Free falling anchor issues

Post by **mhanna** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 10:05 pm

I just finished installing a windlass and have an issue with the anchor not releasing. I dont believe it has anything to do with the windlass, it has more to do with the way the bow pulpit is designed. There is just too much of the neck on the pulpit and when the tension is released it seems the anchors weight is on top of the pulpit and its not falling.
I had a danforth type and now tried a 14lb delta. The delta is a little better but it still needs a kick to get it going. I am thinking I may need a heavier one ? Im sure many have had this issue, anyone overcome it ?

Matt

jcollins · Post by **jcollins** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 11:13 am

Hi Matt,
I have seen other TE owners mention the same thing. I have to give mine a little push (usually it's Sharon doing the pushing) to get thngs started. I have the plow type anchor. I always thought it defeats the purpose of a windlass but it's better than doing it by hand like I did on my last boat.

Speaking of anchors, what do you use as a second anchor?

Post by **Pitou** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 11:54 am

I hang a 22 lb. Delta fast-set anchor off a universal anchor roller. The anchor releases 9 out of 10 drops. Not bad. I have boat buddies who have to send someone bow side every time to give things a nudge. You can find different types of anchor rollers made for each type of anchor. This may give an advantage.

I also keep a 7 lb. Fortress Aluminum anchor stowed as a secondary and use this anchor when on the offshore fishing grounds. No time to wait for a windless retrieve when "fish on". I just throw the inflatable ball and go. Retrieve later.

Post by **mhanna** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 10:45 pm

I hear ya, a kick from the wife works, but after saying that I wanted the new freefall, well I just dont want to hear it everytime I ask her to go up there, do I have to make it work !

For my freefall issue, I may have to try the 22lb version, the 14 just looks too small.

I used to carry a small fortress as a second anchor to keep me from spinning in coves and such. But seeing as this is the first season for me with the 28TE I will have to see if its big enough....

Post by **DougSea** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 1:54 am

My Delta doesn't "self-launch" when I lower the windlass. I think it's a combination of a non-rolling roller and the angle the anchor sits in the pulpit.

The non-rolling I'll try and fix with some WD-40. Might help, might not.

As for the angle, I'm thinking of mounting some sort of cross piece perpendicular to the anchor rode. This would keep the shank of the anchor elevated just a bit and might help it drop when I release the windlass. Can't really describe it, I'll have to mock something up and take a picture. Maybe next weekend.

The other option would be to reconfigure the pulpit somehow so that the anchor flukes sit lower. On a lot of boats the anchor is stored under the pulpit with the rode coming up through it. Something else to think about.

Post by **mhanna** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 1:56 pm

I hear you with the cross piece.. see this link
http://ecatalog.westmarine.com/zoom.asp?page=228
The part AR4/5 standing upright might work, but I know there will be a loop needed or the chain rope may bounce off.
I played with it and if the anchor was to stay off another 3 inches it would have enough leverage to fall by itself..I will have to keep trying.

On my old boat I would bump into reverse/forward ect to make it fall. I wish to fix this now...
AND I just got a call, its going in this Friday !!! You know where I'll be.

Matt

Post by **Russell** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 2:18 pm

The pivoting bow roller shown on the same West Marine link is what will solve the problem but I do not know how easy that is to fit on our pulpit.

Post by **mhanna** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 3:31 pm

I saw that pivoting one in the store, it is almost 3 inches wide. The one on the Albin now is about an inch wide. I dont wish to make this a fiberglass thing

Matt

tomcat rio · Post by **tomcat rio** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 7:05 pm

my windlass installation should be done next week

Post by **DougSea** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 7:43 pm

Russell wrote:The pivoting bow roller shown on the same West Marine link is what will solve the problem but I do not know how easy that is to fit on our pulpit.

I've been thinking about this and I wonder how hard it would be to convert my current roller to a tipping style. Make a couple of brackets, drill through the sides of the roller and mount it on a pivot.

Going to have to give this some more thought...

I suspect that making sure the roller actually rolls will give me the most bang for my buck.

Post by **Mariner** » Tue May 01, 2007 12:23 pm

We use Bruce anchors up here in the muddy Northwest, and they always require a kick to roll off the pulpit. Changing the roller is an option, but it's never really bothered me that much. I usually just go up there and slack the chain about a foot and push it over so it's halfway over the roller and ready to drop when I find the right spot.

Albin Owners Group

Albin Owners Group

Free falling anchor issues

Free falling anchor issues

well, that's good to know