Sorry for the rookie question, but can you use an anchor roller/mount correctly without a windlass?
We have ordered a smaller CC (23 ft) and it comes with a stainless steel anchor roller, but I am trying to figure out if I want this or not. I am NOT getting an anchor windlass, so my question is how does the anchor stay tightly secured underneath the anchor roller after pulling in the anchor when there is no windlass?
If there is no chain on the anchor line, I believe I could simply tie it tightly to a cleat within the anchor compartment. But, with the chain, I am concerned about whether I can tightly secure the anchor after pulling it in because it seems to me it will be difficult to tie the chain tightly to the cleat inside the anchor compartment. I would think you could get it relatively tight, but it seems like even a little bit of leeway will cause the anchor to rattle a lot every time I hit a wave.
Am I missing something here? I found an old post on thehulltruth where a lot of people with smaller cc’s used them and loved them, and I am assuming they did not have a windlass anchor system considering some boats were 20-21 feet.
Let me know what you think, I just don’t want to end up with an anchor roller on the front of my boat that I don’t want. I am only concerned about securing the anchor to the roller after pulling it in. Thanks in advance for any help.
you’re probably going to want chain on your main anchor no matter what. if you do decide to use the bow roller, make sure you get an anchor that tucks up snug into it and get a chain stopper, or better yet, a chain tensioner to make sure is doesn’t bounce around while underway.
As baracuda said, you need chain. The anchor won’t hold without at least 15-20 ft. of fairly heavy chain. The weight of the chain forces the anchor to bite. If you plan to anchor on the local reefs etc. you might think about a wreck anchor made out or rebar. It will bend if it gets stuck on something. Your really need that and a standard large danforth or something similar. Don’t skimp on the anchor or you’ll waste a lot of time trying to get on spots. If you’re worried about pulling a heavy anchor without a winch get one of these http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1I_TaSduWc
I think my question was misunderstood…I know that I need chain attached to the anchor, and I wasn’t concerned about being able to pull the anchor in without a windlass. My only concern was how to keep the anchor snug to the roller after pulling it in since it seems difficult to tightly tie a chain around a cleat. I don’t know much about these things, but it looks like I need to get a chain stopper or chain tensioner as barracuda said. Someone else recommended a bungee chord which I will also look into. Thanks for the advice
If get that option installed they should bolt a piece of plastic coated cable in the anchor area with a clip on the end of it. When you have the anchor stores slip the cable to one of the chain links to will hold the anchor right to the boat. I hope that makes sense. Personally if it where me and you are not getting the windless I would not get the roller option. Seems like it would be a pain in the butt to me.
If there is a cleat on the bow, simply tie it off. If not, get an anchor stop at West Marine and mount it on the deck between the anchor and anchor locker. If there is no room for that, post a picture of the bow of the boat so we can see what you are dealing with.
BTW, you shouldn’t use a windlass to hold the anchor tight on the pulpit anyhow, you will bend the shaft in the windlass (says he who learned the hard way).