Really simple fix - anchor ball

[salar]

Thought I would share this in case others have the same problem. After a few years use my slot together anchor ball is a bit sloppy and easily slips out of its grooves, allowing it to flatten. This means it no longer functions as a visible ball from all angles. A simple fix was to cut a short length of waste pipe, then cut four equal slots around the circumference. The pipe then slots over the top of the anchor ball and holds the vanes in place.

 

[nimbusgb]

10/10!

 

[charles_reed]

Thought I would share this in case others have the same problem. After a few years use my slot together anchor ball is a bit sloppy and easily slips out of its grooves, allowing it to flatten. This means it no longer functions as a visible ball from all angles. A simple fix was to cut a short length of waste pipe, then cut four equal slots around the circumference. The pipe then slots over the top of the anchor ball and holds the vanes in place.

Thanks - I've tried all sorts and none have proven satisfactory.

 

[nigelmercier]

9/10, pipe is white

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

9/10, pipe is white

10/10 for nit-picking! :encouragement:


Great idea anyway. Will copy it as soon as I go back on the boat.

 

[macd]

9/10, pipe is white

If it were black that'd make it an anchor lollipop, which would be a new one on me

 

[BruceDanforth]

I rarely bother putting the anchor ball up so mine is in pristine condition.

I should add that this is because I am under 7m so only need to display it in a limited range of situations. I always hoist a hurricane lamp into the rigging when the sun goes down though.

 

[LadyInBed]

I made my 'slot together' ball and cut pipe like you did.
I put a pipe at both ends, held together with two tensioning cords. I put a triangular brass ring (heavy braising rod) in each end to hoist and lower.
PS I use the pipe arrangement for my home made motor cone as well

 

[Jaguar 25]

I made my 'slot together' ball and cut pipe like you did.
I put a pipe at both ends, held together with two tensioning cords. I put a triangular brass ring (heavy braising rod) in each end to hoist and lower.
PS I use the pipe arrangement for my home made motor cone as well

How many people actually use a motoring cone?

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

How many people actually use a motoring cone?

I do sometimes when I am motoring for a fair distance and have my mainsail up as a steadying sail but usually only when outside of territorial waters.

 

[LadyInBed]

How many people actually use a motoring cone?

I was making an anchor ball, had black polyplastic to spare, so went the whole hog.

 

[Jaguar 25]

I was making an anchor ball, had black polyplastic to spare, so went the whole hog.

Yes, but do you use it?

 

[Dipper]

Thought I would share this in case others have the same problem. After a few years use my slot together anchor ball is a bit sloppy and easily slips out of its grooves, allowing it to flatten. This means it no longer functions as a visible ball from all angles. A simple fix was to cut a short length of waste pipe, then cut four equal slots around the circumference. The pipe then slots over the top of the anchor ball and holds the vanes in place.

Brilliant. I was faffing around last winter with those little fixing blocks and gave up. Thanks very much.

 

[Magaz97]

I only ever see them on an RYA training vessel.

 

[jsl]

I only ever see them on an RYA training vessel.

Obligatory in some places, I understand. Netherlands?

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

I only ever see them on an RYA training vessel.

Proper PBO idea!

They're pretty much essential on the East Coast, as there are so many places that you can anchor, its important tobe able to distinguish.

 

[LadyInBed]

Yes, but do you use it?

I think I will invoke the 5th

 

[salar]

How many people actually use a motoring cone?

I wish they did. It is really annoying for other motoring boats who are working out rights of way, especially in the Solent where strong tides means loads of yachts add a bit of power to help themselves home at the end of a day.

 

[srm]

A neat solution, but I found an easier one. A plastic football was floating around the harbour, so after a couple of days I salvaged it. Painted it black and used black twine to net around it fitting two cords (top and bottom - or in my case side and side as in use it is tied between the two forestays). It never collapses and when not in use lives in the anchor locker so there's no excuse not to use it.

 

[Ludd]

I just have light cord between each section . Works for me ,and I live on the anchor most of the time(ok, I live on the boat at anchor most of the time----I do have an oversized Delta, but it's not THAT big!)