Stabilizing 33 pound claw anchor on bow roller

[Jim Larson]

Hi everyone. . I am new to the group. I have had a big frustration with a problem I can’t solve. I’m hoping someone here can help!

I purchased a new Catalina 315 (hull #71). The chain/rope/chain gypsy would not work with the specified 1/2 inch polyester line (or with other numerous lines tried) braided to the 5/16 inch chain. Part of the problem is that there is quite an angle from the port side of the windless where the gypsy is located, to the starboard bow roller. Windlass manufacturer and my rigger concluded, after consultation, the best option was to go to all chain, and use the port bow roller for proper alignment . But the lid for the anchor well is not set up with opening on port side, which will not allow me to tension on the chain and anchor. As a consequence, the anchor is quite loose. I cannot stabilize it with a line to a cleat and/or stanchion base. That is, I am unable to pull it tight enough to make the anchor flush with the stock bow roller. To stabilize previously, I tightened the chain so that the anchor was firmly tight on the starboard bow roller until the anchor was immobilized.

My anchor is a 33 pound claw, which is a Lewmar knock off of the Bruce. It is as if there is a mismatch between the size of the anchor roller and the anchor, but I’m not sure that’s the case. The design of the anchor, if that is the case, would require a very large bow roller which would not fit. So that line of thinking is barking up the wrong tree.

Thanks in advance.
Jim Larson

 

[Jim Larson]

Hi everyone. . I am new to the group. I have had a big frustration with a problem I can’t solve. I’m hoping someone here can help!

I purchased a new Catalina 315 (hull #71). The chain/rope/chain gypsy would not work with the specified 1/2 inch polyester line (or with other numerous lines tried) braided to the 5/16 inch chain. Part of the problem is that there is quite an angle from the port side of the windless where the gypsy is located, to the starboard bow roller. Windlass manufacturer and my rigger concluded, after consultation, the best option was to go to all chain, and use the port bow roller for proper alignment . But the lid for the anchor well is not set up with opening on port side, which will not allow me to tension on the chain and anchor. As a consequence, the anchor is quite loose. I cannot stabilize it with a line to a cleat and/or stanchion base. That is, I am unable to pull it tight enough to make the anchor flush with the stock bow roller. To stabilize previously, I tightened the chain so that the anchor was firmly tight on the starboard bow roller until the anchor was immobilized.

My anchor is a 33 pound claw, which is a Lewmar knock off of the Bruce. It is as if there is a mismatch between the size of the anchor roller and the anchor, but I’m not sure that’s the case. The design of the anchor, if that is the case, would require a very large bow roller which would not fit. So that line of thinking is barking up the wrong tree.

Thanks in advance.
Jim Larson

 

[Benny17441]

Install an anchor stop with a pin to the side in order to secure the anchor chain tight on deck. Remove the pin before deploying. No need to put the strain on the windlass.

 

[SV At Last]

I just use a bungee. Hook the anchor chain and the cleat inside the anchor locker.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

A photo of your existing setup would go miles towards coming up with a solution ............. from non Cat owners.

 

[sailme88]

IF this is a NEW boat, I guess the best place to sort this out is at Catalina....

 

[jssailem]

But the lid for the anchor well is not set up with opening on port side,

Can you change the way the anchor well lid opens? Move it to ope on the port side?
Pictures might help others think about your problem and develop a solution.

 

[Tom J]

My boat came with the Bruce, but I have since gone to a Delta and then a Manson Supreme. What worked well for all my anchors was to install a snap-over-center tie down for the chain that pulls the chain tight and secures it. I mounted it on the forward bulkhead of the anchor locker, just below the cutout on the locker cover. In addition, I tie a short line through the anchor eye and the stem fitting for the fore stay for added security.
Welcome to the Catalina family!

 

[Sailfanatic]

anchor chain tensioner?

 

[Tom J]

anchor chain tensioner?
View attachment 188354

That's similar to what I use, yes. Mine doesn't have a pin, but it should, since it has popped loose once or twice.

 

[Tom J]

The chain tensioner is mounted vertically on the forward part of the chain locker.

 

[marchem]

That's similar to what I use, yes. Mine doesn't have a pin, but it should, since it has popped loose once or twice.

I just run a small line from the cleat at the aft end of the locked thru the end of the anchor and back to the cleat. Holds the anchor tightly, easy to install remove, costs nothing. Or maybe I’m missing the question?

 

[DaveJ]

I do the same as Marchem.

dj

 

[Tom J]

I just run a small line from the cleat at the aft end of the locked thru the end of the anchor and back to the cleat. Holds the anchor tightly, easy to install remove, costs nothing. Or maybe I’m missing the question?

As I understood the issue, the OP can't run a line from the anchor to cleats, etc., to tension anchor chain, so this, I think, is a solution to keeping the anchor chain tight and the anchor in place on the roller. I also keep a small line on the stem fitting to tie through the anchor eye for additional security.

 

[RoyS]

 

[RoyS]

Two marine bungies with stainless hooks. Fast, simple, inexpensive, and safe.

 

[Ron20324]

Uummm... Post 11, are you using that rope gypsie to handle the chain?

 

[Tom J]

Uummm... Post 11, are you using that rope gypsie to handle the chain?

No. I have had to manually haul the chain in by hand. With the Admiral on the throttle, I haul in the slack until the chain is vertical, then secure the chain on a cleat while the wife powers up to break the anchor loose from the bottom. Then I haul the chain up through the bow roller. So far, we haven't anchored in very deep water, so this part has been manageable.