Securing Anchors on Bowsprit

  • June 28, 2011 5:48 AM
    Message # 633451
    Deleted user
    Getting close to launch!  Anchor rodes are set up but I'm not finding sketches or info on how best to secure the anchors in the stowed position.  Back in my navy days our anchors were secured with heavy pelican hooks.   Is there a similar setup for a Westsail? Looking at photos of other boats I cannot make out any hooks, wrappings or tackle. -Tom Koehl
  • June 28, 2011 8:25 AM
    Reply # 633587 on 633451
    Deleted user
    Thomas Koehl wrote:Getting close to launch!  Anchor rodes are set up but I'm not finding sketches or info on how best to secure the anchors in the stowed position.  Back in my navy days our anchors were secured with heavy pelican hooks.   Is there a similar setup for a Westsail? Looking at photos of other boats I cannot make out any hooks, wrappings or tackle. -Tom Koehl

    Tom Your question has two parts in my mind (day trips, smooth sailing) in which case I just use the lock on the windless and also a locking hawser. But for long trips (3+ Days) without anchoring options My preference is to remove the anchor from the bow to remove the weigh forward and up high (of course if you forget or it is to rough) a Nylon tie back to the samson posts works, as well as a quick wrap around the sprit and anchor with a little line.
    Last modified: June 28, 2011 8:25 AM | Deleted user
  • June 30, 2011 9:28 AM
    Reply # 635389 on 633451
    Deleted user
    Thanks for confirming my thoughts.   I have my CQR on the starboard roller and the chain is on the S-L 555 gypsy.   It will be simple to tie the shank down.   As for the port roller, I have a lighter Danforth as a secondary and will tie it down as well.  The simpler, the better.  
  • June 30, 2011 10:12 AM
    Reply # 635417 on 635389
    Deleted user
    Thomas Koehl wrote:Thanks for confirming my thoughts.   I have my CQR on the starboard roller and the chain is on the S-L 555 gypsy.   It will be simple to tie the shank down.   As for the port roller, I have a lighter Danforth as a secondary and will tie it down as well.  The simpler, the better.  
    Maybe I did not say how important it is to REMOVE weight up high and up front. 
    I can not imagine sail more than a couple of hours with 2 anchors on the bow as you would be adding to the pitching and reducing your average speed. I would Guess you will lose between 1 to 5 Miles a day with the extra weight up there. Or on a 4 day trip you may need an extra hour to maybe a half day of sailing (come in at night?).  On a long haul (25 days) as much as an extra day may be required = 26day.  Dave King May be able to give better #'s for estimated lost headway from extra anchor weight up front? 

    I would recommend having the lighter Danforth (assumed to be 30# weight)  stored down below or at least amidship (as low as possible) and having a rigging line for it wrapped around the pulpit so it is an easy attachment (2 minute or less connection before anchoring if needed) 

    Sorry to get on the (GET the weight out of the ends of the boat) SOAP BOX  but I feel it is important in getting good performance out of our boats and also staying dry. I have had a racer on my boat tell me how dry the westsail was (some of this I believe is because I have tried to keep the weight out of the ends of the boat).

    and yes simpler is indeed better.  

    Fair winds and please do what works best for you, otherwise you are working for someone else:)

    Norm
  • July 01, 2011 3:56 AM
    Reply # 640422 on 633451
    Deleted user
    Norm, I hadn't given much thought to the weight up forward.  Good point.  My CQR is a 35 pounder and the Danforth is about 30.  It wouldn't be hard to make up a stowage point on the cabin top for the Danforth.   I'll put it on my list for AFTER I get her back in the water. -Tom
  • July 01, 2011 7:20 AM
    Reply # 640494 on 633451
    Deleted user
    Thanks for the Note asking where I store my anchor below:

    Yes I am a bit younger but here is where my below anchors are; I have a 33# Bruce in the bilge with a sponge each side (chafe guard)  Takes me 3 to 5 min to mount it, and I have one 20# fortrus under where the shower pan use to be, again 2 to 5 Min to mount.

    For a faster and easier storage of the crq at sea using a halyard you can set it down the forward hatch on to the floor of the forward Vberth (a pad Eye would be a good addition), I set it on (in) a sail bag which protects it and the boat+/-   (I don't use this berth when sailing so no problems with the storage there) But it takes two people to put it in and take it out without chewing up the inside of the boat (one person down below to guide it and not the best option if in rough seas, But hopefully you are not anchoring in rough seas.)

    Most of the time I leave the crq up front on the bow And if needed I can anchor with it and have a hour to set up a second one if needed so the time is not so much an issue for me.

    Your Idea of moving the you anchor back on deck is a good one (Just make sure the chocks are well placed to hold it firm in rough seas)

    Norm 
    Last modified: July 01, 2011 9:40 AM | Deleted user