I have one on my boat, terminals are positive negative you can just connect them either way to get it spin left or right. No need for a solenoid just the foot switch is fine. However you will need an 80 amp circuit breaker.

Thank you, the solenoid part has been really confusing, some say you need one, others say not. My plan so far it to use 16mm twin core from the battery, put a circuit breaker in the line close to battery, run that all up to a foot switch, and then connect to capstan. Do the footswitches have terminals on them large enough to take that size cable? I guess I'm about to find out:)
If you say you have the same winch on your boat and its hooked up that way then thays good enough for me. Many thanks again for taking the time to reply:)

Yes you're on the right path. Use crimp lugs to connect to the terminals, make sure the hole size in the lugs matches the stud size.

Make sure your foot switch is rated high enough. It should be, but pays to check.