Chain Locker - I think I know why the boat rides flat

oGaryo

oGaryo

Well-Known Member
Joined
28 Nov 2008
Messages
8,203
Location
Isle of Wight
Visit site
Took the boat out to Osborne Bay last weekend and whilst out there I thought I'd check the anchor chain having not done so yet since buying the boat. So there I stood on the bow whilst pressing the "let more chain out rubber foot switch" for what seemed an eternity, there was loads of the stuff, all chain and no rode! So much so that on retrieving, the chain bundled up to the top of the locker and caused the windless to stop on a number of occasions as the chain had nowhere to go. Resolved it by opening the access plate to the anchor locker and moving the chain around to create more headroom within the locker.

Should I get rid of some or best to continue to do what I did in OB? Nice to have that much chain I guess but could turn out to be a PITA if I have to move chain around each time I use the thing. Alot a weight to lug around too I guess
 
do you know how many metres of chain there are, and what size ? Do you know how many metres you want/need ? Easy enough to calculate the mass

http://www.jimmygreen.co.uk/p/techn...l-articles/calibrated-anchor-chain-dimensions

and if you think it's too much, then have the chain length cut 2:1, buy a good connector, and store the smaller section somewhere amidships for use in case in case.

Are there any other bits or systems of the new boat that you might be uncertain about ? Perhaps a full inventory and details recorded in a DIY "Boat Manual" might be useful, especially if young C is going to drive her solo..... I'm thinking everything from fuse sizes, to positions of anodes/inlets for lifting purposes, to engine filters and numbers. OCD perhaps, but it could save someone a lot of grief and time.
 
Ha! Not having checked, you're lucky it was attached at the bitter end otherwise your 100 metres of chain might even now be gracing the sea bed of Osborne Bay. :D
 
benjenbav said:
Ha! Not having checked, you're lucky it was attached at the bitter end otherwise your 100 metres of chain might even now be gracing the sea bed of Osborne Bay. :D
Click to expand...

lols, very good point and was thinking of that as it flowed out, I took a sneaky look in the anchor locker and could see it was secured but good point
 
sarabande said:
do you know how many metres of chain there are, and what size ? Do you know how many metres you want/need ? Easy enough to calculate the mass

http://www.jimmygreen.co.uk/p/techn...l-articles/calibrated-anchor-chain-dimensions

and if you think it's too much, then have the chain length cut 2:1, buy a good connector, and store the smaller section somewhere amidships for use in case in case.

Are there any other bits or systems of the new boat that you might be uncertain about ? Perhaps a full inventory and details recorded in a DIY "Boat Manual" might be useful, especially if young C is going to drive her solo..... I'm thinking everything from fuse sizes, to positions of anodes/inlets for lifting purposes, to engine filters and numbers. OCD perhaps, but it could save someone a lot of grief and time.
Click to expand...

I've not got a scooby do at present but it's on the list to check and I agree, should have done it months ago. not OCD just good sense and I have a nice spreadsheet building of all the kit I've purchased for the boat along with a RAG status against the snags found that I've worked through (90% green and those that remain are minor). Got spare oil and fuel filters + coolant and oil on board but must admit I've yet to get around to carrying a spare set of belts (they were all replaced Feb last year), it's another one of those things on the OCD list :) Also have the toolkit, spare fuses (needed one the other day for the plotter as it goes) and even have a box full of rubber o rings just in case.

We're getting there, a few more weeks and we'll have her exactly as I want her..... ready to upgrade to the next boat lols :)
 
Last edited:
epervier said:
Just as I've always suspected, a closet boat dealer, (4 boats in 4 seasons soon to be 5:D)
Click to expand...

can't say I'm not predictable eh David ;) we're out this weekend so will try getting around the back of Calshot Spit again I reckon, will be nice to pop in to the Spinnaker bar for a pint of Thatchers whilst we're there :)
 
oGaryo said:
Took the boat out to Osborne Bay last weekend and whilst out there I thought I'd check the anchor chain having not done so yet since buying the boat. So there I stood on the bow whilst pressing the "let more chain out rubber foot switch" for what seemed an eternity, there was loads of the stuff, all chain and no rode! So much so that on retrieving, the chain bundled up to the top of the locker and caused the windless to stop on a number of occasions as the chain had nowhere to go. Resolved it by opening the access plate to the anchor locker and moving the chain around to create more headroom within the locker.

Should I get rid of some or best to continue to do what I did in OB? Nice to have that much chain I guess but could turn out to be a PITA if I have to move chain around each time I use the thing. Alot a weight to lug around too I guess
Click to expand...

as standard sealines are all chain and bolted on at the bitter end.

Unbolt it and put 6" of rope in. In case you need to dump it in an emergency.
 
Elessar said:
as standard sealines are all chain and bolted on at the bitter end.

Unbolt it and put 6" of rope in. In case you need to dump it in an emergency.
Click to expand...
Put 6' of rope on it and then you don't have to dive below to and go head first into the locker to cut it free in an emergency - you can do it from the bow and tie a buoy/fender on it at the same time.
 
l'escargot said:
Put 6' of rope on it and then you don't have to dive below to and go head first into the locker to cut it free in an emergency - you can do it from the bow and tie a buoy/fender on it at the same time.
Click to expand...

6" you can do with a knot. 6' and you have to splice on the right sized warp or it will jam the windlass. Go that far and you might as well do 60'. (which is what I've done......)
 
Firstly I would pay out the chain onto a pontoon or in the yard when the boat is out of the water and measure it.

Decide how much you want to keep, mark it with paint of otherwise I use red paint at 5m markings.

I have 60 m of chain on a 48ft boat which is a lot, possibly 30m max for you is enough plus a length of rope to extend the chan if required?

As elessar my bitter end is 6ft of rope shackled to the eye bolt, rope tied to the chain with a bowline and a knife near to hand for emergencies if I have to slip the lot in a hurry.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top