Anchor Locker Shelf - any reason not to move forward?

[West Coast]

Have a Sadler Starlight 35 which has a conventional anchor locker with lid. However, poor design as the bulkhead between the locker and fwd cabin is set with a shallow slope and the current shelf for the winch is positioned aft in the locker, with the chain exiting the winch directly onto this shallow shelf. Result - chain racks up on the shelf very quickly, complete PITA.

Tried various solutions but the only way to sort this is to relocate the winch further forward, over the deepest part of the locker. To do this, I will need to rip out the existing shelf and install a new one, occupying the forward part of the locker instead, leaving a space aft of the new shelf to get access to the lower part of the locker.

Seems obvious enough, but am I missing anything? Why would the builder not have done this in the first place?

 

[mtb]

I used the bottom third of a wheely bin as a chain locker when I fitted a winch. I got a water tight hatch bolted on the side so its simple to open and clean

 

[gregcope]

The only thing I can think of is that you probably will not be able to stowe anything large in there (I can fit a CQR in as well).

Would a little chain deflector, under the windlass help to push the chain forward?

 

[gregcope]

Oh. Also S35s had two different shelfs fitted.

Is it like this one (1997 Bowman S35 Mk2)

View attachment 45134

 

[West Coast]

The only thing I can think of is that you probably will not be able to stowe anything large in there (I can fit a CQR in as well).

Would a little chain deflector, under the windlass help to push the chain forward?

Stowing the anchor is a concern. I can currently get my Delta in the locker, and would want to continue to be able to do so. I have tried a chain deflector, made one last year, it has helped but it can still jam.

 

[West Coast]

Oh. Also S35s had two different shelfs fitted.

Is it like this one (1997 Bowman S35 Mk2)

View attachment 45134

Sadler ones were narrower. I also have the Lewmar Pro winch (as per your photo) but mine only just fits on the shelf width!

 

[vyv_cox]

Could you install a couple of small bow roller sheaves to divert the chain forward? One immediately below the windlass and one on the shelf forward edge.

 

[West Coast]

Could you install a couple of small bow roller sheaves to divert the chain forward? One immediately below the windlass and one on the shelf forward edge.

Unfortunately very little room, only perhaps 80mm from underside of the shelf to the shallow bulkhead where the chain comes through the shelf.

 

[vyv_cox]

Unfortunately very little room, only perhaps 80mm from underside of the shelf to the shallow bulkhead where the chain comes through the shelf.

Will the chain come right round the gypsy above the shelf? Then you could fit one roller at its leading edge.

 

[West Coast]

Will the chain come right round the gypsy above the shelf? Then you could fit one roller at its leading edge.

What an interesting idea - will need to take a look to see...... If that does work, it would be a very neat solution!

 

[West Coast]

Will the chain come right round the gypsy above the shelf? Then you could fit one roller at its leading edge.

Checked tonight, unfortunately will not work with the lewmar pro winch that I have, the winch housing wraps round the front ans so is in the way

 

[onesea]

Checked tonight, unfortunately will not work with the lewmar pro winch that I have, the winch housing wraps round the front ans so is in the way

Sounds daft but for the cost of the modifications could you not just buy a winch that will resolve the problem?

 

[West Coast]

Sounds daft but for the cost of the modifications could you not just buy a winch that will resolve the problem?

If I was to ask a yard to do this, quite possibly. But winch is only 1 year old and I would do the mods myself, mostly with materials I already have, so cost would be minimal. However, will take time!