Anchor Retrieval

[Nellie Too]

I was thinking about the possibility of my anchor (a new Rocna) getting stuct on the bottom in snags or other types of litter and bought a 6" galvanized thimble. I bent the opening adequate to clear the chain so it can be lowered down the anchor line to the anchor. I am going to drill a whole through the opening so I can install a bolt after it is placed over the line. I will buy a cheap 100' line to attach to the thimble so when I lower it over the anchor and I can pull the anchor backwards to free it. Just another crazy idea.
Bob
Nellie Toll

 

[RProffer]

The Rocna has a hole at the other end of the shank so a safety line can be attached to pull the anchor in the event it is stuck. You could attach a float to the free end of the line so others will know where your anchor is, and so you can retrieve it when necessary.

 

[Nellie Too]

What you say is very true, but I don't want to have two lines going to the anchor every time I launch it when I may never need more than one. The additional line may also need to be longer that what I invision because it would have to follow the anchor line and I don't like the idea of an additional inflatable bouy. Thanks for the input.
Bob

 

[CaptMac]

Hi Bob -

I obtained a large galvanized ring - for the next time my anchor gets unexpectedly stuck (one of mine is still lying on the bottom at Hope Island). I plan to slip it over the rode (from the bitter end), leave the rest of the rode in the dinghy, attach a short piece of chain to the ring and attach a fairly long line to the chain/ring, then using Island Ranger - try to pull the ring down the anchor line, over the chain rode and all the way to the anchor so I can pull from the other direction. It isn't always the anchor itself that gets snagged - sometimes the chain wraps around things. I haven't tested this, but at least it will give me something to try. -

I've been trying a trip line & buoy system, but haven't mastered the technique yet - it keeps getting tangled.

Mac

 

[Nellie Too]

Thanks for your response Mac. The reason I decided to use a thimble is so that I can just put it over the chain or anchor, of course forward of the davit. You can see some new pictures in our photo album. Looking forward to see you guys soon.
Bob

 

[bbrh842]

For some reason, when morons in other boats see the buoy marking your trip line, they feel compelled to drive over it with their boat.

 

[CaptMac]

Hi Bob -

I was thinking that the inside diameter of the thimble is too small to slide down past the chain and get to the shank of the anchor. You'll be pulling it along the chain while it lies on the bottom...it will be at an angle..Humm..

I know - next time you go out - give it a try! - It sure looks easier to attach - don't have to disconnect the rode from the boat. I like that!!

Mac

 

[Nellie Too]

Hi Mac,
I thought if I get the anchor stuck I would use the windless to tighten up on the line then insert the thimble on the line and allow it to lower to the anchor before I try to lift it. I realize that trying to drag the relief line across the chain laying on the bottom would not work well. Does that make any sense to you ?? I greatly respect your opinion.

p.s. next time we're out we will try it.

Thanks Bob

 

[CaptMac]

Sounds worth a try -

I figured I wouldn't be pulling on the anchor rode since you need the rode slack to pull the anchor free. Of course, if you did it in two steps - tight achor rode and position the thimble, then loosen the windlass so you can pull the anchor free - that would fix it.

Let me know - although I really hope I don't have to use it 🙂

Mac

 

[Nellie Too]

Hi again Mac,
You are right. My thought was to slack the line before I would try to pull the anchor away. I'm with you, I would rather not have the problem but my experience tells me it's better to be prepared for the worst and expect the best.
Bob

 

[Nellie Too]

I added some new photos of the anchor thimble for your pleasure to demonstate how it will work. If you are interested I would be happy to make you one for a reasonable price.
Bob