Regarding leaving the chain under tension at the windless: for a while several years ago, I was securing my
anchor in its roller with a line made off to a cleat on the (Lofrans Tigress) windless
head and in addition had the chain under tension. The ongoing tension over time caused premature failure of the
gypsy shaft bearing & seal with some subsequent leakage of the
oil out of its reservoir and onto the
deck. After I replaced the bearing and seal I made sure that there was load on the
gypsy only when bringing the anchor in and haven't had any problems with it since.