Lewmar 12V Sealed Contactor for V4

The Lewmar 68000320 12V Dual-Direction Sealed Contactor is a marine windlass control component used to manage high-current power switching for compatible Lewmar anchor windlasses. It allows low-current helm, deck, or foot switches to control the windlass motor in both up and down directions without carrying the full motor load through the switch circuit. This sealed contactor is intended for 12V dual-direction windlass systems using compatible Lewmar series-wound motor configurations.

Key Features

• Lewmar part number: 68000320
• Product type: Dual-direction windlass contactor / solenoid pack
• Voltage: 12V DC
• Operation: Up and down windlass motor control
• Motor compatibility: Series wound / SW 12V windlass motor systems where specified
• Enclosure: Sealed resin-cased housing
• Primary function: Routes high-current power to the windlass motor while protecting control switches
• Application type: Lewmar anchor windlass control and power switching
• Service use: Windlass electrical repair, contactor replacement, solenoid failure repair, and control-system troubleshooting

Product Compatibility

This contactor is intended for compatible 12V Lewmar windlass systems where the Lewmar wiring diagram or parts breakdown specifies 68000320. Application references include select Lewmar windlass families such as:

• Lewmar CPX4
• Lewmar V4
• Lewmar V6
• Lewmar V8 / V8-3500 series
• Select legacy Lewmar Ocean windlass configurations where specified
• Select legacy Lewmar Concept 3 configurations where specified

Fitment must be confirmed by windlass model, motor voltage, motor type, wiring diagram, and existing contactor part number before ordering.

Fitment Notice

This is a 12V dual-direction contactor for compatible series-wound Lewmar windlass systems. It should not be substituted for a 24V contactor, a single-direction solenoid, or a contactor designed for a different motor type unless the Lewmar wiring diagram confirms compatibility. If your windlass system runs on 24V, see Lewmar part 68000321 instead.

Before ordering, confirm the windlass model, motor voltage, control switch layout, cable routing, breaker size, and existing solenoid wiring. Electrical windlass parts are often model-specific, and similar-looking contactors can have different coil voltage, terminal layout, and internal switching logic.

When This Part Needs Replacement

Replace the contactor if the windlass will not operate in one or both directions, only clicks without motor movement, operates intermittently, shows heat damage, has corroded terminals, has a cracked or swollen housing, or fails electrical testing. A failed contactor may prevent the windlass from retrieving, deploying, or reversing direction even when the motor and battery supply are in good condition.

Before replacing the contactor, inspect the battery bank, main breaker, motor cables, control switch wiring, foot switches, helm switch, deck switch, motor brushes, ground path, and cable terminations.

Installation Notes

Disconnect battery power before working on the windlass electrical system. Label all cables and control wires before removing the old contactor so the new unit can be wired correctly. Use properly sized marine-grade cable, terminals, heat-shrink protection, and circuit protection for the windlass current load.

Mount the contactor in a dry, accessible, protected location away from direct bilge water, heavy spray, battery acid, and high engine or exhaust heat. Confirm all terminals are tight and protected from accidental shorting. After installation, test both up and down operation with the anchor unloaded first, then verify normal operation under controlled load.

Follow the Lewmar wiring diagram and installation instructions for the exact windlass model. High-current windlass wiring should be inspected or installed by a qualified marine technician if there is any uncertainty.

Alternate/Superseded Part Numbers

• Lewmar: 68000320
• Common description: 12V Dual-Direction Sealed Contactor
• Application reference: Lewmar 12V series-wound windlass motor control
• Model references: CPX4, V4, V6, V8 / V8-3500, and select legacy Ocean or Concept 3 windlass systems where specified
• 24V version: Lewmar 68000321

Parts Desk Insights

The critical checks on this contactor are voltage, motor type, and wiring layout. A 12V windlass contactor may look identical to the 24V version (68000321) externally, but the coil voltage is different installing the wrong voltage contactor will cause immediate control failure or coil burnout. Always verify the system voltage from the windlass wiring diagram or existing contactor label before ordering.