A question on setting the anchor..

[monte]

Hola!
I have a quick question if anyone can give me there advice.
After we drop anchor on our lagoon 380 cat I like to reverse down hard to make sure its set.
Last time I did this the chain hopped over the windlass a few links when the tension was on. It did it twice. Its a Quick brand windlass.
The windlass has a small lever called 'lock' which I guess locks the windlass mechanically rather than using the motor. Would it help if I flicked it over? Or should I put the bridle on before reversing to dig it in?
The reason I didnt put the bridle on first was in case it wasnt set and I needed to raise and repeat the process.
There is a screw down lock near the bow roller which I could screw down and then unscrew when I need to let out chain for the bridle, but im just wondering how others do it efficiently.
Thanks in advance,
Monte.

[clifford sloan]

I know it's a pain but I never back down without the bridle on as I feel I endanger the security of the windlass and its mountings.
All the best -
Clif

[Lagoon4us]

Originally Posted by monte

Hola!
I have a quick question if anyone can give me there advice.
After we drop anchor on our lagoon 380 cat I like to reverse down hard to make sure its set.
Last time I did this the chain hopped over the windlass a few links when the tension was on. It did it twice. Its a Quick brand windlass.
The windlass has a small lever called 'lock' which I guess locks the windlass mechanically rather than using the motor. Would it help if I flicked it over? Or should I put the bridle on before reversing to dig it in?
The reason I didnt put the bridle on first was in case it wasnt set and I needed to raise and repeat the process.
There is a screw down lock near the bow roller which I could screw down and then unscrew when I need to let out chain for the bridle, but im just wondering how others do it efficiently.
Thanks in advance,
Monte.

We use a chain grab to the cleat, its quick if the anchor doesn't set to unhook and haul in..... Cheers mate.

[david samuelson]

I put on a snubber line before I back down. Like Lagoon4us, its quick to put on and take off.

[Lagoon4us]

[surfmachine]

Avast Monte, avoid any loads on the gears in the widnlass, always lock it off using your lock on the capstan of better still have a chain stopper permanently on the deck that the chain runs through. Then you can lock the chain without using the windlass. The windlass is only designed to lift the weight of the chain and anchor. Never back down on it when setting the anchor, always lock the windlass or lock the chain somehow.

I also don't put the snubber on until the anchor is dug in and all the chain is out, regardless of depth!!

I have stripped the gears in my lewmar windlass lifting the anchor amongst coral. Learnt the hard way?

Cheers from Keith.

[monte]

thanks guys, ill invest in one of these doovywackies I think

[MasterMariner]

Originally Posted by monte

thanks guys, ill invest in one of these doovywackies I think

It's called a devils claw FYI

[micah719]

The stopper is a good idea....but back to the skipping...how well are the links matched to the gypsy?

[Cotemar]

Originally Posted by monte

Hola!
Should I put the bridle on before reversing to dig it in?
The reason I didnt put the bridle on first was in case it wasnt set and I needed to raise and repeat the process.
Monte.

Yes, you should always use a "Bridle" or "chain hook to anchor locker cleat"
Should never back down with pressure on any windless.

[MasterMariner]

Cut and dry just put it in lock.

[Cheechako]

my windlass had a lever that locked into the gypsy. I used that for backing down. I never back down abruptly, just gradually ease the throttle up to maybe 1500 rpm , after the anchor has settled for a couple minutes.

[Lagoon4us]

[surfmachine]

Ahoy, the pic of the shiny anchor stopper, i bought one but my 10mm or 3/8" chain would jam in it every now and then, so I got a heavy duty one made at the stainless welders, deeper sides for the chain to pass under the swivel top, a great addition to chain and anchor handling.
Keith

[monte]

shanks again, I assume the chain and windlass are a correct match as they are both factory fitted by Lagoon. Thanks for the suggestions, Ill use the stopper on the chain from now on I think. It just looka s bit flimsy, like it could bend under load. Its a 1/2" bolt that has a nylon screw handle to lock a ...wait i'll take a pic ..