Can I use mixed (rope / chain) anchor rode with winch?

[dpb]

I have a Lofrans Airon winch on my boat presumably from 1989 if original.
I have chain only and the winch has an anchor gypsy with a drum above it.
Bit like this.
http://www.friulmecsrl.it/img/offerte_mare/airon_1000.jpg

I am about to buy a longer chain as current one at 15m is too short but was wondering if I could use the winch somehow with a chain / rope combination?
I cant quite see how to do this with out a faff but then wonder why it has a drum in the first place!

Anyone know?

 

[Divemaster1]

You can splice 20 + M rope into the chain and when done right, you can use the existing gypsy run as it will grab the rope, but good to have person on bow ( used to have 25 M chain + 50M rope myself on one of my old boats).... However, you will need to tie off to the cleat...

 

[Tranona]

Yes, the Lofrans gypsy will take rope. If it is 8mm then 12mm 3 strand, spliced into the chain with a long splice will run over the gypsy and then pick up the rope. Alternatively you can recover the rope with the drum and then switch to the gypsy when the chain comes in. A bit more cumbersome and you need a chain hook to hold the chain while you change over. Does however give you time to make sure the rope is well down in the locker before you bring the chain it.

 

[dpb]

OK, thanks.
I suppose the only problem then is that most of the time the chain wont be orientated correctly for the anchor to self park as it will have rotated whilst on the rope.

 

[Nick_H]

but then wonder why it has a drum in the first place!

Anyone know?

I don't know the Lofrans, but if it's the same as a Lewmar then the drum can be used as a winch independently of the gypsy by releasing the clutch with a winch handle. Be sure to secure the anchor separately first though as the chain will freefall once the clutch is released. They're commonly used in the med for hauling bow ropes on stern-to moorings.

 

[omega2]

GET 12MM OCTOPLAIT, and splice up the chain it will run through the gypsy no bother.

 

[Tranona]

OK, thanks.
I suppose the only problem then is that most of the time the chain wont be orientated correctly for the anchor to self park as it will have rotated whilst on the rope.

That applies even if you are using just chain. Stop the anchor short before all the chain is in and the anchor will probably swing round to the correct orientation then winch it in.

 

[dpb]

That applies even if you are using just chain. Stop the anchor short before all the chain is in and the anchor will probably swing round to the correct orientation then winch it in.

That does not happen with mine, but then I dont have a swivel between chain and anchor, would that make a difference?

 

[stuartwineberg]

Sorry to suggest the opposite to the various threads above but I had a Lofrans Cayman on my last boat and Lofrans specifically stated that rope would NOT grip on any of their gypsies and this indeed was my experience so please check their web site and the specific model. The rope will of course go round the drum but I found it awkward handling part of the rode on the drum and the rest on the gipsy