Heaviest anchor without a windlass?

Refueler said:
I haven't used my windlass for a long time - but I seem to remember that the gypsy had a clutch that could lock it during heaving ... slack the clutch to let go or heave - tighten to hold ?
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The clutch is tightened or released using the 3-spoked handwheel next to the chain gypsy. Tighten to haul, slacken to let the chain run out.

The warping drum is always engaged. I have only ever used that when kedging off. :oops:
 
When I bought Kukri, a Nicholson 55, from her careful lady owner, she had a 65lbs CQR, 90 metres of 12mm chain and no windlass, nor had she had one in 43 years of ownership by HM Forces. (She has one now!)

So that sets the upper limit, I think.

Now, I may have missed it but I cannot see that anyone has mentioned the use of a chain pawl on the bow roller?

This is from FB Cooke’s ‘Cruising Hints’ (1904) quoting Claud Worth:

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Worth didn’t even have a roller, but it works fine with a roller. Cheap and easy to make and fit. I have made and fitted them. It will allow you to get the chain in by hand easily and will break out the anchor.
 
I think others have mentioned it, but the weight of the chain may exceed that of the anchor, and the force required to break the anchor out of a muddy bottom may well exceed the weight of anchor and chain combined.
 
The Pawl on the roller is good ... but trouble is when you look at many boats now - the stemhead fitting is not exactly what I would consider anchor holding item !
Many now are just half sized and bolted to deck instead of the older larger with tang down the stem as well. They are fine to carry the roller - but I would be careful about putting full load on it by locking chain there.

I've seen stemhead fittings ripped or distorted by owners who 'pinned' mooring chains to them ...
 
AntarcticPilot said:
I think others have mentioned it, but the weight of the chain may exceed that of the anchor, and the force required to break the anchor out of a muddy bottom may well exceed the weight of anchor and chain combined.
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That is often - indeed, usually - the case and the chain pawl solves it.

Get the chain in as the bows drop, use the pawl to hold the chain as she scends, repeat...
 
Refueler said:
View attachment 85745

25ft Bilge keeler ... 4ton AUW ....

Holdfast plough 12kg ..... 8mm all chain .....

Its a slog to get it up but as they say - slow and steady .. don't rush it.

I have used the windlass - but its too slow !

>>>>>>> Must get the brush and paint out when weather improves !!
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Can I ask, does the chain self-feed down the pipe when using the windlass on your set up? I have some designing to do on a boat currently without a windlass so am gathering data
 
Poignard said:
I have a similar windlass and it is very slow, as you say. I usually haul in the chain by hand.

One of these days i intend to fit a pawl to hold the chain while I take a breather.

I fitted my windlass just in front of the coachroof so I can sit down comfortably while operating the windlass.

One of the greatest convenience I find with the windlass is being able to let the chain run out under perfect control.

View attachment 85750View attachment 85751
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That's a very pretty boat, excellent taste!
I wondered where you are when operating the windlass - sitting on the fore hatch perhaps?
I am planning how to add a winch on my Thompson T31 so gathering data
 
Rum Run said:
That's a very pretty boat, excellent taste!
I wondered where you are when operating the windlass - sitting on the fore hatch perhaps?
I am planning how to add a winch on my Thompson T31 so gathering data
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Thank you. She is a beauty and I'm very proud of her.

Yes, I sit on the forehatch (12mm thick Perspex). I can see what's going on around me and if it's a rough anchorage it feels secure to be able to sit down.

If you want any more info., let me know.
 
Rum Run said:
Can I ask, does the chain self-feed down the pipe when using the windlass on your set up? I have some designing to do on a boat currently without a windlass so am gathering data
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It would if the chain was not via a curved pipe into the forward bilge. The pipe sits on top of a plastic pipe that is curved to pass down the stem inside cabin but leaving fwd Vee berth free.

If the boat is moving about to make the chain fall instead of piling up down there - yes it would. But sadly - often it means a second pair of hands in the chain locker clearing it.
 
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