anchor scratches

[jturbo]

I knew this would be an issue, but I still haven't come up with the best way to solve this yet.

I'm sure lots of people must have this problem, maybe you guys have a good solution.

We just bought our new boat, and I installed our new anchor last weekend. But when I go to let out the chain for the anchor the chain scratched the hell out of the fiberglass on the anchor area. We have a bayliner 288 ciera. It has a place built in for an anchor, also with a great little locker for it. I looked at some metal anchor kind of mounts that would hold the anchor in place, but with the set up on this boat, I'm not sure that they will work. Can I get some kind of hard plastic insert to mount in there? What kind of options have you guys come up with?

In the mean time, I'll be carefully letting out 30 feet of chain after my 22 lb anchor which is wearing out my hands pretty quick! The boat is wired for a winlass, but I think thats a bit out of our budget right now.

Thanks for the input, I'm all ears!

[SomeSailor]

Not sure exactly where it's scratching. Is it when it's on the roller, or is it gouging the boat as it's being lowered through the fairlead?

More info might help a bit.

[Salmon Troller]

With or without a windlass you will want a roller. Depending on what roller set up you acquire, many will serve as an anchor mount & solve both of your problems. We have another problem which you may also see. With a shallow anchor locker, the rode tends to pile up and may tangle. With Murphy's Law working, you will only find a tangle with the anchor 1/2 way to the bottom. Now I pull the chain & nylon out onto the deck before I launch the anchor. When raising the anchor, I again pile the rode & chain on the deck and allow it to drain & partially dry before stowing in the locker. The chain does tend to scratch the deck even if careful. I will be solving this problem in the next few weeks by painting the foredeck area with non-skid. This will save wear & tear on me (the slick fiberglass is no fun) and will camoflage any scratches.

[jturbo]

we do have a roller, at least the one that is built into the bow. and it is scratching when I launch the anchor. its scratching right along the fiberglass where the anchor is mounted to the boat.

[kwb]

You need either a sacrificial surface or a wear plate. Your choices would be SST or Plastic.

I would go with a piece of Stainless about .050" thick that has just a few screws around the edges to hold it in place. Make a template out of Cardboard and most sheet metal places could cut it for you.

[Randygh]

My boat was equipped with a small roller at the tip of the bow. I built a small teak bowsprit and mounted the roller at the tip. It works very well. I always lower my anchor by hand and raise it with the windlass. The rope locker is deep and I've never had a problem with a "birds nest." The windlass is wonderful when pulling the anchor if there's a long rode and a stiff breeze.

[jturbo]

Great idea! I think I'll do that. Get a cut out on cardboard and take it to a shop to get that done. Not sure if I'll go with plastic or stainless, plastic would be quiter and look nicer I think. Plus there is less of a chance of cutting myself on it while working with it.

Thanks for the great ideas everyone!

[Nehalennia]

I can make the bow sprit. I have some circa 1940's indonesian Mahagony. I have attached a picture of drawers of a "Boat Desk" I made my father out of the same wood.Let me know your thoughts. Skol, Todd

[jturbo]

great work! that looks very nice from the picture, but I have the roller and bow cradle already built into the boat, I think I'll just use some sacrificial material to keep the boat clean from scratches. thank you though!

[Nehalennia]

No Worries, Good Luck!

[SomeSailor]

Beautiful woodwork btw!

[Nehalennia]

Thank you- SomeSailor