whats this bit on the anchor winch?

[madmat99]

i can't seem to figure out what the stainless steel lever is for?
if its in this position it will be in the way of the chain..
am i being daft?

 

[Poignard]

It's to strip the chain off the chainwheel at the right point so that it falls down into the chain locker. Without it the chain might wrap too far around the chainwheel and jam everything up.

 

[madmat99]

well that makes sense.
the chain on mine goes right round and back towards the front, hence why this has never been on.

thanks for the help!