Anchor chain jamming up at windless

[jerrypcy]

I own a Sea Ray Sundancer 450. I carry 300 feet of chain anchor rode. We cruise the Channel Islands in California and anchor frequently. We have a great chain counter that is very accurate. We anchor in 30 to 40 feet waters and usually put out around 200 feet of chain. Putting out our anchor and chain is easy. The problem is bringing up the anchor. My wife is disabled so I'm pretty much single handing the boat. My anchor chain pyramids in the anchor locker jamming up at the windlass requiring that I leave the helm and climb forward to the bow to clear the jam. I then stay forward and use foot switches to bring the chain up. Usually it will jam up 2 or 3 times while retrieving 200 feet of chain. I've heard numerous boaters complain about anchor chain problems. I'm interested to know if any one has found a reasonable solution to this problem. Jerrypcy

 

[chuck1]

Jerry,
Sorry can't help with the chain problem, but you will get more replies if you update your signature section with your boat information. Hope it helps.

 

[tobnpr]

I don't think there is a solution other than carrying less chain.
I have rope/chain combination with the same problem, have to go below to shove the rode off to the side a bit to be able to fit it all in without binding as it stacks up. I need all 300', and since there's no way to make the rode locker deeper I have to deal with it.

 

[Hampton]

Is it possible that it is twisted? I wonder if your anchor spins one way or the other - consistently. Have you ever noticed this possibility? It wouldn't be easy, but perhaps you could find a deep spot and dump your whole rode (almost) without the anchor and let it spin free and coil back up without twists, then re-install the anchor.