New bow roller

[twilliams_34]

Looking to replace my single bow roller with double one on a Bavaria 36.
Any recommendations of companies in the south west that could fabricate a new one?
Thanks

 

[Neeves]

I'm keeping your thread fresh

Many companies make off the shelf bow rollers, single and twin. The obvious one must be Lewmar but then Vetus. Our local anchor maker Anchor Right makes bow rollers (in Australia) but the anchors are sold by Jimmy Green. If you can buy one that suits - its going to be cheaper than something custom made.

I'd take a walk round a selection of marinas and look at bow rollers - take pictures of the sort of thing you like - and then compare with what is available. I'd also look carefully at what you have as many bow rollers support the forestay - which may introduce complexity not available from an off the shelf model. You may find that simply extending your bow roller is the way to go.


But why do you want a double bow roller. Silly question.... For a Bav 36 you can deploy a second anchor or a different anchor to your primary by hand, mixed rode. If you have a double bow roller the second anchor will need to be deployed by hand anyway - unless you invest in a very expensive windlass.

So.... trying to save you money - rethink the new bow roller and rethink why and then wonder if you can achieve what you want (or need) a different way,

HT 6mm chain from Jimmy Green, a length of nylon and the anchor of your choice (different in style to your existing anchor). What's not to like?

Jonathan

 

[twilliams_34]

Thanks Jonathan.

My mooring is a mooring buoy with a chain strop, so use the anchor roller when moored. I then store the anchor in the locker.
Just trying make life a little easier ?.
Also, having read many of your posts, I am looking to change the CQR Anchor I currently have so would like to ensure it fits well.
Luckily my bow roller is not part of the forestay but there is a Stainless Steel plate that goes over the bow of the boat that is incorporated with the roller.
Will have a look at the off the shelf suggestions.

Cheers

 

[dgadee]

My Dehler bow roller cracked (I hit a lock wall) and decided to replace with something SS. I used a 2d drafting program to produce three parts (with holes marked) and took them along to a laser cutting service. I asked for 8mm ss but he said he was just about to cut a lot of 10mm stainless pieces and would that do. Of course it would. He said he could weld the bits up but I had someone else on hand to do it. I wanted it to look more Dehler (aluminum casting) like so had it bead blasted. I think all told it cost me £100 or a wee bit over.

On the other boat I wanted to push the roller further forward and off centre to suit the anchor and did similar.

Hardest bit for both boats was actually getting the old rollers off - the bolts were in awkward positions on the Seawolf (part of the forestay fitting) and the Dehler one was glued down. But they did come off.

The advantage of doing it yourself is that you get exactly what you need.

 

[Neeves]

Thanks Jonathan.

My mooring is a mooring buoy with a chain strop, so use the anchor roller when moored. I then store the anchor in the locker.
Just trying make life a little easier ?.
Also, having read many of your posts, I am looking to change the CQR Anchor I currently have so would like to ensure it fits well.
Luckily my bow roller is not part of the forestay but there is a Stainless Steel plate that goes over the bow of the boat that is incorporated with the roller.
Will have a look at the off the shelf suggestions.

Cheers

You are welcome.

I don't know your yacht and many others will not either - it makes life easier for us (and then more useful to you) if you include a photo. But I understand now you want the twin roller to allow you to hold an anchor and the chain mooring on the bow roller - simultaneously.

To have both on the bow roller at the same times is slightly more complicated because if the 2 rollers are the same length then its a yacht, and I'll guarantee (without photos) that the mooring chain will somehow foul the fluke or vice versa. I think you need a bow roller with 2 rollers but one roller extended.

Another option might be to have 2 chains that run through your fairleads. I know its over engineered for strength (but the chain it self will be far too strong). If the 2 chains are the same length you will lie square to the wind. Alternatively dispense with the chain and use rope as the mooring pennant - which again can be a bridle, 2 ropes through the fairleads.

I make the assumption which might be wrong that you have fairleads.

I'd not spend too much money, or none at all, until you have your 'forever' anchor as its design may influence the best solution. Read Vyv's comments on his website on anchor size - he and I are in complete agreement. Buy the size recommended for your yacht which might be a bit smaller than your CQR. Many people buy oversized anchors (I think they are being altruistic and supporting the pensions of anchor makers) - there are no technical reasons to oversize - you may find the previous owner was one of these generous people and the CQR itself is oversized. A common situation is - the original owner listened to the shrill cries of go bigger - and bought a CQR bigger than recommended. The new owner realises that he could have a better design and thinks he can have more security by going bigger than the CQR already there - etc.

So post a picture of the bow roller and if you want advice tell us the size of the CQR.

And never be afraid to ask for advise on your anchor - your situation will be different to everyone else and if you are patient and edit the comments - you will get the answers. That's what the forum is for.

I do sympathise that lifting an anchor, especially one with a hinged fluke, off a bow roller is a real pain and its is not something your wife or children will relish - so its a task for you

Jonathan