Pivoting Self-Launch Bow/Anchor Roller - R23

I saw this self-launch bow roller on an R27 this past wknd. I would like to have one of those on my R23 if possible so that I could deploy my anchor from the helm. Has anyone done the conversion?

Please recognize that the R23 has a unique advantage to the R27 or R25: substantial distance between windlass and roller. This gives you the opportunity to strengthen the system that is difficult to be accomplished on the R27/25. First thing you'll realize if you consider changing rollers is that there is no way to access the existing fasteners to the factory Fluid Motion (FM) roller without cutting an access hole in the anchor locker. If your interested in self launching and strengthening the system consider adding a Mantus BR1 bow roller (https://www.mantusmarine.com/bow-roller/?v=28886f13f578)

The beauty of the Mantus bow roller is that there is a flange with a slot (https://www.mantusmarine.com/wp-con...BOW-ROLLER-DIMENSIONS-2020.pdf?v=28886f13f578) to accommodate their Anchor Mate system, below the base of the unit. We merely used this flange as a bracket to thru-bolt to the FM roller. We did drill two holes in the FM roller that lined up with the flange slot for proper positioning on top of the FM roller. We drilled the holes with the FM roller in place using a centering drill bit to establish the hole and then a step drill bit to get the size we needed (1/2")

Once we determined the positioning of the Mantus on top of theFM, we took measurements for the teak plank. On our boat it was a 1-1/2" height. We chose 4" wide by 17" long to provide the best surface for mounting the Mantus Bow Roller and for the anchor chain to run. Mounting the plank was a simple process since full access is available in the anchor locker.

We removed the FM Bow Roller's bail and roller. We drilled out the holes for the bail (forward holes) and thru bolted using the "axle tube" of the original roller. In addition, we put a bolt through the holes for the roller (aft holes) for additional rigidity.

The Mantus bow roller comes with the mounting holes pre-drilled; problem is that the forward two holes are unusable (too far forward) so we drilled two new holes about 2-1/4" further aft to align for thru-bolting to the anchor locker below.

Once fully mounted, this provides a surprisingly strong fitment: we retained all the strength of the original system while adding the independent robust mounting of the Mantus system. The new roller is almost 4" forward of where the old roller was giving a lot more room for bigger anchors. Additionally, we were able to use the Mantus Anchor Mate to secure the anchor firmly when housed.

Let us know if you need more details or have any other questions.

That is quite the robust system. Possibly more robust than I need but worth considering. Thank you.

Certainly, it is a sleep-well-at-night solution and allows a much larger anchor to be stowed without hitting the stem. This system has held us securely in over 50 mph steady with 2-3 sea state. What you'll find with these "light weight" boats, that they swing violently at anchor putting excessive side loads on the bow roller. There is an R23 at a marina near us that has it's FM bow roller twisted like a spaghetti. At the very least, an anchor bridle is a must.

We replaced the pivoting part of our anchor roller on our 2023 R27 with the Mantus roller. On the R27 it was a relatively easy swap out.

I did have to drill 2 holes in the Mantus roller to line up with the holes securing the original pivot arm.

We use a heavier Vulcan anchor and launching / retrieval is smooth.