Anchoring without a windlass

[Stemar]

I can't help thinking that wrapping a line around one's hand is a risky procedure, even on a small boat.

Jissel's only 24 ft, and I rarely need the genny winches, but if a strong gust took the genny, there's no way I could hold it. If I couldn't let go, I'd be following the sheet in the general direction of the nearest finger remover

 

[ghostlymoron]

Thick leather gloves (not rubber as they slip). Motor slowly towards the anchor and pull in the slack rope/ chain, when you are above the anchor, then motor slowly to get it unstack and then pull it straight up.

If the anchor is up to 15kg then is not too bad pulling it up, if the weight is more, then you are in trouble, especially on the last 2 metres.

There is no easy way, especially when the waves are coming over the bow.

I'd have thought it would get easier as the chain comes up as there is less weight.

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

I'd have thought it would get easier as the chain comes up as there is less weight.

In practice, I have found the last couple of metres awkward as I am tired and having to grab the anchor to position and ensure it is secured.

 

[ianj99]

If I didn't have n electric windlass, (which can be operated from the wheelhouse or cockpit as well as foredeck), I'd fit a remote engine start / stop. (I fitted a stop solenoid to my 4108 and you could fit one (from ASAP Supplies) to any engine)

You can buy wireless remote control kits which use a key fob sized unit with 2 buttons on for about £40 from quasar electronics or rapid electronics.
They are easy to fit - just relay contacts across the starter and stopper buttons.

Its not a problem starting or stopping the engine whilst in gear and will save a dash back to the cockpit.
Ian

Link to handy remote control kits.

http://www.quasarelectronics.com/ctl002-2-channel-rf-remote-control-modules.htm

 

[Poignard]

Or, you could buy a copy of 'Single-handed Cruising' by Francis B, Cooke, [first published in 1919], and read how yachtsmen used to cope with anchoring without engines.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Single-Hand...5037/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325002266&sr=8-1

 

[Stu Jackson]

Or, you could buy a copy of 'Single-handed Cruising' by Francis B, Cooke, [first published in 1919], and read how yachtsmen used to cope with anchoring without engines.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Single-Hand...5037/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325002266&sr=8-1

+1

There are also books titled "Singlehanded Sailing" by Frank Mulville and another one by Steve Henderson.

The first two answers on page one covered it very well.

I use a chain hook on a short line tethered to our port dock cleat to grab the chain. I used to use the large centered cleat on the foredeck, but the chain tended to get stuck, not a good thing to happen.

Don't mess up your back, it puts a dent in your sailing time, big time.

 

[guernseyman]

I can't help thinking that wrapping a line around one's hand is a risky procedure, even on a small boat.

Jissel's only 24 ft, and I rarely need the genny winches, but if a strong gust took the genny, there's no way I could hold it. If I couldn't let go, I'd be following the sheet in the general direction of the nearest finger remover

The wrapped rope will slip off immediately if you lift your hand to point along the sheet. There's no knot: it holds by friction so long as your hand is pointed across the sheet.

 

[Neil_Y]

Use your winch

I don't understand all the pull it from the front ideas when you have sheet winches.

A line and a hitch (or chain hook) and you can pull the chain up easily with the genoa winches, I've used this on a 70' yacht that had no windlass, but it did have two powered genoa winches, pull back to winch and re attach and pull back again. easily done single handed with no risk to back or fingers.

 

[Baddox]

You could try the Alderney ring method. Connect a large float, buoy or fender via a smooth ring to the anchor warp and motor or sail away, bringing the anchor up until it reaches the buoy. More details a little way down this page.... http://www.boat-angling.co.uk/Hints_and_Tips/boat_handling.htm

 

[Garfish]

You could try the Alderney ring method. Connect a large float, buoy or fender via a smooth ring to the anchor warp and motor or sail away, bringing the anchor up until it reaches the buoy. More details a little way down this page.... http://www.boat-angling.co.uk/Hints_and_Tips/boat_handling.htm

This method used by the vast majority of boat anglers in the UK, I use it in depths upto and over 120ft regulary and in strong tides in and around the solent. However it requires an engine with a reasonable amount of power. Once you have had a bit of practice it is very easy. The most important thing is that your chain must be heavier than the anchor and tripped. You must also never secure the rope to anywhere other than the bow.

 

[prv]

I would not use a jamming cleat for genoa sheets, for the reason you have found, unless there was a winch or a block between it and the sail

KS's jib and staysail sheets use jamming cleats without winches or tackles. Works perfectly well for me. Only problem is that one of the jammers is worn and needs careful handling to jam reliably - due to be fixed over the winter.

Pete

 

[Poignard]

KS's jib and staysail sheets use jamming cleats without winches or tackles. Works perfectly well for me. Only problem is that one of the jammers is worn and needs careful handling to jam reliably - due to be fixed over the winter.

Pete

I don't know what area KS's headsails are, but my genoa must be about 230 square feet. All I know is that I'm not strong enough to sheet that in hard if it was full of wind, without a winch or tackle, or release it from a jammer .

 

[prv]

I don't know what area KS's headsails are, but my genoa must be about 230 square feet. All I know is that I'm not strong enough to sheet that in hard if it was full of wind, without a winch or tackle, or release it from a jammer .

I don't know what area my headsails are either, but thanks to Google just now I do know that Andrew's genoa is about half the size of yours. He said his boat was 20 feet long, so I guessed his genoa was probably about the size of my staysail, and hence plain jammers without winches are a reasonable design (albeit a gentleman of 70 needs a little help).

Pete