Anchor chain pyramiding

[freeman]

How does one stop the anchor chain from pyramiding and then falling over.
When that happens it is impossible to get out and there is no way one can anchor normally.

Thanks

 

[sarabande]

I assume that you mean when the chain is going into the chain locker ?

Every material has what is called a "natural angle of repose". When something like sugar or sand or coal is poured into a heap, it will make a cone whose angle from the horizontal depends on the grain size, shape, density, dampness, and other variables.

Chain is not too dissimilar, except that the "grains" are linked together. The cone which is formed as the chain is poured into the anchor locker reaches a certain height, then falls over to one side as links cascade down the slope. More chain falls on top, in effect trapping the links underneath.

The simplest (not the easiest) solution is to ensure that the chain locker is a narrow one where the chain "cone" does not have a chance to fall over, but is "poured" into the locker and fills it from the bottom upwards in sequence.

The alternative is to knock over the top of the cone before it reaches the point where it cascades over spontaneously. This will have to be done manually.

The entry point of the chain into the locker should also be as high above the floor as possible. I had a pipe leading from the hawse hole, which came down to about a foot above the locker floor, and caused chain jams. I cut it off at the point of entry into the locker, which made it easier to move the chain around as it came in.

 

[Heigaro]

Saw a good idea on a friend's Seadog recently. A triangular shaped pyramid is fixed on the bulkhead (edge upward) just below the chain's entry into the locker. It forces the chain off to one side or the other stopping it forming a base for a pile up. Simple but very effective.

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Searush]

"Anchor normally"???

Begs the question of what is "normal" . . . .

For me, normal means flaking out the chain on the side deck as I approach an anchorage. The chart/ tide tells me what depth to seek & flaking avoids unexpected potential jams (there is time to jerk & release the chain to release any jams) and I can see that the chain I need is ready to deploy.

Remember the 6'P's;





"Prior planning prevents p1ss poor performance"

 

[snooks]

Traffic cone.....

Simplest and cheapest solution is to stick a small traffic cone under the path of the chain...the chain will find it's own way to pile up around it.

Now, where you get the traffic cone from is up to you.... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Richard10002]

[ QUOTE ]
How does one stop the anchor chain from pyramiding and then falling over.
When that happens it is impossible to get out and there is no way one can anchor normally.

Thanks

[/ QUOTE ]

I would love it if mine pyramided and fell over! with more than about 70 feet out, it pyramids to the top of the locker, and jams the chain going in.

If I remember, i pull it in to about 50ft, go into the forecabin, lie at a realy awkward angle, and knock it over. If I dont remember, it's a bloody PIA.

With enough crew, I can get someone to lie at the awkward angle, and guide the chain so it doesnt pyramid, but still a PIA.

Like the idea of a traffic cone!

 

[capnsensible]

I promised myself that I would never get involved in an anchoring debate. But....
Flaking out the chain is something I was taught many tides ago. Since then I have anchored hundreds of times and wouldn't recommend that practice to anyone. It just wrecks your side decks.....ever seen a tanker do it??
Thought not.
When hauling, yep, the chain will always pyramid. Try pulling a few meters in, stop a moment and reach into the locker. A quick shove will move the pile over and prevent jams. Repeat!
Patience prevents...............
Don't wish to be controversial on a Sunday morning so forgiveness please if this sounds like a sermon.

 

[Salty John]

I solved this by putting a partial partition in the locker, dividing it into two taller, narrower lockers in the bottom half. A tall, narrow locker is better than a wide locker in preventing chain from pyramid-ing, hence the suggestions to put a cone in the bottom of the locker. Anything that disrupts the symmetry of the locker is likely to help to some extent.

 

[BenchHead]

Toys'R'Us used to sell packs of mini traffic cones for kids to ... er, practise stealing traffic cones ?? /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Seriously I think they were for kids to practise footie ball control or bicycle control but they were ideally sized for the task described above. I think JJB Sports may have sold similar.

 

[Rabbie]

Just put one of the kids redundant footballs in the bottom of the locker. Done.

 

[LymingtonPugwash]

And which would be the best type of anchor to use at the end of the chain to prevent pyramiding? /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[sarabande]

Delta /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[wavelet]

A spare anchor could be the object that disrupts the pyramid and if the spare anchor happens to be needed it will surely be when the chain is out and so it will be easy to retrieve but also useful as a de-pyramidder in normal anchoring mode.

 

[Searush]

[ QUOTE ]
I promised myself that I would never get involved in an anchoring debate. But....
Flaking out the chain is something I was taught many tides ago. Since then I have anchored hundreds of times and wouldn't recommend that practice to anyone. It just wrecks your side decks.....ever seen a tanker do it??
(cut)

[/ QUOTE ]

What are your decks made of - Balsa? I've been doing it for 20 years on my current boat ( and 10 on previous) with no permanent marks. Ok so I need to repaint them from time to time, but that's true of the cabin top & aft deck as well 'coz I walk on them.

True enuff, tankers don't do it - ever tried lifting a tanker chain? It's a bit like saying you shouldn't turn your bike upside down to fix a puncture coz you never see it done with lorries or busses.
/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

It's fine that you have your own prejudices - but then so do I!

 

[craigsmith]

Stainless chain baby, it's the only way! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Seriously, the thing that helps the most is a long fall from the spurling pipe to the chain peak... a short distance means the chain won't snake, and will peak. Try thinking about changing the pipe to lead the chain farther aft, to get more height.

 

[boguing]

A cut down road cone has worked for me too.

 

[ccscott49]

Road cone, brilliant! works for me, well it did, dont have the problem anymore with this boat, just seems to sort itself out all 300 feet of it! no way to flake it out anyway!

 

[jax]

Re: Anchor chain pyramiding (Rabbie)

Thanks for that - solves two of my problems. I live next to a school and have 20 or so footballs in the garden from time to time and my anchor piles up too! Maybe I should post the balls on eBay as sailing accessories!

 

[freeman]

Thanks very one for as alway good advice with humour
The will be one cone missing in the SW
Sunbird