Lewmar 68000604 35 Amp Breaker

Ensure your boat's anchoring system stays reliable on every voyage with the Lewmar 68000604 35 Amp Breaker. Designed specifically for marine environments, this circuit breaker delivers robust overload protection for Lewmar windlasses, preventing costly damage from electrical surges or motor stalls. Whether you're dropping anchor in choppy bays or retrieving chain in strong currents, this breaker acts as a critical safeguard, tripping instantly under excessive load while allowing quick resets for uninterrupted operation.

Precision-Engineered for Marine Demands

Crafted from corrosion-resistant materials, the 68000604 withstands harsh saltwater exposure, UV rays, and vibrations common on deck. Its 35-amp rating matches the power needs of mid-sized windlasses, providing a perfect balance of sensitivity and durability. Unlike generic automotive breakers, this model features trip-free mechanisms that can't be held closed during faults, enhancing safety during high-stress anchoring maneuvers.

Key Advantages for Boaters

• Instantaneous Protection: Automatically interrupts power at 35 amps to shield motors and wiring from burnout.
• Easy Reset Functionality: Manual button for quick recovery after clearing obstructions like tangled chain or rode.
• Compact and Mountable: Sleek design fits neatly in tight electrical panels without sacrificing accessibility.
• Proven Reliability: Built to IP67 standards for water and dust resistance, ideal for exposed installations.

Seamless Compatibility with Lewmar Windlasses

This breaker pairs perfectly with gypsy-only and gypsy-drum windlass setups, handling the intermittent high loads of anchor retrieval. It's a direct fit for popular Lewmar models, ensuring plug-and-play integration into existing 12V or 24V DC systems. Boaters upgrading from stock fuses appreciate the breaker's superior reset capability over one-time fuses, reducing downtime during extended cruises.

Installation Best Practices

Mount the breaker close to the power source for optimal circuit protection—ideally within 7 inches of the battery positive terminal as per ABYC standards. Use marine-grade tinned copper wire sized for your windlass draw (typically 8-10 AWG for 35A loads). Secure with insulated terminals and heat-shrink connections to combat corrosion. Always disconnect the battery before wiring, and test the system under load to verify trip thresholds. Pro tip: Position it for easy access from the helm or foredeck to minimize troubleshooting time.

Long-Term Maintenance for Peak Performance

Regular inspections keep your breaker functioning flawlessly. Check for corrosion on terminals annually, especially in saltwater environments, and clean with a vinegar solution if needed. Test resets monthly by simulating a light overload—listen for the clean snap of the mechanism. Replace if it fails to trip below 40 amps or shows signs of arcing. Pairing it with a proper windlass controller extends the life of your entire anchoring system, saving you from unexpected failures mid-adventure.

Why Trust Lewmar for Your Electrical Safety

Lewmar's decades of windlass expertise shine through in components like the 68000604. This isn't just a breaker; it's an investment in peace of mind, backed by rigorous testing for real-world boating stresses. Skip unreliable aftermarket options—stick with genuine parts that integrate flawlessly and maintain your boat's warranty integrity.