What do you think would be the smallest anchor chain size for a drum type anchor winch?
Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 5:56 pm
Hi All!
Given the “ah don’ts move or scamper like ah used ta do” aspect of life we are considering adding a more mechanically assisted means of dropping and retrieving our anchor(s).
We are looking at a variety of means to accomplish this such as a vertical or horizontal chain/rope motorized capstan and the requisit modifications for chain and rope locker(s) as well as a horizontal drum winder ( like those nice Aussie sailors are sometimes using).
Given that a 7-to-1 scope ratio for anchor line/chain deployments and an estimated average anchoring depth of 20 feet that puts us at roughly 140 feet deployed.
Horizontal and vertical capstans are limited in chain size options and that impacts storage space and carry weight requirements. (One needs a ratio length of chain to drag the sea bottom to make the anchor work properly).
Some vessels store the chain and the line separately to avoid tangles.
Horizontal drum winders (like the Aussies use) simply wrap up everything on the drum. This also allows everything to remain above deck if so desired saving interior space and related modifications to facilitate chain-fall requirements, chain storage and anchor line storage. The weight rides higher with a drum but there is also an option to use a “buddy” weight to help keep the chain/line parallel to the sea bed.
While “buddy” weights are typically used with rope anchor lines this poses a wear/chafe problem. Chain resisted rock and coral chafing better than nylon. There is no reason we can see at this time why a lighter Chain couldn’t utilize a “buddy” weight. The lighter chain provides some weight, the “buddy” weight keeps it parallel to sea bottom and the drum doesn’t care about a specific chain size. Combining lighter chain/“buddy” weight/nylon anchor line might make a lighter more adaptive system fora cruising Mac26X.
So this opens up the question of what size chain could one use that would provide sufficient holding strength but not over burden the weight aspect unnecessarily.
So whatdoyouthink?
Given the “ah don’ts move or scamper like ah used ta do” aspect of life we are considering adding a more mechanically assisted means of dropping and retrieving our anchor(s).
We are looking at a variety of means to accomplish this such as a vertical or horizontal chain/rope motorized capstan and the requisit modifications for chain and rope locker(s) as well as a horizontal drum winder ( like those nice Aussie sailors are sometimes using).
Given that a 7-to-1 scope ratio for anchor line/chain deployments and an estimated average anchoring depth of 20 feet that puts us at roughly 140 feet deployed.
Horizontal and vertical capstans are limited in chain size options and that impacts storage space and carry weight requirements. (One needs a ratio length of chain to drag the sea bottom to make the anchor work properly).
Some vessels store the chain and the line separately to avoid tangles.
Horizontal drum winders (like the Aussies use) simply wrap up everything on the drum. This also allows everything to remain above deck if so desired saving interior space and related modifications to facilitate chain-fall requirements, chain storage and anchor line storage. The weight rides higher with a drum but there is also an option to use a “buddy” weight to help keep the chain/line parallel to the sea bed.
While “buddy” weights are typically used with rope anchor lines this poses a wear/chafe problem. Chain resisted rock and coral chafing better than nylon. There is no reason we can see at this time why a lighter Chain couldn’t utilize a “buddy” weight. The lighter chain provides some weight, the “buddy” weight keeps it parallel to sea bottom and the drum doesn’t care about a specific chain size. Combining lighter chain/“buddy” weight/nylon anchor line might make a lighter more adaptive system fora cruising Mac26X.
So this opens up the question of what size chain could one use that would provide sufficient holding strength but not over burden the weight aspect unnecessarily.
So whatdoyouthink?
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