Hi Guys.
Want to thank everyone again for all your help!!!
Taking a break from working and I'm ALWAYS reading here on everything "boating". LOL! Found this thread and went through it again and realized I never came back to share what we actually got!
First off, Kim at Columbus marine Exchange in PDX found us a windlass! The exact one I was hoping for. S-L manual anchorman (separate rode and chain gypsy)... For $300!!!! =D uses a regular
winch handle and has an offset insertion point for greater leverage. Just took it apart and all looks finee, some
cleaning and grease and it will be perfect!
We ended up with the #25 Mantus Caution: I printed out their full size paper pattern to create a mock up for the bow roller and it was off a little from the actual anchor. Not sure if it's the anchor or the print out, but glad I didn't start designing the bow roller until now. Going to make a 1/4"
plywood mock up to fit and layout everything.
We also have a request with Kim for 50' of 5/16 G4. I definitely wanted the length as well as the weight and the
gypsy on the windlass is set up for 5/16" G4 so it's fine like that. Also, with the windlass, not as concerned about bringing up the chain/anchor once we've broken free and hauling straight up.
Decided on 150' of 1/2" 8plait braid with a metal thimble spliced in.
I want to order a couple of Crosby G-209A shackles for chain to metal thimble but not sure about fitting the shackle through the thimble... Considering 3/8" shackle, but then would it fit the 5/16" chain???
We also decided to get the S-2 Mantus swivel (We plan on spending a lot of time anchored in the same spot and figured for the low
price it wouldn't hurt.) As a prototype designer/machinist, all I can say is "WOW"!!! These swivels are not only ingenious ("Fails" designed out of it), but also machined of SS that looks like they could be run over with a tank and maybe only get scratched!
We're keeping our original Bruce, but putting it in the bottom of our
anchor locker. I originally thought of mounting both anchors on the bow but after thinking about it, it didn't make sense. With the new windlass, we'll be using our Mantus as our daily anchor and there's not much room on our bow. The Bruce will also be fitted with the 50' 5/16" chain, swivel, shackle and 1/2" braid... It will be nice to have it set up ready to go but out of the way.
The
Fortress will be on our stern and we'll use our old chain and 3 strand nylon for it.
Spent some time this morning revising our to do and to buy list... As it was, it would NEVER get done before we leave in July for the San Juans! LOL! So much of the original list I had categorized as "must do" (as in: I'd never leave home with out it all! LOLOL! As it sits now, we already spent a month on board up at the lake and all was fine.) Really hard for me to delete items from the list, but most of it can be saaved for our
Sea of Cortez trip in the
winter and the rest, before heading over to the
ICW... and besides,Tresa keeps reminding me that my first 10 day trip up to the SJ's, was in a San Juan 21 with only a
compass, a paper chart, a few guide
books and an off brand Danforth copy with no chain! She kind of helped me put everything into perspective...
We both sailed back in the day before
GPS... Now I'm thinking of carrying a back up? lol!
Our boat has a
depth,
knot,
wind, wind direction,
VHF (we also have a hand held unit), and so much more! My list is down to one and a half pages and that includes new
trailer tires, repacking bearings, spare swing
keel cable, mounting the windlass/bow roller and probably more that will not get done...
Living in Marina del Rey, I
recall looking at all the "cruising boats" that never left their
dock listening to explanations that it wasn't "ready yet"... I also heard many say a boat that leaves port is NEVER ready! LOL!
Anyway, just wanted to thank you all again and let you know where we are.
Once the windlass and bow roller is set up, I'll post some photos.
Best,
Richard