Electric Anchor?

Arminius

Well-Known Member
Oct 30, 2019
1,059
Seattle
Boat Info
Bowrider 200 Select, 2003
Engines
5.0L MPI, 260 hp w/Alpha 1 Drive
Has anyone put an electric anchor on a Bowrider? We've always skied, relaxed and drifted towards shore, then skied some more. What if we could stay in one spot with the push of a button? I'm giving up on installing a pontoon boat winch system like the MinKota Deckhand because there is no place to put it. A small electric windlass (horizontal or vertical) needs an ample anchor locker so the falling rope doesn't tangle with quick access if it does. My 22' overall bowrider has an integrated swim platform that is about a foot thick. Bolting to the wet platform would take substantial and leaky penetrations. Up front, I've got a breadbox size locker with a hinged lid. I could pull that lid down with an eyebolt looped into the main loop on the stem below and install a 100' of 1/4" chain for an anchor line and a small horizontal windlass but the chain is short & heavy and many reviewers say the windlass is not reliable. Could bolt the lid down and angle a mushroom anchor off to port with the MinKota but I am reluctant to start. https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/minn-kota-deckhand-anchor-winch
 
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We have a jetboat the same size and are in our mid 70ies. We have a manual anchor system we can still pull up. In your area a 6 pound Danforth would probably work. Put it in a cooler along with the chain. A windless will require a separate battery and will probably cost you 3K in parts and modifications. You can buy a lot of beer for your friends to pull it up by hand.
 
My tax prof was a nut with tenure who had this concept: "Think-write." It helps. Don't forget your quarterlies. This applies to your RMD too as you skipped last year (Covid relief) to qualify as disabled "homeless" for local prop taxes.

So, the Minn-Kota has a slide on plate which I could attach to the swim platform with stainless hollow wall anchors. I'll check with SeaRay. Also the winch will be wet so I better check with Minn-Kota.
 
Take a look at the Fortress Aluminum anchor. Only weighs a few pounds but digs in a holds like a champ. Easy to retrieve. No holes to drill!
 
Take a look at the Fortress Aluminum anchor. Only weighs a few pounds but digs in a holds like a champ. Easy to retrieve. No holes to drill!
I'm going with a mushroom that will be painless to retrieve.
 
We have a jetboat the same size and are in our mid 70ies. We have a manual anchor system we can still pull up. In your area a 6 pound Danforth would probably work. Put it in a cooler along with the chain. A windless will require a separate battery and will probably cost you 3K in parts and modifications. You can buy a lot of beer for your friends to pull it up by hand.
My tax prof was a nut with tenure who had this concept: "Think-write." It helps. Don't forget your quarterlies. This applies to your RMD too as you skipped last year (Covid relief) to qualify as disabled "homeless" for local prop taxes.

So, the Minn-Kota has a slide on plate which I could attach to the swim platform with stainless hollow wall anchors. I'll check with SeaRay. Also the winch will be wet so I better check with Minn-Kota.

I'm going with a mushroom that will be painless to retrieve.

30979738._SY475_.jpg
 
First of all, installing anything on a swim platform is easy peasy. It just requires thru-bolting with SS threaded rod, backer plates and 5200. No worries about structural or leaking problems.

Second of all, if you took a safety course, ever, you would know that installing any anchoring device on the stern (rear) of the boat is just about the most unsafe thing you could ever do.

Most bowriders have a forward seat cushion that is removable. Ample room for an anchor and line. A 4# chene (patented trade mark) anchor is what is needed. Its so light that even grannie can handle it. Been using them for years and they even hold in a current. Get the rubber coated model and if grannie slips and it bangs the deck, it won't leave a mark.

In my youth all the boats I rented had mushrooms and they were totally worthless.
 
Thank you. The mushroom would be for very temporary anchoring. I have the Danforth on 100' of 1/2" twisted nylon line in the bow locker the boat came with. Kind of a hassle and mess to use. The mushroom's neck fits into a hinged davit such that it is stowed in the horizontal position with the smooth dome facing outwards-less likely to scratch or injure than flukes.

I was hoping someone had actually put in an electric anchor-winch or windlass. Minn Kota was helpful and said the mushroom would have to be at least 20#s. They have no problem with the platform location. All electronics are potted and built for wet environments. They make a whole range of marine products.
 
The mushroom would be for very temporary anchoring.

Minn Kota was helpful and said the mushroom would have to be at least 20#s. They have no problem with the platform location.
Yup, very temporary. Maybe good for only a minute or 2.

With that statement, we now know to disregard anything that M-K ever says....
 
Yup, very temporary. Maybe good for only a minute or 2.

With that statement, we now know to disregard anything that M-K ever says....

The issue that I am thinking about is the attachment of the quick release plate to the swim platform. The platform is a foot or so thick with the deck above and an extension of the hull below. I can't through bolt and compress it. I could bore 3/4" holes, insert pipe spacers, then patch the holes. Well, it would be out of sight but no. So I'm to use blind fasteners through the deck. SeaRay sent the engineering drawing and it is 3/8" pvc foam laid-up on both sides. They have heavy duty 1/4" toggle bolts at Lowes who's strength depends on the substrate but are well built, not hinged. Apparently I've got to pot these fasteners as water intrusion and wiggling are bad despite the absence of wood. I'm thinking I don't use much hardener, do all holes at once, and forget about ever gently unscrewing them.
 
You missed the whole point. You never anchor off the stern. The anchor is attached to the bow.
 
This guy trolls this forum monthly. You can't take his posts seriously....none of it.
OK, I'll refrain from posting. Why doesn't everybody do that?
 
The issue that I am thinking about is the attachment of the quick release plate to the swim platform. The platform is a foot or so thick with the deck above and an extension of the hull below. I can't through bolt and compress it. I could bore 3/4" holes, insert pipe spacers, then patch the holes. Well, it would be out of sight but no. So I'm to use blind fasteners through the deck. SeaRay sent the engineering drawing and it is 3/8" pvc foam laid-up on both sides. They have heavy duty 1/4" toggle bolts at Lowes who's strength depends on the substrate but are well built, not hinged. Apparently I've got to pot these fasteners as water intrusion and wiggling are bad despite the absence of wood. I'm thinking I don't use much hardener, do all holes at once, and forget about ever gently unscrewing them.

Here is a solution that will solve all your issues. It will require modifying the fuel system.

Step 1. Remove fuel cap and hold,
Step 2. While fuel cap is in hand, slide new to you Sea Ray Sundancer under fuel cap,
Step 3. Install old fuel cap on new to you Sea Ray Sundancer.

And just like that the larger boat you are trying to make will be all done.
 

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