OK to drill a hole through anchor?

[[2574]]

When looking to secure the anchor when underway, a “devils claw” can be a useful accessory. It allows high tension on the anchor chain, locking the anchor into the bow roller, and importantly does this without any load on the anchor windlass.

See photo below of our boat (during construction). The “devils claw” can be seen attached to chain stopper:

Can that be released quickly? Or does release neccesitate unscrewing the bottle screw?

 

[Hoolie]

I drilled a hole for a pin in my Delta. Due to the hardened steel it was not easy and required a cobalt drill. I would expect similar for you Knox. My anchor was second hand so no warranty issues

Having said that, I would prefer a retaining hoop as the pin does bend.

I've done that too to my Delta. I used Galvafroid cold galvanising paint on the hole and there has been no rust at all over what must now be 10 years. My stainless pin does not bend!

 

[[2574]]

I've done that too to my Delta. I used Galvafroid cold galvanising paint on the hole and there has been no rust at all over what must now be 10 years. My stainless pin does not bend!

Or maybe has not yet bent.......?

 

[noelex]

Can that be released quickly? Or does release neccesitate unscrewing the bottle screw?

Normally I loosen the bottle screw, but if you want to release it quickly you can pull out a pin (in fact there are 3 pins that would release it if jammed).

I have an alternative attachment point for the devils claw that uses a Dyneema strop instead of the stainless bracket. This works equally well and I am not sure which system I prefer. The Dyneema strop can always be cut, which has appeal, but it is hard to imagine either option jamming to the extent that it could not be released reasonably quickly in an emergency.

There are many options for securing the anchor on the bow roller. Rather than one best system, it depends on the boat and the anchor design, but a devils claw is a useful option that is perhaps not considered as often as it should be.

 

[Graham376]

I drilled our Manson Supreme about 12 years ago and it hasn't rusted away yet. Painted hole with Cold Galvanising paint or, maybe spray - can't remember which I used, have both on the shelf.

 

[salar]

Here's my setup - stainles toggle shackle to a ringbolt. The anchor sits on a bowsprit, pulled tight against the roller it won't move up or down.

 

[Hoolie]

Or maybe has not yet bent.......?

Actually it is bent, evidently due to impact damage by the previous owner! There's no serious force on it, certainly not enough to bend a 10mm work-hardened stainless pin.