Anchor rode fouling bobstay

[aitchw]

I have more-or-less decided to convert my little boat to cutter rig to improve her balance. Whilst considering the design and fitting of the bowsprit it occurred to me that there would be issues around the potential chafing of anchor rode on the bobstay as the boat ranges around the anchor. I do not want to move or replace my bow fitting.

Having no experience of the situation, how do you deal with that?

 

[Porthandbuoy]

By tricing up the bobstay. Rig the bobstay with a tackle led back from the end of the bowsprit and made fast at the inboard end. A common solution to a common problem.

 

[hylass]

If you can manage to install a shackle at the water level where you are fixing your bobstay (lower fixation), you may then attach a rope long enough to go from the fixation of the bobstay, up to the deck.

At the deck level of the rope, you should attach a hook that you will use to clip on the anchor chain.

- after your anchoring manoeuvre, you clip the hook on the chain and let the chain go, until the hook is at the water level. The part of the chain between the hook and the deck is then slack.

- doing that, your boat can swing freely without chafing of anchor rode on the bobstay
- you will also improve your anchoring scope
- and you will have a kind of snubber, that should always be used.

When weighting the anchor, you will lift the chain until the hook is back on the deck level.. unclip it and finish your maneuver..

 

[aitchw]

Thanks Mariposa and Hylas. 2 workable alternatives to consider.

I was thinking of attaching the bobstay to my bow ring (the winching loop) about 6"/15cm above the waterline. It is pretty substantial and it would save additional fittings. Do you think that would be acceptable?