Bow Pulpit / Anchor Set-up Questions

[MikeWood]

All...I bought my boat a couple years ago and the previous owner had the anchor set up with zero chain. The rode is 100% rope. I've lived with it for these past couple seasons, but this off season I want to add chain to the setup. I'm trying to figure out how I do this without having the chain constantly banging on the gelcoat. Here's the current configuration:


As you can see, I do not have a windlass. Right now the rode is tied off to a cleat and then drops down into the storage locker. Obviously the chain would not be able to be tied off at the cleat. So how does this work with chain?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[alwhite00]

I have a little more room than you but i put a couple feet of chain and a chain stopper so my son woud not have to mess with the saftey cable. just pull it back a little, flip the stopper and good to go. not sure how much chain you want so it might not be an option but works great for us.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Mike, before I installed my windlass, I had the same setup as you. I used 50' of chain and 300' of rope. To secure the anchor I used a second clip that I had about 6' of rope attached to. I would clip the clip onto the anchor and then use the rope to tie off exactly as you are doing right now. When using the anchor, I just laid the clip/rope on the deck or quickly tied it off to a bow rail.

To protect the deck from the chain, I simply used a short length of 3/4" heater hose (any type of hose can work). I slit it lengthwise and slipped it over the chain. When I was using the anchor, I just slipped the hose onto the bow rail. Sounds pretty basic, but it worked perfectly.

 

[MikeWood]

Thanks guys. Dennis, that sure sounds like a simple low tech approach. I like it!

 

[2000SEARAY280SS]

You could add a small pad of starboard under the cleat between the anchor chute and the rode hole. This would forgo the hose and protect the deck.

Also I have seen these used on fishing boats.

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Windline-Anchor-Tite&i=81326

 

[Lazy Daze]

Yup, a custom shaped piece of 1/4" starboard will do the trick, too. But it does mean drilling some holes in the deck. I saved doing that until I installed the windlass. As I was also recoring this foredeck at the same time, I took the time to make sure ALL holes in this new deck were drilled oversize, wetted with straight epoxy, filled with thickened epoxy and then redrilled to the appropriate size. Zero chance of water intrusion to the wood core. I decided to use a flush-mount cleat so I cut the starboard to match.

 

[2000SEARAY280SS]

That is a great look, Dennis. Nice.
I could see how the nuteak or actual brand installed would help footing up there on the bow.