winch.
4. Make sure any crimped electrical connectors
meet can withstand a 25 lb pullout force before
failing.
5. Always disconnect the wiring harness from the
battery before attempting to install, relocate, or
service the winch or switch.
Cruising and boat
trailering hazards.
1. When the boat is cruising or being trailered, the
anchor must be tied to a cleat (or other secure point)
or secured with a safety chain/strap. If the anchor
breaks free during cruising or trailering, it will cause
serious damage and/or injury.
Anchoring hazards.
1. Always tie the anchor line off to a cleat (or other
secure point) when the boat is anchored. The winch
must not be used to hold the load of the boat while
anchored. Serious damage to the motor and/or
failure of the winch could occur.
2. Do not pull a load greater than the rating for the
winch. If the circuit breaker halts operation of the
winch during retrieval or deployment, the winch
may have been overloaded. Stop using winch until
the cause of the problem has been determimed.
Entanglement
hazards.
1. Never place any object or tool in the rope
spool while retrieving or deploying the anchor.
The tool or object could become tangled in the
rope resulting in serious injury and/or damage to
the winch.
2. Do not wear loose fitting clothing, scarves,
or neck ties during the operation of the winch.
Loose clothing may become caught in moving
parts resulting in injury or death.
3. Do not operate the winch under the influence
of drugs and/or alcohol.
Operation hazards
1. It is always best to make sure that the windlass
is visible while under operating conditions. If
the rope should become “tangled” or “caught
up” while retrieving or deployment of the anchor
then the operator will be able to quickly turn the
windlass off before damage can occur.
Operating Instructions and Replacement Parts List Deckmate 25 Freefall Pontoon Windlass