Deckhand 40 and Deckhand 40 Pontoon (DH40) Troubleshooting (2004-present)

Updated February 12, 2026 14:29

This article provides troubleshooting steps for DeckHand 40 and DeckHand 40 Pontoon models or anchor winches.

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Unit fails to operate or lacks power

Check the circuit breaker to see if it has been tripped.

If it has been tripped, investigate potential causes before resetting the manually resettable circuit breaker by pushing the small black button on the side next to the control switch. Retest for proper operation.
Check battery voltage and connections.

The DeckHand 40 or DeckHand 40 Pontoon needs 12 volts to run properly. Inspect the battery connections and any butt splice connections in battery leadwire for corrosion and security. Be sure terminals are clean and corrosion free. Use a fine grade of sandpaper or emery cloth to clean terminals.
Check your battery water level.

Add water if needed. If connections are good and the battery has a full charge, we recommend taking the Deckhand to an Authorized Service Provider for diagnosis and repair.

Anchor will go down but not lift

Note: Unit will not function properly if anchor is less than 20lbs or more than 40lbs.

Inspect the circuit breaker and confirm it has not tripped. Ensure the reset button is fully pressed in.
Verify all connections are secure and confirm proper voltage is present at the motor while the DeckHand is operating under load.

The use of adequate gauge wire in the boat or any lead wire extension is critical to avoid voltage drop/low voltage to the motor. Inadequate wiring or corroded plug/plug receptacle connections can result in considerable voltage loss and poor performance.
Check the drive pin (part number 2092601).

The drive pin goes through the metal insert of the spool and drive shaft of the motor. It is on the side of the spool farthest from the motor. If the drive pin is broken, replace it. There is a spare drive pin secured in the cover of the DeckHand.
Check the momentary switch clicks audibly when it is actuated.

If it does not click, the switch will need to be replaced (part number 2374010).
Test the momentary switch for continuity between the 2 tabs of the switch.
1. There should be continuity between the tabs when the rope is pulled and the button of the switch is extended.
2. There should not be continuity when the spool is pushed back in its resting position.
  
  If the continuity is not as described, the switch will need to be replaced (part number 2374010).
Test the UP/DOWN switch. Verify that the wires are connected correctly. If the wiring is correct, check the UP/DOWN switch for proper continuity.
1. There should be continuity between the middle and top terminals when the switch is pressed DOWN.
2. There should be continuity between the middle and bottom terminals when the switch is pressed UP.
  
  If proper continuity is not present, replace the switch (part number 2374019).
Observe the motor shaft/spool as the unit attempts to lift the anchor.
- If the drive shaft does not turn as the motor runs replace the motor assembly (part number 2997816).
- If the plastic portion of the spool does not turn with the inner metal sleeve, replace the spool assembly (part number 2377901).
If the steps above do not resolve the issue, we recommend taking the Deckhand to an Authorized Service Provider for diagnosis and repair.

Anchor will lift but not go down

Note: When the UP/DOWN switch is in the DOWN position, the anchor rope must have tension applied in order for the motor to run (play out rope). The spool and motor pivot together to actuate a button on the momentary switch (part number 2374010). If the spool and motor are not allowed to pivot, then the anchor will not be deployed.

Note: The Deckhand 40 has a minimum anchor weight of 20 pounds. An anchor that weighs less than 20 pounds will not consistently actuate the momentary switch.

Remove the Deckhand cover and visually inspect the momentary switch.

The spool bearing should move far enough to allow the button on the momentary switch to actuate when the rope is pulled. If the spool bearing does not move far enough to actuate the switch, there may be either a physical obstruction or the spool bearing (part number 2370001) is installed incorrectly. Remove any obstructions and verify the spool bearing is installed correctly. Note: The spool bearing should be installed with the shoulders top and bottom, so it is taller than it is wide.
Check the momentary switch for continuity.

Test for continuity between the two tabs of the switch, continuity should be present when the rope is pulled and the button of the switch is extended. There should be no continuity when the spool is pushed back in its resting position. Replace the momentary switch (part number 2374010) and test the unit for proper operation. Note: If the switch does not audibly click when actuated you can expect it is bad.
Inspect the connections to the main switch.

If all connections and wires are in good condition the UP/DOWN switch must be defective. Replace the momentary switch (part number 2374010) and test the unit for proper operation.
If the steps above do not resolve the issue, we recommend taking the Deckhand to an Authorized Service Provider for diagnosis and repair.

Spool Bearing

The spool bearing should move far enough to allow the button on the momentary switch to actuate when the rope is pulled by the weight of the anchor. If the spool bearing does not move far enough to actuate the switch, remove any physical obstructions.

Testing the Momentary Switch for Continuity

To test the momentary switch, you will need a continuity tester.

Actuate the switch and listen for an audible click. If the switch does not click, the switch needs to be replaced.
Put the probes for the continuity tester one on each tab of the switch.
You should have continuity when you pull the rope out so that the button on the switch is extended.
You should not have continuity when the rope is not being pulled and the spool is in the resting position so that the button on the switch is being pressed in.
As you pull the rope so that the spool moves, you should here an audible click from the momentary switch.
If you do not have continuity/no continuity as described above or the switch does not audibly click, the switch is bad and will need to be replaced.
Click here to purchase the momentary switch, part number 2374010

Up/Down Main Switch

If the Spool Bearing and the Momentary Switch are good, inspect the connections to the main switch, if all connections and wires to the main switch are in good condition the UP/DOWN switch is defective. Replace UP/DOWN switch, and test unit for proper operation.
Click here to purchase the main switch, part number 2374019