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**noelex 77** · 13-06-2014, 11:13

For all the sceptics, here is photo of the chain sans anchor coming up. I really would not make this stuff up.

**noelex 77** · 13-06-2014, 11:17

Here is another photo when they did raise the anchor. You can just see the remains of the broken swivel still attached.

SVNeko · 13-06-2014, 11:28

Noelex, thanks for posting all these anchor photos. Ignore the skeptics. I hope they don't put you off further efforts - I for one find it enlightening.

**noelex 77** · 13-06-2014, 11:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVNeko

Noelex, thanks for posting all these anchor photos. Ignore the skeptics. I hope they don't put you off further efforts - I for one find it enlightening.

No problem. I am not offended, it is an amazing thing to document. The clear water also makes the photos a bit surreal.

There are some more photos of the same anchor taken on previous days in this thread.
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...126073-10.html

Tayana42 · 13-06-2014, 11:46

Wow, Noelex and Mermaid, this is amazing and frightening. Thank you both for all of the enlightening photos. They are the best information I've seen anywhere about how anchors actually work on the bottom.

Sent from my LG-P769 using Tapatalk

zboss · 13-06-2014, 11:54

I don't think this is an issue with swivels in general, just this particular swivel. I am sure you could find plenty of swivels made by reputable manufacturers in which this would not happen.

Whats the issue with his anchor showing some rust? Our Original Bruce has rust on it...

Pelagic · 13-06-2014, 12:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cotemar

Great photos. Just goes to show how some cruisers maintain such important pieces of gear. That swivel crack was very noticeable in those underwater pictures. I cannot imagine how that crack did not stick out like a sore thumb on the deck of the boat.

Great Job

My guess is that the boat's anchor is bedded in a bow pocket and the swivel/shackle is hidden inside hawse pipe.
(Perhaps Nolex can confirm.)

SOP is that you regularily lower anchor a few links for inspection at the dock.

Operational Problem with some "professional" skippers or crew is that they don't know how to handle heavy winch Equipment and ground tackle.

They bring home too quickly and roughly... forcing anchor to bed when it comes up with a half twist...

Underway the swells continue to stress the connection till a tiny fracture develops.

On Super yachts (+50m), I never specify or use swivels and my Chief engineer is the only one who runs the anchor gear as he has a consistently gentle touch.

I agree that photo looks like the stress fracture had been there for a while.
Captain owes you guys a few cases of beer!

**skipmac** · 13-06-2014, 12:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by noelex 77

I think in this sort of situation we are better to try and learn some lessons rather than lay blame. The skipper was very grateful in the end. I suspect our warnings did have some impact, although maybe professional pride prevented acknowledging that the warnings were taken seriously.

Think there was any element of macho pride involved? Boat captain can't accept advise from a "girl".

**noelex 77** · 13-06-2014, 13:32

Just to clarify. The photo here was the first my mermaid noticed there was a problem. From this split to full failure was only an hour, maybe even 45 mins.

**noelex 77** · 13-06-2014, 13:41

I have some photos of the anchor and swivel from previous days. I have looked at these and see no evidence of a problem, but none show the inside of the corner of the swivel which is where corrosion would have been most visible.
From the outside it looks fine (see photo).

The boat did have a Hawse pipe and I suspect the swivel would have been hidden in the pipe.

(The shackle closest to the anchor also looks possibly a bit loose in this photo)

The outside is not the best angle to see a problem with the swivel but from this photo to complete failure in only a couple of days and 15-20 knots of wind is sobering.

**Jim Cate** · 13-06-2014, 14:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkJ

Anne, I think its disgusting Jim throws you overboard with the camera every time he wants a photos. But they are excellent photos!!! Really good. So I would throw you over too

Get photos. I never would have believed someone could have snapped
them while it happened.

MARK

Mark, ya got the wrong mermaid there! I could not and would not throw Ann overboard for mere photos. Something important, like a dropped beer or such, well, maybe...

But in this case, the credit goes to Nolex and his mermaid camera-person.

Cheers,

Jim

**Jim Cate** · 13-06-2014, 14:33

And FWIW, from casual inspection, the swivel is beefier than any other component of the system, and yet it is the thing to fail. Leads to the suspicion that it is of dubious heritage (ie, born somewhere in China).

And one has to wonder: with such a poor anchor design, set it what appears to be fairly loose sand and with only the rather small flukes buried, how come it didn't drag visibly during a stress cycle vigorous enough to straighten out that thick s/s bar. Possibly stuck on a sub-surface rock? Who knows...

So very interesting!

Jim