Weight for anchor rode

[[70521]]

Sir Tom gives you the full SP:

When was he knighted?

 

[noelex]

Thanks Noelex.

Up til now I thought Id use a Devil's Claw but I will have to do more research for sure.

The terminology is a little variable, but a “devil’s claw” refers to an attachment that can tension the stored anchor on the bow roller. It normally has a turnbuckle to tighten the anchor against the bow roller reducing the anchor movement when sailing. Very useful, but a different function to a chain stopper.

Instead of (or as well as) a chain stopper, a short snubber can be used. It can be attached to the chain using a soft shackle (my favourite method), a simple knot, a metal shackle, or a chain hook. The latter can, confusingly, be referred to as a devil’s claw (if it is the right shape), but it is functioning as a chain hook rather than a device to tension the anchor on the bow roller.

A short snubber is not the same as a chain stopper, as it does not have the one way clutch function, but the roles are overlapping in that they both stop the chain running out if the anchor winch is loosened and can prevent excessive load on the windlass . A proper chain stopper is better, but few modern yachts have the room to fit these devices.

The ideal anchoring set up is to have all the options: a chain stopper, devil’s claw, Sampson post with a short and long snubber. This is how we have set up our last couple of yachts. Each of these devices can be useful in different circumstances. You can skip some of the components and anchor perfectly satisfactorily, although having all the options makes anchoring and storing the anchor quickly and securely on the bow roller easier.