35 foot wooden cruiser - needs an anchor - Sydney

[bcoussens]

Hello all,
I'm a new member and new to (big) boats, I've restored a few 16' wooden speed boats but have now just purchased an old run down 35' that needs a lot of sorting.
Stats:

• it's moored in Sydney harbour (NSW maritime mooring) Drummoyne
• it doesn't have an anchor
• the motor is dead BMC Commodore (and probably won't run again)
• needs a good clean and antifoul
• hull is in great condition
  electrics were done a few years ago and are comprehensive and in great shape
• cabin has a few spots of rot
• rear cabin had a lot of rot (was enclosed) - as of Sunday is now open again
  takes a small amount of water (not sure if its rain or sea yet)
  

So I will be asking (politely) over the net few months many questions in the hope I will find some members willing to share their thoughts :-)

First few questions:
1. what sort and size anchor should I buy (it already has an electric chain winch) for use in Sydney Harbour and Hawkesbury River
2. where can I slip the boat to clean the hull (cheapest option - clean it myself)
3. ideas of people who could install an engine and gearbox (i will purchase second hand)

if you are reading this - thanks for taking the time :-)

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, bcoussens.

[bcoussens]

Sorry my name is Ben :-)

[grahamb]

I will leave the anchor question alone, but the following may be helpful..

.... get a regular copy of 'AFLOAT' magazine, its free a chandlers and marinas, or better still, subscribe at ...
AFLOAT
PO BOX 709
WILLOUGHBY,SYDNEY,NSW,AUSTRALIA.
PHONE...02 9417 6499.

It is issued monthly,and has wealth of detail on Sydney marine suppliers and private ads, including marine engines new and used, marine articles on cruising, restorations, maritime history and marine happenings in Sydney Harbour, and beyond.

............I recommend Balmain Marina. phone 0438 002 918..for DIY weekend slipping, just a stone's through away from your mooring....and may well be able to provide a tow for that short distance.

Good luck with this project.

[bcoussens]

Thanks Graham, I'll call Balmain slip tomorrow, Work complete so far includes:
Chasing plumbing around the boat and drawing a schematic, chasing electricals disconnecting wire shorts terminating at the engine and connecting a new solar panel on the roof, testing electricals and charging system, fitting a new builge pump. Cleaning, cleaning and more cleaning. Old floor removal, floor repairs and finally lots of demo of the rear cabin. Now a lovely open deck with views of the sunset.

Attachment 1

[Seas the Day]

OMG Ben, do you have enough years of life to get this done?!!

I agree with the comment on AFLOAT, its very useful and with lots of good sources. My local the Sydney Rowers Club in Abbotsford provide the latest issue whenever released. I have a funny anecdote about the Balmain marina. I called the owner and mentioned I had bought a 10 y.o. cruiser and did he have any marina space to which he responded "yes but first I'll book you into our Therapy Room". Very funny.

If you are new to boating can I suggest you buy a copy of "Australian Boating Manual" by Capt. Dick Gandy which is an encyclopaedia of boating. For example it will tell you which anchor is preferable for your intended use(s) and recommend a size based on boat length.

Bon chance,

Alex

[bglad]

It sure came with a great view

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by bcoussens

Hello all,
I'm a new member and new to (big) boats, I've restored a few 16' wooden speed boats but have now just purchased an old run down 35' that needs a lot of sorting.
Stats:

• it's moored in Sydney harbour (NSW maritime mooring) Drummoyne
• it doesn't have an anchor
• the motor is dead BMC Commodore (and probably won't run again)
• needs a good clean and antifoul
• hull is in great condition
  electrics were done a few years ago and are comprehensive and in great shape
• cabin has a few spots of rot
• rear cabin had a lot of rot (was enclosed) - as of Sunday is now open again
  takes a small amount of water (not sure if its rain or sea yet)
  

So I will be asking (politely) over the net few months many questions in the hope I will find some members willing to share their thoughts :-)

First few questions:
1. what sort and size anchor should I buy (it already has an electric chain winch) for use in Sydney Harbour and Hawkesbury River
2. where can I slip the boat to clean the hull (cheapest option - clean it myself)
3. ideas of people who could install an engine and gearbox (i will purchase second hand)

if you are reading this - thanks for taking the time :-)

Hi and good luck with the project,absolutely sure that you will have an interesting journey. There are many anchor threads here and just as many opinions, good and bad, but if your interested I have a 15 kg original Rocna that you could probably talk me into parting with, and it is not that far away. Having said that, maintain the sense of humour and enjoy.
Cheers.

[Diesel Bill]

Hi Ben, Welcome to the forum. Looks like you got a real project boat. Lots of living space there. Just keep a vision of how you want it to look when finished and eventually it will happen.
Good luck with it.

[roland stockham]

On anchors I would go about 35lb or up to 45lb if you intend to go to places where shelter may be minimal or severe storms likely. Us a 25lb for stern anchor which then makes a 'lunch hook' if needed.
If you have any experience in mechanics fitting engines is not that difficult and means you could fit a new engine for the price of a used one plus instalation.

[Hasbeen]

Balmain Marina, boy does that bring back memories. I lived there on my first & second boats in 67/68.


Looks like you have a fair bit of windage there. I'd use a 25Lb for picnic anchoring, & a 45Lb CQR if you can get one for places like Port Stephens for overnight. We used a 45Lb Danforth with 7/16" chain for overnight anchorage in outer Great Barrier Reef lagoons for a 40Ft trawler type launch. In my experience lots of chain is as important as what is on the end of it in many situations.

[Scout 30]

The 15 kg Rocna that Bob is offering would be a good anchor for your boat.

[Mike Banks]

With the force of winds one can get there fronma good East Coast Low, I would be going for a Manson Supreme. About sisxt pounds in the old measure of mass--it is what I use on my little trimaran, which probably stops more wind than does yours but when surging back against an anchor chain imparts less shock. I would also consider a kellet, otherwise known as an Angel, which is a heavy weight fixed to the anchor chain about half way down the scope, which effectively increases the holding power of an anchor and takes a lot of the shock out of surges.
.

[Djarraluda]

Also get to know Bruce at Warriewood, he advertises in Afloat - second hand chandlers, good deals to be had on all gear that is not necessarily the smooth and shiny goodies that many want.

[Djarraluda]

Good diesel mechs that I have known - Sandy Wallace at Yachtech is very good, based on Pittwater but - give him a call.