windlass

[Gary]

Has anyone installed an anchor windlass on a 26X, (if so make/model) or is it possible to use a sheet winch to help pull up the anchor up? If the wind is blowing very hard I have a hard time getting the anchor up when it is really dug in.

[Jack O'Brien]

To answer your question, I see no reason a sheet winch could not be used to assist anchor retrieval. An anchor roller on the bow would be most helpful. I never see flat water on the ICW or in the Keys (wakes or waves) so if the anchor is dug in hard, using a cleat, I take up slack, let the boat rock & roll, take up slack, rock & roll, take up slack, etc. If the wind is puting a lot of tension on the rode, motor up on it to get some slack. A first mate or windlass is really helpful here.

It is my good intention to install an anchor roller and windlass on my X. Main purpose is for single handling, but also to spare the first mate the hassle and just for the convenience. Will probably need to cut the anchor locker/remove flotation and build a rode locker down lower which will shorten the v-berth. Although I have Danforth-style fluke anchors now I will go to a Kingston QuickSet plow type for better setting in grass and fit to the anchor roller. I'm not worried about strength of the windlass as I would not only rely on its power to raise the anchor but would assist with motor power and manuvering if required. Being a cheap bugger I plan to buy a Breeze 700 from these folks.

http://www.southpacifictech.com/700series.html

http://www.kingstonanchors.com/

[craiglaforce]

I don't know what size rode you use, but I've found that using 1/2 inch 3 strand helps a lot. I know what you mean though, I've retrieved the anchor in high wind and waves and it just about ripped my fingers off. I used the method just described where you pass the rode under the cleat jsut before each big wave hits to absorb the shock, then quickly pull in a few arm lengths and pass under the cleat again for the next wave.

I've thought about leaving the motor in gear and using the autopilot to help relieve the load, but have never tried it yet. Singlehanding obviously.

You might also want to look at those drag/float anchor retrievers, where you motor in a big circle and the drag action when applied from upstream of the anchor breaks it loose, then the rode slides though the ring on the float and the anchor ends up floating on the surface jammed against the float ring. I forget what they are called but they were advertised in the West Marine catalogue a while back. Someone a few years ago was anchoring in 100 ft depths and needed a way to bring up the 500 feet of rode and anchor. The ads look neat, but for shallow anchoring I just can't see the need.

[Rich Smith]

One little trick that I use is to pull in your rhode until you are basically right on top of the anchor then cleat it off. Your scope is essentially 1:1 at this point. Next, I eat my breakfast in the cockpit. Usually by the time I'm done my breakfast the anchor has worked it's way free... A little safety tip here: don't eat hot porridge while waiting for your anchor to break free Also don't go below at this point...

Here's a question...does anyone know where the word windlass came from??

[Jim Bunnell]

Middle English wyndlas, alteration of windas, from Old Norse vindss : vinda, to wind + ss, pole.

[Mark Prouty]

I get:

Middle English wyndlas, alteration of windas, from Old Norse vindass : vinda, to wind + ass, pole.

[mgg4]

I don't know what size rode you use, but I've found that using 1/2 inch 3 strand helps a lot. ...

I would think 1/2" is a bit big for our boats. Anchor rode should be based on the weight of the boat, and the expected wind loads. 1/2" line would have less give (stretch), and is not heavy enough (weight wise) to get enough catenary to provide the shock absorbsion you want from a rode. Do you use a snubber with this to absorb any of the shock from the waves?

I have 150 feet of 3/8" 3-strand nylon, with 20 feet of chain, and while it is a bit harder on the hands, if you wear gloves it's not all that big of a deal. I know several people who have 5/16" 3-strand on boats this size. This is an area where bigger is not always better. Sure, it needs to be large enough to withstand the expected loads, but it really doesn't make sense to make this any larger than it absolutely needs to be.

--
Mark Galbraith
Mac26X "Offline" (2002)
Oakley, CA