Lewmar 48000221 Winch Control Box
Lewmar 48000221 Winch Control Box Product Description
Enhance the reliability and safety of your boat's electric winch system with the Lewmar ELS Electric Load Sensing control box. Designed for marine enthusiasts who demand precision and protection during anchoring or sail handling, this unit intelligently monitors load levels to prevent overloads, ensuring your gear operates smoothly even in demanding conditions. Whether you're managing heavy ground tackle offshore or fine-tuning sheets in a stiff breeze, it delivers peace of mind by automatically halting operations before damage occurs.
How the Lewmar ELS Control Box Safeguards Your Winch
The core of this control box lies in its advanced overload protection mechanism. It senses the electrical load in real-time, allowing the winch to power through up to its rated safe working capacity. Exceed that threshold—say, from a stubborn anchor fouled in rocky seabeds—and it instantly disengages the motor, averting strain or burnout. Ease off the tension, and it resets seamlessly for continued use.
Layered on top is a motor thermal trip feature, which detects excessive heat buildup from prolonged operation. This acts as a built-in failsafe, cutting power to protect the winch motor during extended hauls or high-ambient-temperature environments common on deck. Boaters report fewer service calls and longer equipment life after installing this smart controller.
Standout Features for Everyday Boating Demands
- Load-Optimized Performance: Runs winches flawlessly within safe limits, maximizing efficiency for sizes 40 through 80.
- Auto Cut-Out Protection: Instant shutdown on overload prevents mechanical stress and costly repairs.
- Thermal Overheat Defense: Monitors motor temperature to avoid heat-related failures during intensive sessions.
- Quick Setup: Professional-grade install in about 30 minutes, minimizing downtime at the dock or yard.
- Rugged Marine Build: Engineered to withstand saltwater exposure, vibrations, and harsh UV conditions.
Simple Installation for Seamless Integration
Getting this control box up and running is straightforward, ideal for weekend warriors or seasoned skippers. Mount it in a dry, accessible spot near the winch power source—think below decks or in a dedicated electrical locker. Connect the wiring harness to your existing ELS-compatible winch, ensuring polarity matches and fuses are appropriately rated. Test under light load first to verify sensing calibration. Pro tip: Use marine-grade tinned wire to combat corrosion, and label connections for future maintenance. Total time? Under half an hour for most setups.
Quick Pro Tips
- Double-check battery voltage stability before powering on—low voltage can mimic overload signals.
- Pair with a dedicated circuit breaker for layered protection.
- Position away from heat sources like engines to optimize thermal sensing accuracy.
Perfect Fit for Lewmar Electric Winches and Beyond
Tailored for Lewmar's electric winch lineup from size 40 to 80, this control box slots into systems handling everything from bow rollers to primary sheet winches. It's a drop-in upgrade for older setups lacking load sensing, breathing new life into reliable but unprotected motors. Safety-wise, it reduces operator error risks—no more guessing when to feather the switch—and complies with modern boating standards for automated safeguards.
Owners often pair it with multi-station controls for cockpit-to-helm operation, creating a responsive anchoring ecosystem. In real-world use, it shines during night recoveries or solo sails, where split-second decisions matter.
Long-Term Care for Peak Performance
Keep it humming with basic upkeep: Inspect wiring quarterly for chafe or green corrosion, especially in humid climates. Wipe down the enclosure with fresh water after salt sprays, and test the thermal trip annually by simulating a prolonged run (safely, of course). If resets become frequent, inspect for binding in the winch gearing—could be a symptom rather than a fault.
Frequently Asked Questions
What winch sizes is the Lewmar 48000221 control box compatible with?
It's designed for Lewmar electric winches in sizes 40 to 80, covering a wide range of anchoring and sail handling applications.
How does the overload protection function work?
It monitors electrical load and automatically stops the winch if it exceeds the safe working limit, restarting once the load drops.
Does it protect against motor overheating?
Yes, the built-in motor thermal trip cuts power during excessive heat buildup, preventing damage from prolonged use.
How long does installation typically take?
About 0.5 hours for a standard setup, making it accessible for most boat owners with basic electrical knowledge.
Can I use this on non-Lewmar winches?
It's optimized for Lewmar ELS systems; consult specs for cross-compatibility, but best performance is with matching Lewmar winches.
What should I do if the winch cuts out repeatedly?
Check for mechanical binds, low battery voltage, or wiring issues. Reduce load and test incrementally.
Is it suitable for saltwater environments?
Absolutely—built with corrosion-resistant materials to handle marine conditions like spray and humidity.
Pioneered by Lewmar, ELS Electric Load Sensing electric winches are controlled by an Overload Protection Control Box, which allows the winch to be operated up to the safe working load of the specific winch. Once this load is exceeded, the winch automatically cuts out. Once the load is reduced to below the safe working load, the winch can be restarted. The ELS features the additional safety function of a Motor Thermal Trip, which ensures that the motor cuts out in the event of excessive heat build up.
Lewmar 48000221 Attributes
- Estimated Install Time (Hours): 0.5
Lewmar 48000221 Features & Benefits
- Allows The Winch To Be Operated Up To The Safe Working Load Of The Specific Winch
- Electric Load Sensing Features The Additional Safety Function Of A Motor Thermal Trip
- Electric Winch Range Size 40 To 80
- Once This Load Is Exceeded, The Winch Automatically Cuts Out
- Limited 3 Year Warranty
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lewmar 48000221 Winch Control Box
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Lewmar 48000221 Winch Control Box Technical Specifications
| Type: | |
|---|---|
| Vendor: |
Lewmar |
| Weight: |
2.0 lb |
Lewmar 48000221 Winch Control Box User Reviews
Lewmar 48000221 Winch Control Box Shipping & Return
| Shipping Weight: |
2.0 lb |
|---|---|
| Box Sizes: |
3.00 (h) x 5.00 (w) x 6.00 (l) |
| Cubic Feet: |
90.0 |
| Returnable: |
Yes |
For detailed shipping policy please check our Shipping Policy and you can find our Return and Refund Policy here.



