WHICH ELECTRIC WINDLASS?

[JTHAW]

Jim, and all, thanks for asking...
I do not like adding weight of the chain in forward end, that is, more than necessary; 50 ft.
I like the elasticity of the 3 strand rode for dampening wind gust loading on the rode.
I do not want to use a bridal or any other hooked to chain 3 strand device (snubber) to compensate for above, which adds complexity to anchoring.
I do get the 80 foot or so length chain to avoid the rope to chain thimble splice for feeding into the gypsy...thus no adjustments need to be made when weighing anchor , using a remote to power up windlass... so using this method I will need, want, to use a bridal, snubber, arrangement to lessen loading/ shock in heavy gusts...this going to be mandatory,..correct? thanks all for replies...

[Cheechako]

Yes you should use a bridle/snubber. It's very easy actually. You might be surprised how quickly a nylon rode can chafe in a strong/long blow. Using anti chafing gear in that situation is much more troublesome than using a snubber on chain rode.

[a64pilot]

High test chain can help cut down the weight issue as well

I use a Mantus hook attached to a bridal that is pre-attached to my cleats. That way I let out all by the last 30' or so of my chain, then hook the Mantus hook on the chain and let out enough chain that the load is now on the nylon snubber and not the chain. It's really easy and not complicated.

Oh, and having a bridle attached to each of the cleats seems to help with sailing on the anchor, with one attachment, my boat sails all around the anchor, it's annoying

[model 10]

[QUOTE=a64pilot;2160618] I use a Mantus hook..

How is that working out for you? Mine fell off twice so I put one of the plastic things on to keep that from happening and then the plastic thing broke. I gave up went back to a knot. I need to give it away or sell it because the weight adds up.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

High test chain can help cut down the weight issue as well

I use a Mantus hook attached to a bridal that is pre-attached to my cleats. That way I let out all by the last 30' or so of my chain, then hook the Mantus hook on the chain and let out enough chain that the load is now on the nylon snubber and not the chain. It's really easy and not complicated.

Oh, and having a bridle attached to each of the cleats seems to help with sailing on the anchor, with one attachment, my boat sails all around the anchor, it's annoying

I'm surprised an IP with the long keel sails at anchor. I guess I've been fortunate to not had a (big) boat that did that!
I just always used a forged chain hook, I cant remember it ever falling off. You need to leave some slack in the chain behind the hook....

[a64pilot]

This thing, I don't see how it could fall off?

Mantus Anchors | Mantus Chain Hook - Mantus Anchors


Yes she sails around the anchor like mad. I thought full keels were worse for this?
Most likely will have to procure an anchor riding sail, but only one I can find is a kit to sew your own. I don't like the Delta thing.

[model 10]

[QUOTE=a64pilot;2160704]This thing, I don't see how it could fall off?

Sure that's it. That is why the one in the picture has the plastic goody. They sold the hook without the plastic thing at first. The hook would bounce off or something. Now the plastic thing breaks off.

[a64pilot]

I'll keep an eye on the plastic thing then, seems pretty tough. I would think weight and tension would keep it on anyway, but I'll keep and eye on it, thanks.

[model 10]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I'll keep an eye on the plastic thing then, seems pretty tough. I would think weight and tension would keep it on anyway, but I'll keep and eye on it, thanks.

I ended up thinking, if the hook could hit the bottom it could be dislodged.
Like with your 30' snubber, it would be easy to see it touching the bottom sometimes.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

This thing, I don't see how it could fall off?

Mantus Anchors | Mantus Chain Hook - Mantus Anchors


Yes she sails around the anchor like mad. I thought full keels were worse for this?
Most likely will have to procure an anchor riding sail, but only one I can find is a kit to sew your own. I don't like the Delta thing.

Nah, the ones I've been on have all been fin keel racer types... and boy do they fish around.

[RaymondR]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

FWIW:

I'm not sure how you envision handling a compound rode with a vertical windlass, unless the gypsy will handle the rope part and direct it into the chain locker. You mention pulling the rope portion by hand and then using the windlass to hoist the chain part. How do you plan to get the rope down the chain pipe , and then get the chain engaged with the gypsy without loosing several fingers? Sounds quite formidable to me!

I know how frustrating it is to ask a question and then being redirected away from what you specifically described... but really, having enough chain so that your normal anchoring practice does not involve the chain to rope junction will make your life so much better. Perhaps you could tell us why you don't want more chain, and then we can try to change your mind!!

Jim

Good advice, don't muck about, if you are considering any cruising where you will be anchoring a lot avoid the Swartzenhagen (apologies to Arni for the probable misspelling) solutions and just go for an all chain system.

I found my previous vertical shaft windlass to be hard on the galvanizing on the chain so switched to horizontal shaft when I rebuilt it.

[nhschneider]

I installed a Lofrans Progress II in 2000 and it has been a flawless workhorse. In the last 6 years, we've covered over 35,000 miles with hundreds of anchor deployments and retrievals without any major repairs and only routine maintenance. In the Maldives, we were routinely anchoring in depths of 120', deploying our entire 350' rode. We use a bridle made from 1" twisted rope with heavy chafe protection.

My opinion is that an all chain rode will provide a catenary that will tend to dampen shock loading from wind and seas more so than a chain/rope rode. All chain is also self-stowing whereas any rope needs to be flaked unless the anchor locker is massive.

Fair winds and calm seas.