Friends of mine had a very nice boat. Well maintained and a real beaut. Not giving the brand because I think it's irrelevant and I don't know the brand of the windlass.
Anyway, they dropped anchor and set it and then got into their dinghy to visit friends downwind of their boat. After a short visit, they were heading upwind in the dinghy to go to store for dinner and maybe a few drinks. As they were passing the bow of their boat, the wife noticed the anchor was out of the water and heading for the bow roller. They boarded their boat and were able to get the anchor back down and set but had to turn off the windlass breaker to keep the windlass from bringing the anchor back on board.
I can't recall the cause of the failure but my friend always turns off the windlass breaker now after setting the anchor. Seems like a good idea to pass along.
Me? I still haul my anchor by hand but I have a tagline with a hook that reaches the spinnaker winch at the mast if it proves difficult to hoist.
Anyway, they dropped anchor and set it and then got into their dinghy to visit friends downwind of their boat. After a short visit, they were heading upwind in the dinghy to go to store for dinner and maybe a few drinks. As they were passing the bow of their boat, the wife noticed the anchor was out of the water and heading for the bow roller. They boarded their boat and were able to get the anchor back down and set but had to turn off the windlass breaker to keep the windlass from bringing the anchor back on board.
I can't recall the cause of the failure but my friend always turns off the windlass breaker now after setting the anchor. Seems like a good idea to pass along.
Me? I still haul my anchor by hand but I have a tagline with a hook that reaches the spinnaker winch at the mast if it proves difficult to hoist.