R31cb Anchor Wash

Joined
Jul 22, 2020
Messages
12
Fluid Motion Model
C-302 SC
Hull Identification Number
FMLT3110F415
Vessel Name
MV BRIZO
We have a 31cb and I’m considering attempting to run a fresh water line up to the anchor locker and adding a connection/fitting like the one under the shore power connections in order to make use the pump that circulates lake/ocean water for washing down the anchor.
If any of you have attempted or completed this project, please post up how it went. I’ll use any help you can offer on whether this is even feasible or not.
Andy
 
I added a washdown water line to the anchor compartment in our R-27 Classic. I Teed into the existing wash down line just downstream of the pump, running the new line to the port side above the batteries. It was relatively easy to push a PEX tube forward on the port side along the hull to emerge forward of the microwave, then under the V-berth cushion and up the stem into the anchor locker just below the deck. It helped that the anchor locker is not sealed off from the interior of the boat. A right angle fitting and short tube leading to a ball valve, hose fitting and coil hose with spray nozzle completed the washdown line. The only hard part is remembering to turn on the wash down pump before heading to the bow to pull up the anchor. You also have to pull the coiled hose out of the anchor locker prior to pulling up the rode. There are two nearly identical sizes of PEX tubing and fittings used on marine and residential applications, but they are not interchangeable. Fluid motion may use the residential size, but you need to check. I do not remember.

It is very satisfying to wash all the mud and organic matter from the chain and anchor when raising the anchor, then rinsing the mud off the fore deck.

Barry Thompson
TOUCAN, R-27 Classic
 
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I have posted photos of my install in the C26 that I owned. I know that the run for the water line may be different but the basic idea will be the same. Get a water line from the wash down pump aft to the anchor locker at the bow. I also installed a tee fitting at the raw water wash down pump. From there I installed a ball valve that was accessible aft. This was my insurance that in the event of a hose leak between the aft section of the boat and bow I could shut it off. Much of the hose run is not easily accessible without taking some of the monkey fur panels off. I also did a 120V power run and an TV cable run at the same time. The link I posted shows the basic install.

The anchor wash down proved to be useful during our Partial Loop that we accomplished in our C26 ( about 3000 miles). Many times the galvanized chain and Rocna anchor came up with a lot of mud. I would say the was down was more useful for the chain. But I did use it each and every time we pulled the anchor to clean the tackle.

After selling the Cutwater we purchased a 34 Mainship Pilot. One of my projects was to install a anchor wash down. It could have been done, but not as easily as in the Cutwater. There are few removable bulkheads, most are fully glassed in and are used for separating sections of the boat for strength and safety. After accessing the project I decided not to install the wash down. Instead I researched the use of stainless tackle. My question was, will the mud, sand, and bottom crud stick to the stainless as it does the the coarse finish of the galvanized anchor and chain? After some research and asking boat owners that had a " pretty anchor" hanging off the bow. I determined that this was worth a try. If it doesn't help I still have a "pretty anchor and new tackle. I purchased a stainless chain and a stainless M2 Mantus anchor. I could not use a Rocna design anchor because it would not fit my anchor roller assembly because of the roll bar. Plus the cost of the Rocna Stainless steal was twice as much as the Mantus. I was in need of new rode and chain because I did not know the history and age of the tackle that came with the boat when I purchased it. The cost of 5/16 SS chain and 200' of 24 plait rode was just over 900.00 from a company located in Cape Coral Florida. AnchorLift. They made the chain rode combination for me and I picked it up at their facility. ( We were there for the winter, shipping is free, nothing is free! I was given a better price because I picked it up.)

The results that I experienced. We completed the Loop last fall. We dropped the anchor more than 100 times ( I really don't know how many but over 100 easily) We anchored in rivers, bays, coves, fresh water, salt water and I did not have to clean the chain once. After 14 months of cruising there was no mud build up in the anchor locker. The anchor would come up with clumps of mud. I cleared the mud by a couple of drops back into the water or dragging it on the surface at a idle speed. The mud would just slide off. The anchor and chain were stuck in mud, sand, rocks, weeds...... It looks no different today than the day it come out of the shipping crate. It was money well spent and it looks "pretty".
 
Does the R31 have a cockpit wash down connector? Our C30 did, and our solution was to use one of the expanding garden hoses. Just run it up to the bow when needed.

I agree that a washdown is very helpful. And keep the anchor locker drain clean (plus some plastic deck tile in the bottom ...)
 
Thanks gents,

Barry,
What you described is exactly what I had in mind.
I know it will be straight forward getting a line extended under the v-berth, just not sure about the last 10 feet or so to the locker. I’ve never been in a R27 so not sure how close our v-berths are to each other. I’ll check out pictures on RT’s website.

BB,
We bought the same SS M2 for our R-31. I didn’t go as far as you and buy new SS chain, but I have to say the anchor does look sharp hanging off the bow. I did end up buying a 2nd chain/rode that I have in tha starboard locker along with the original anchor as a backup in case we ever get hung up and can’t retrieve the M2. Fingers crossed that won’t happen.

SJI,
Yes we have cockpit wash down connector. Attaching a hose and extending to the bow is a plan b for me when we’re doing heavy cruising, but I’d like to eleminate deploying and restoring a hose if possible.
 
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