Bowsprits, Bobstays and Anchors

[Normalfornorfolk]

I am looking at a lovely boat that has a stainless pulpit extending a metre or so beyond the stemhead to carry a larger genoa. It has two lower rails between which the anchor needs to fit (plus the usual pulpit above them) and there isn't a lot of room. Then of course the anchor and chain have to contend with the bobstay both on the way up and down and of course when swinging. (Manual windlass too - nine ton boat)

I can foresee various tribulations with this arrangement with much potential for snagging the anchor as well as bad leads and the chain and bobstay having noisy arguments at night.

Anyone with experience of this kind of setup care to comment on it's practicalities and pitfalls?

 

[Plum]

I am looking at a lovely boat that has a stainless pulpit extending a metre or so beyond the stemhead to carry a larger genoa. It has two lower rails between which the anchor needs to fit (plus the usual pulpit above them) and there isn't a lot of room. Then of course the anchor and chain have to contend with the bobstay both on the way up and down and of course when swinging. (Manual windlass too - nine ton boat)

I can foresee various tribulations with this arrangement with much potential for snagging the anchor as well as bad leads and the chain and bobstay having noisy arguments at night.

Anyone with experience of this kind of setup care to comment on it's practicalities and pitfalls?

Look at any gaffer with a bowsprit and you will probably see a tricing line attached about a third to half way up the bobstay to pull the released bobstay clear of the anchor or mooring.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[FWB]

At anchor I have a chain hook on rope which has a short covering of plastic tubing. I haul the chain up a bit and this takes the strain off the windlass as well as keeping the chain away from the bobstay.The plastic can rub against the bobstay and there is little noise. Whilst many Gaffers do trice up the bobstay, I doubt it will be practical on your boat and I never bother to do so on mine where the bobstay is 13ft long !

 

[Normalfornorfolk]

Thanks. I had figured the plastic tube dodge but not the tricing line which would be impossible on a modern fixed bobstay.

If the boat does become wind-rode does the chain over the bobstay cause any adverse behaviour - I suppose the forces are far less than when sailing so the integrity of the bobstay is not at hazard despite the sideways loadings?

 

[FWB]

Thanks. I had figured the plastic tube dodge but not the tricing line which would be impossible on a modern fixed bobstay.

If the boat does become wind-rode does the chain over the bobstay cause any adverse behaviour - I suppose the forces are far less than when sailing so the integrity of the bobstay is not at hazard despite the sideways loadings?

It’s never been a problem on my boat. She’s on a swinging mooring in all weathers with the bobstay on. The mooring chain has plastic covering too.