Troubleshooting the Deckhand 40 (DH40)(2004-present)

If your Deckhand will not lift the anchor but will deploy it, you will want to check the Spool Bearing, Momentary Switch, and the Up/Down Switch. 

Jump to:

• Unit fails to operate or lacks power
• Anchor does not go down but will go up
• Spool Bearing
• Testing the Momentary Switch for Continuity
• Up/Down Main Switch
• Deckhand Troubleshooting Guide
• Resources
  
  • DeckHand 40 and Pontoon DeckHand Owner's Manual
  • Deckhand 40 Parts Diagram
  • Deckhand 40 Wiring Diagram

Unit fails to operate or lacks power

1. 1. Check circuit breaker, be sure button is pressed. If circuit breaker is tripped, investigate the cause of the problem before resetting.
   2. Check battery charge and connections. Be sure terminals are clean and corrosion free. Use a fine grade of sandpaper or emery cloth to clean terminals.
   3. Check your battery water level. Add water if needed. If connections are good and battery has a full charge, obtain service as instructed.

Anchor does not go down but will go up

• 1. Check circuit breaker, be sure button is pressed.
  2. Check battery connections.
  3. Unit will not function properly if anchor is less than 20 lbs or more than 40 lbs.
  4. 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).
  5. Test the momentary switch for continuity between the 2 tabs of the switch. There should be continuity between the tabs when the rope is pulled and the button of the switch is extended. 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).
  6. If the momentary switch is good, test the UP/DOWN switch. Check the wires are connected correctly. If the wires are connected correctly, check the UP/DOWN switch for proper continuity. You should have continuity between the middle and top terminals when the switch is pressed DOWN. You should also have continuity between the middle and bottom terminals when the UP is pressed. If you do not have proper continuity, the switch will need to be replaced (part number 2374019).

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.

1. Actuate the switch and listen for an audible click. If the switch does not click, the switch needs to be replaced.
2. Put the probes for the continuity tester one on each tab of the switch.
3. You should have continuity when you pull the rope out so that the button on the switch is extended.
4. 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.
5. As you pull the rope so that the spool moves, you should here an audible click from the momentary switch.
6. 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

Deckhand Troubleshooting Guide

Click here for the Deckhand Troubleshooting Guide

Resources

• DeckHand 40 and Pontoon DeckHand Owner's Manual
• Deckhand 40 Parts Diagram
• Deckhand 40 Wiring Diagram