Water through the windlass

[BobnLesley]

We've got a Lewmar V3 windlass fitted, which when we get heavy waves breaking over the deck (particularly over the starboard bow) allows seawater (1/2 cup full with each wave) through the hawse-pipe/chain-hole and into the anchor locker. If it were just dropping directly into the locker, we'd ignore it, but when well heeled it percolates into a couple of lockers built around the windlass motor; any suggestions on how it could be sealed, or at least slowed down a bit, without actually disconnecting the chain and dropping it all into the locker?

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

I used to have the same problem on my Twister......

I stuffed a couple of sponges down around the chain in the hawse pipe/chain hole and it seemed very successful. KISS principal.

S.

 

[Sandyman]

I've got a plastic cover that goes over the hawser pipe lip. Its got a slot cut out of it to fit over the chain. Underside is filled
with plastercine to form a seal.

 

[estarzinger]

Wrap the windless in plastic cling film (kitchen stuff) - fast on, fast off and makes it watertight.

I have a V4.

 

[BobnLesley]

Thanks for the replies. The cling-film worked a treat on a bumpy passage across to Guadeloupe yesterday! Unfortunately, we have the anchor up & down so often each year that it'd cost a fortune to keep us supplied. I saw a yacht this morning who'd made a box that sat over the whole unit and clipped to the deck, so long term I might try that?

 

[Petronella]

We just stuff a lump of moulded plasticene around the chain where it disappears down the hause pipe. Works fine in a warm climate.

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Get one of those rubber 'stress balls' that you find in most offices, or tat shops....cut in half and wedge into hawse pipe.... the rubber moulds around the chain perfectly.... You can, if really motivated, cut a wooden disc with a slot init and glue to the ball.... easy peasy, and totally watertight!

 

[alan_d]

A prediction:

Someone even more pedantic than me will be along shortly to point out that the pipe between the chain locker and the windlass should be called the navel pipe or spurling pipe. (The hawse pipe, if you have one, is on the anchor side of the windlass.) Someone else will be along shortly after that to claim that if enough people use the wrong term it becomes the right one.