Anchor windlass

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mannmade

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Do you keep the tension on the chain or release it?
 
Release it. I have a chain stop with a SS lanyard joined to a SS carbiner that attaches to the anchor rode forward of the chain stop. I used to keep the chain tightened by the windlass, and the chain stop would act as a fail safe in the event the windlass let go.

My marine mechanic told me that tensioning with the windlass was a sure fire way to get the windlass to wear out faster.
 
I wonder if this is an old wives tale. I've always kept the tension on to keep the anchor from banging around. Boat was delivered tensioned and the windlass operating manual says nothing about keeping it tight.
 
It puts pressure on the shaft and entire mechanism which is not good.

Release tension.
 
Are we talking when the boat is laid up? I release mine during the winter. During the season it is kept tight. My windlass says nothing about storing tight. Besides, I don not want my big old anchor rattling around on my pulpit.
 
If the windlass can't handle holding the anchor tight to the pulpit, how can you trust it to hold your boat in seas with it being tugged all the time?
 
Hey Ram,

Even with a windlass, I believe one would need to tie it off while at anchor right? Seems that you wouldn't want it pulling the weight of the boat all the time unless anchored in calm water. 3-4's while anchored on Lake Erie would be kind of hard on the windless unless tied off I would think...

Do most folks tie them off then?? Just curious, as we've never had a windless, but plan to on the next boat.. :)
 
Yes, Joe...people are "supposed" to tie off their anchors, but most rarely do. Carvers come with an all chain windlass...so tieing off is...well...impossible, so they supply a lanyard style safety to tie it off
 
"If the windlass can't handle holding the anchor tight to the pulpit, how can you trust it to hold your boat in seas with it being tugged all the time?"

you shoudnlt'... unless in calm conditions it's a good idea to cleat the rode, if the cleats are in the correct location, it's easy, even with all chain.
 
quote:
Originally posted by DogDaze

...Do most folks tie them off then?? Just curious, as we've never had a windless, but plan to on the next boat.. :)

Click to expand...


I don't know if this is considered tying it off, however, the chain stop goes back in place as well as the lanyard after the scope gets paid out.
 
one thing to consider is how sturdy is the chain stopper and the lanyard. before relying on it to hold the boat, I'd want to make sure it's thrubolted with good backing plate, and not screwed. same with the "lanyard", it shoudlnt be the weak link.

ideally, when using all chain in windy conditions, a bridle is the best choice as it will take the load of the windlass, add some shock absorbing, and spread the load to two cleats.
 
quote:
Originally posted by PascalG

one thing to consider is how sturdy is the chain stopper and the lanyard. before relying on it to hold the boat, I'd want to make sure it's thrubolted with good backing plate, and not screwed. same with the "lanyard", it shoudlnt be the weak link.

ideally, when using all chain in windy conditions, a bridle is the best choice as it will take the load of the windlass, add some shock absorbing, and spread the load to two cleats.

Click to expand...


Might you have pix of this bridle thingy?
 
my bridle consists of a stainless chain swivel (just like the on you use to mate the chain to the anchor).

i thread one side thru the chain. the other side gets a dock line thru it. the dock line is cleated off at both ends on opposite side of the boat on the bow cleats.
 
quote:
Originally posted by tcijoe

my bridle consists of a stainless chain swivel (just like the on you use to mate the chain to the anchor).

i thread one side thru the chain. the other side gets a dock line thru it. the dock line is cleated off at both ends on opposite side of the boat on the bow cleats.

Click to expand...


I am assuming twisted vs. braided line to absorb more shock?
 
i dont' use one... yeah... do as i say, not as i do :-) but i always anchor in shallow and sheltered water. whenever it's above 15 or 20, i just dump another 75' of chain and get plenty of shock absorbing form the catenary effect.

I have the bridle on the boat though, it's a spliced Y, i just need to get the hook to hook into the chain...
 
My original question was regarding lay up for winter. I happened to be walking under the anchor and the thought hit me, why should I have tension on the windlass with it on the hard. Now I've been back 3 times and it is still in the same position, so much for trying to remember without the proverbial list! But tomorrow morning job one is release tension on anchor chain and windlass.
 
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