R29 Anchor Lock

[NSM]

We have a 2021 R29 that has an anchor roller that is covered by the bow pulpit that makes it difficult to tightly secure the anchor without using the windlass. If I use tension from the windlass to hold the anchor it sits nice and still in the roller while underway. However, I don't think I should be using the windlass to create the tension needed. I tried today to use a chain hook and the cleat next to the windlass to secure the anchor using a dock line but it couldn't create enough tension to keep the anchor from riding loose and swinging a bit. The angle also seems wrong to do so. I have a 12kg Vulcan anchor that needs a bit of tension to keep it firmly seated in the roller.

Has anyone come up with a solution to this dilemma?

Cheers,
Scott

 

[HookedUp]

On the boats I've had with a windless we always used the windless to keep the anchor tight and an anchor safety strap in case the windless should allow it to loosen.

I've never looked for a different way to bring the anchor tight as when the boats were purchased that is how the anchor was rigged and it seems to work well.

 

[gswearin]

There’s another thread on this recently that provides suggestions. I use a light cord with a washer on the end, slip it through the anchor shaft and tie to the small cleat in front of the windlass. I have a 2021 R29.
Gary

 

[Rocky]

On our 2018 R29, the "bail" at the end of the anchor roller does a great job of holding the anchor in place - but it is a pain to reach - as you said. I use a boat hook to move it - but I don't always secure it that way.

I do always use this-
I made a rope with a "clip" to snap into the anchor chain and and it is permanently wrapped around the base of the windlass. I pull the anchor all the way up, then snap into the anchor chain with my hook and release most of the tension from the windlass.

This results in a "Belt and Suspenders" method of making sure the anchor doesn't release itself. When the bail is down, I get a third line of defense.....
I hope that helps.

Rocky

 

[NSM]

Thanks all. To sum it up:

1. It’s ok to keep tension on the windlass
2. Use a line and the cleat as a backup should the windlass slip
3. TugNuts is an awesome source for information

 

[FWTMD]

Personally, I wouldn't keep tension on the windlass.

Some strategy to tie it off with / without a chain hook or similar would be safer.

The real issue is your Vulcan. Arguably the very best anchor there is, but its flaw is it just won't ride well on any roller I've seen.

You can see the dynamic in this testing video. This guy tests everything. A great resource.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z05gayWeRs&t=1268s

 

[SJI Sailor]

+1 that I would avoid tension on the windlass if possible. I'm not familiar with the seating of Vulcan anchor, but for our Rocna I use a Mantus small anchor snubber line.

It clips to the chain or retrieval point, runs up the roller, and ties off at the clear. It holds all the tension so I can slightly let out the chain; then the windlass serves as backup rather than primary. To deploy, pull up the tension with windlass, untie the snubber, and then unclip it.

 

[NSM]

Epilogue: I added a Mantus anchor guard and that holds the Vulcan anchor nicely with a little tension from a dock line run through a chain hook to the chain. No need to cinch up the windlass to hold it.

 

[dgiles]

I wouldn't worry too much about a little tension on a windlass. Using a windlass to hold a boat at anchor is bad due to the jerking, etc, but simply using an electric motor to hold some constant tension generally doesn't have any ill effects. Lots and lots of boats do this.....