[Togmaster]

My Tiara 3100 has the factory original Maxwell Freedom 500 windlass. The solenoid hasn't worked well for the past year and finally died. Per Maxwell this model solenoid/windlass is obsolete and the solenoid is no longer available.  Considering the age of the unit and what would be involved in retrofitting another solenoid to this unit, I am now considering replacing the entire windlass. So I have 2 questions. #1 does anyone know where to source a replacement solenoid? #2 If I go for total replacement which make/model windlass would be closest to factory original. I don't like cutting/patching any unnecessary holes in my deck so I need something with a foot print as close to the Freedom 500 as possible. Thanks in advance for any information or advice.

[ReelMagic]

Not sure where you looked but if its the P100711 Solenoid Pack I just purchased one for a friend on Ebay. Saw other sources as well. Good Luck

[reeltimebrad]

I replaced mine with a much simpler unit I got from our local maxwell dealer. Was a easy replacement and has worked great for 3 years now. Not sure on part number but looked alot like the one REELMAGIC stated.

[strevet]

Just replaced the Maxwell Freedom 500 windlass on my 2006 Tiara 3200 Open. For ease of replacement and minimal cost, I replaced it with a Maxwell RC8-6 for about $1000. This change allowed me to use the same chain, same panel fuse and rode on the boat with very little change to the boat. The Maxwell RC8-6 is a huge upgrade in performance from the Freedom 500. The RC8-6 is all SS with non of the plastic parts of the OEM Freedom 500. I am in the PNW and windlass performance here is much more challenging than in freshwater.

[Togmaster]

Ok so here is an update and thanks to all that replied. I had a conversation with a technician at Maxwell and he pretty much answered my 2 questions. The replacement solenoid P100711 has been discontinued a few years ago. I searched to the best of my ability and could not find one available for sale anywhere. The Maxwell SP5102 solenoid can be used with the Freeedom 500 with slight modification to the wiring. Basically all that needs to be done is changing 3 ring connectors to spade connectors and everything will work. For complete replacement of the unit, as mentioned above, the R8-6 will pretty much bolt into the same hole as the freedom 500. I believe the only modification is enlarging the hole where the rode enters.

I purchased a SP5102 to get me through the rest of the season and will most likely upgrade the entire windlass to a R8-6 in another year or so.