26X Anchor Well Underside Access for Drum Winch

[matv]

I am hoping to install a drum winch on my 26x. I will likely go with a Lone Star GX2.

I have seen some other MacGregors that have drum winches so was curious if anyone has any suggestions for access to the underside of the anchor well in order to bolt it in and add any reinforcements.

From a quick look it appears there is the plastic interior lining + foam may separate it and need to be removed.

An alternative may be to fabricate reinforcements on the top side that is bonded to the well so there is no need for through bolts but I imagine through bolts with a backing plate is more ideal.

Any comments welcome. Thanks!

[NiceAft]

I am not an engineer, but I imagine a large backing plate is more desirable. there has got to be compensation for any torque from a stuck anchor or the initial strain just to loosen the anchor. Just my thoughts.

[leefrankpierce]

On mine, the anchor locker was molded into the top of the boat.
To make more V-birth space, I cut away the inner liner, foam, and the locker itself, which required me to seal the anchor locker hatch.
Hopefully the picture will help.

[NiceAft]

If I understand correctly, you want to instal the drum winch in the anchor locker, and also cut an area away from the locker so the chain and rode will flow onto the V berth, yes?

You didn’t state that last part about the chain and rode, but they have to go somewhere.

[pitchpolehobie]

I thought about installing one but on critical review of how and where I anchor I decided it wasnt worth the complexity, electrical work, irreversible alteration to my boat and front deck clutter balanced against the benefit of pulling in an 8lb fx11 anchor attached to 15 to 30ft of chain ~25lbs total. I know people have installed them successfully but what is your use case and rationale?


Oh I also figured out that if I needed more chain than 0.5 to 1ft per ft of boat length with rope rode at a 5 to 1 that I didnt want to be in this boat on the water anyway and would be better off high tailing it to a marina or better anchorage.

[matv]

Thanks for the replies and in particular the picture @leefrankpierce!

If I understand correctly, you want to instal the drum winch in the anchor locker, and also cut an area away from the locker so the chain and rode will flow onto the V berth, yes?

You didn’t state that last part about the chain and rode, but they have to go somewhere.

It's just a drum winch so the winch collects the chain and rope and no need to cut through to store the chain/rope. Here's a pic of a similar setup to what I am planning.



The reason I was asking re underside access was in regards to a backing plate plus possibly reinforcements.

I thought about installing one but on critical review of how and where I anchor I decided it wasnt worth the complexity, electrical work, irreversible alteration to my boat and front deck clutter balanced against the benefit of pulling in an 8lb fx11 anchor attached to 15 to 30ft of chain ~25lbs total. I know people have installed them successfully but what is your use case and rationale?

Easier single handed anchoring at busier locations (have young family so wife will be nursing the youngest one) or in less than perfect conditions. Also my anchor is much larger than yours at 12.5kg (27lb) for more secure anchoring and differing locations. It's definitely doable without it but from what I have observed, those that have installed one have never looked back.

Anyway, I'm sure I'll work something out, was just curious if there was anyone with direct experience to share before I commence it.

[Russ]

Wow, you have a 12.5kg anchor? No wonder you are tired of lifting it. Add the chain and that's a lot of weight.

I'm with Hobie on this for me. I've thought about it and the complexity wasn't worth the effort.

However, I have seen it implemented well. Search this forum, I'm sure there are others out there.
Reinforce it for sure.

The biggest problem I see is where to put the chain and rode. The current well really isn't setup for that. I believe others have mounted the windlass on top of the hatch and added more room in the anchor well.


viewtopic.php?t=9686

viewtopic.php?t=22973

There are plenty of mods that have done this.

[NiceAft]

I have two anchors at the bow. A Danforth that I keep in the anchor locker along with chain and rode. I also have a 12 pound Delta that I keep in the V berth with 30’ of chain and 200’ of rode. That is my primary. I am not trying to offend, but do you really need a power winch, even with a 27lb anchor.

[pitchpolehobie]

Thanks for the replies and in particular the picture @leefrankpierce!


Easier single handed anchoring at busier locations (have young family so wife will be nursing the youngest one) or in less than perfect conditions. Also my anchor is much larger than yours at 12.5kg (27lb) for more secure anchoring and differing locations. It's definitely doable without it but from what I have observed, those that have installed one have never looked back.

Anyway, I'm sure I'll work something out, was just curious if there was anyone with direct experience to share before I commence it.

I think youre my hero! Well done on getting the family out - if it makes them comfortable and more willing to partake then no mod is too ambitious!

[matv]

Thanks all.

Yes understand it is not necessary and just a luxury item that will be overkill for most. I would not have bothered if I didn't think it will make life easier and improve accessibility in my specific circumstances.

Found a photo with pretty much the same setup on an M as I may do on our X for those not familiar with drum winches.



In the meantime, if anyone sees this post that has done it - I still welcome any comments.

[kurz]

good pic. I wonder if all the 30m of my anchor line would get on the drum...

[kurz]

good pic. I wonder if all the line of my anchor (30m at least) will stay on that drum...

[matv]

good pic. I wonder if all the line of my anchor (30m at least) will stay on that drum...

https://www.lonestarmarine.com.au/shop/ ... hor-winch/

For winch this size it seems typical in Australia for them to fit around 7m chain + 90m rope. Not sure how that would convert to just chain but I hope it helps!

[Russ]

In the meantime, if anyone sees this post that has done it - I still welcome any comments.

I posted some links above to similar threads.

Search this forum for "Windlass" (search top right) and you will find others who have installed them.

[Highlander]

here,s my windlass Mod , everything bolted on deck is cross braced thru anchor locker & Hull I could pull a tank with this LOL some of the photo,s may not come up due to photobucket B/S

viewtopic.php?t=21649&hilit=windlass

It,s a lot of work fabrication , electrical & very time consuming , I had my own shop beside my house so made things a lot easier

& lots of $$$$ so I always waited for stuff to go on sale

Hope the link is still ok
anyways it will give u some idea , reason I crossed braced everything thru deck / anchor locker & hull was so as not stress out the deck/hull joint at that point , U don,t want an open or cracked deck/hull joint & having water pouring in

J