Sealine S34 anchoring.

[thefatlady]

>
On my S28, there is a circular hand-sized plastic access hatch on the front wall of the locker that un-twiddles to get access to the enclosure.

I didn't notice if it had one, but it would do the job.

I've been thinking about this too. Probably the best way would be to attach it to the same box section that the windlass is mounted onto, but this would mean opening up the anchor locker each time to release and re-attach.

I was thinking more about a rope yoke which attaches to the chain below the bow and to each of the forward cleats in a V-shape and lets the chain hang in a free loop. That reduces snatch and swing as well as taking the load off the winch.

John

 

[photodog]

We loved our boat... there were a few issues with minor snags from the factory... but build quality was very good... and we had no real major issues... the most annoying thing was the anchor breaker... and the fact that the KAD 32's didnt real give her enough oomph... excellent accomodation.. though the heads were a tad small.. we never really had issues with anchoring... you just get used to it and prevail... Nice boat.
Wouldnt hesitate to get another.

 

[jparham]

I have an F33 so same as yours but I have windage...
As per FlowerPower, count the anchor out.
Always go forward to pull the anchor up, so no issues with seeing where the anchor is. Couple of fluorescent cable ties at 5 metres, so I know I'm getting close. Always make sure the chain doesn't snag as it enters the chain locker - the usual cause of circuit breaker opening.
Never go single handed. Too big a boat to be out offshore by yourself - in my view.

 

[Elessar]

Never go single handed.

that would save me a lot of diesel if I followed that advice. What's the logic behind this statement?

 

[Nick_H]

Never go single handed. Too big a boat to be out offshore by yourself - in my view.

Well I don't really agree with that, but anyway anchorages are rarely found offshore

 

[[2068]]

Never go single handed. Too big a boat to be out offshore by yourself - in my view.

Hmmm, not sure I agree with that. An S34 isn't going to be much different from an S28 in the handling department. A bow thruster might help, but what is it that one person can't handle?

 

[thefatlady]

I have an F33 so same as yours but I have windage...
As per FlowerPower, count the anchor out.
Always go forward to pull the anchor up, so no issues with seeing where the anchor is. Couple of fluorescent cable ties at 5 metres, so I know I'm getting close. Always make sure the chain doesn't snag as it enters the chain locker - the usual cause of circuit breaker opening.
Never go single handed. Too big a boat to be out offshore by yourself - in my view.

I've been single handed on bigger boats than this and expect to be able to. On every other boat I've had (including Sealines), the capstan or the chain, or both, are visible from the helm. Often the anchor, too.

I use red paint on the chain at intervals as a marker, plus a long one before the anchor. I can usually send someone forward, but it shouldn't be necessary and can, on occasion, be inadvisable.

The boat should be designed to give visibility and accessibility. The S34 doesn't. I can get round it, but, in my view, it is not a satisfactory situation

 

[gimmesunshine]

regards how to fit a strain relief yoke...
i too have an s28 and i have a short rope loop around the windlass with stainless hook, when achoring after paying out enough chain i then clip to this to the chain and pay out a little more chain which take the load of windlass.
i also use the same rope and clip when i have retrieved the anchor, you then know for sure there is no chance of anchor being out over the bow for whatever reason. ie little fingers ...!
this has worked well for me for 4+ years..

i too count when paying out chain, simple enough and coloured chain or ties help

another thing i might start doing is attaching a very small float / fender to the anchor so others dont anchor too close or over the top

 

[thefatlady]

I think the most attractive answer for me is to fit a wireless chain counter and hope that it is more reliable than the Quick ones I have used in the past. I still have spare RS hall-effect sensors which I used to change frequently.

The strain relief yoke I mean is a V-shape off the bow to the forward cleats. See my post No. 21 above.