R23 Anchor Windlass

Hi,

I noticed in some pictures I came across of the R23 that the anchor locker, although fairly wide, is not very deep and I was interested in what owner's experiences have been using the windlass. It would seem that the chain would build up under the windlass and eventually jam unless you manually push the chain to the side periodically. Have any owners had any issues with the windlass operation and what combination of chain and rope do you use? I prefer all chain and would think this would be the best way to go with the anchor locker configuration on the R23 even if you have to push the chain our of the way periodically.

Thanks,

Don

Don:

We've had an R27 and now and R29S with 50' of chain and 200' of rode. In both boats the chain/rode has to be pushed aside in the locker one or two times as it is brought up into the boat.I would imagine the R23 is the same. I would suggest asking the factory about any chain weight limitations they may recommend for your R23.

Jim F

The anchor retrieval is best done with two people. I actually never use the anchor control at the helm. I ease up the chain tension with engine and the admiral retrieves the chain and anchor using windless. We have the chain marked every 10ft so after 10 ft comes in she organizes it in the compartment if this is not done the chain will pile up in the locker. I am adding a raw water wash down in my anchor locker this winter so we can rinse the chain and anchor when retrieving. All chain is good put really over kill for a 23'. A lot of extra weight and the 5/8" anchor line is more then adequate. Most of our anchorages are in protected coves or small inlets with water depths of 8 to 10 feet. I use 5 to1 ratio which normally is all chain. Rarely do I have much rope rode out unless we are in unprotected water then I use a minimum of 7 to 1 ratio. Its all preference and what you are comfortable with.
Brian Brown
Cutwater 26
PORT-A-GEE

You're a lucky man, Brian. Last time I cried "Foredeck HO!" my wife said "Ho, Ho, Ho yourself and see how you like it!" So I am the guy that gets to relocate the chain in the locker. All boats are compromises -- Ranger trades the depth of the chain locker for the headroom in the forward berth.

Only problem I had with the windlass was that it did not self deploy. After fixing that I deploy and retrieve from the helm with no issues. Rope, chain and anchor as received from factory.

Thanks for your feedback. How does the windlass work when retrieving a combination of rope and chain into the locker. Does the rope take care of itself or do you have to guide and coil it during or after retrieval? For the R23 I would think 5/8" rhode would be overkill and would likely reduce the chance that it would coil itself in the locker without assistance. I would think 3/" rhode would be adequate.

Don

Tugforme":3uc69vcu said:

Thanks for your feedback. How does the windlass work when retrieving a combination of rope and chain into the locker. Does the rope take care of itself or do you have to guide and coil it during or after retrieval? For the R23 I would think 5/8" rhode would be overkill and would likely reduce the chance that it would coil itself in the locker without assistance. I would think 3/" rhode would be adequate.

Don

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I purchased the windlass because I did not want to have to climb up front every time we would anchor. After solving the non self deploying issue it works fine. Have never looked to see how the rope and chain sit in the locker. Probably anchored 40+ times with no issues. We only anchor in 30' or less depth so maybe that helps?

I downsized from 5/16" to 1/4" HT chain on my R-25 and use an all chain rhode. Never ay problems deploying or recovering and it stacks without assistance. The factory rope/chain splice went through the windless about 90% of the time - less as the splice aged. It was a well done splice, but getting worn as the number of anchoring instances rose.

The all chain pile - about 120' - is sufficient for Florida and Bahamas in-shore anchoring - can't remember the last time she was over 10' when I anchored.

I replaced the wildcat with a 1/4" unit when I downsized.

Lenny and Louise":1zpsep3f said:

You're a lucky man, Brian. Last time I cried "Foredeck HO!" my wife said "Ho, Ho, Ho yourself and see how you like it!" So I am the guy that gets to relocate the chain in the locker. All boats are compromises -- Ranger trades the depth of the chain locker for the headroom in the forward berth.

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I agree Lenny I am a lucky man. Loral does a great job with anchoring, lines and fenders for docking,but there are many times she say's HO, HO, Ho, yourself and see how you like it !!! While onboard !!! Sometimes she uses different words though!!! :lol:
Brian Brown
Cutwater 26
PORT-A-GEE