What do you think would be the smallest anchor chain size for a drum type anchor winch?

[OverEasy]

Hi All!

Given the “ah don’ts move or scamper like ah used ta do” aspect of life we are considering adding a more mechanically assisted means of dropping and retrieving our anchor(s).

We are looking at a variety of means to accomplish this such as a vertical or horizontal chain/rope motorized capstan and the requisit modifications for chain and rope locker(s) as well as a horizontal drum winder ( like those nice Aussie sailors are sometimes using).

Given that a 7-to-1 scope ratio for anchor line/chain deployments and an estimated average anchoring depth of 20 feet that puts us at roughly 140 feet deployed.

Horizontal and vertical capstans are limited in chain size options and that impacts storage space and carry weight requirements. (One needs a ratio length of chain to drag the sea bottom to make the anchor work properly).

Some vessels store the chain and the line separately to avoid tangles.

Horizontal drum winders (like the Aussies use) simply wrap up everything on the drum. This also allows everything to remain above deck if so desired saving interior space and related modifications to facilitate chain-fall requirements, chain storage and anchor line storage. The weight rides higher with a drum but there is also an option to use a “buddy” weight to help keep the chain/line parallel to the sea bed.

While “buddy” weights are typically used with rope anchor lines this poses a wear/chafe problem. Chain resisted rock and coral chafing better than nylon. There is no reason we can see at this time why a lighter Chain couldn’t utilize a “buddy” weight. The lighter chain provides some weight, the “buddy” weight keeps it parallel to sea bottom and the drum doesn’t care about a specific chain size. Combining lighter chain/“buddy” weight/nylon anchor line might make a lighter more adaptive system fora cruising Mac26X.

So this opens up the question of what size chain could one use that would provide sufficient holding strength but not over burden the weight aspect unnecessarily.

So whatdoyouthink?

[Russ]

Take a look here
http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... =8&t=22973

[OverEasy]

Thanks Russ!
We’ve just spent the past couple of days chasing down a whole host of prior projects and postings on the forum related to a variety of approaches to get an anchor, chain, rode out and back.

The motorized vertical and horizontal capstan winches typically used are begrudgingly gaining our attention based on the sheer cost diffential between one of them and a wind-up drum type. Seem the low end for a entry level drum winch is upwards of $1300 whereas the older capstan ones can be had for half that. The chain fall modification volume may be the lesser price to pay ....

Again, Thank you Russ!

Regards, Over Easy

[OverEasy]

Just thinking through the possibilities before getting too focused.....

“IF” we were to go with a standard vertical or horizontal capstan anchor winch then we would probably have to make a watertight compartments in the Vee-berth under the existing topside anchor locker depression and very possibly down further into the closed off flotation chamber. We could add a shielded area to act as an anchor locker bilge and add a pump either the discharge out the existing bow through-hull. That way we could wash off all the bottom crud and get rid of the sloppy water so it doesn’t stink too badly. A removable crud collector bucket could help avoid fouling of the bilge pump.

We could take advantage of the material removal to gain working access to the underneath of bow deck to incorporate a modification to the existing bow pulpit/cleats/fwd-stay/anchor holder along the way as it were. This could allow us to remove an impediment to that project.

If we think it through we could also incorporate a future access means as well.

We could restore the flotation foam removed into the areas port and starboard of the bow interior liner.

The loss of Vee-berth foot space could be mitigated by making our Vee-berth extension into the cabin larger and more functional. As we enjoyed our temporary extension previously during our camping while traveling down south this would be a good tie in as well.

The challenge is in making it look as presentable as it will be seaworthy.....

[OverEasy]

A ventilation blower (??solar powered??) might go along way to help dry things out.......and keep undesirable smells to a minimum...