Self launching anchor

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sneks1

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Jan 8, 2025
1
Catalina 42 mkII Port Adelaide
Hi I have recently purchased a C42 MkII, which currently has the original Stainless steel offset double anchor rollers fitted to the bow and a what appears to be a Rocna 25 (or similar).
The current arrangement is not self launching, ie in order for the anchor to fall off the front bow roller it needs to manually pushed forward until the anchor is pivoting on the front roller and chain is under the rear roller.
I am very happy with the anchor just trying to find a solution for self launching.
(Attached please find image of bow rollers described (I’m at anchor atm so no image of the actual anchor).
Any advice appreciated- thanks in advance
 

Attachments

D

dlochner

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Jan 11, 2014
12,332
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
Darn boat designers who can't anticipate changes in anchor technology some 20 or more years later. I have a similar issue on my boat (not a Catalina), I just give it push with my foot. At least on my boat, there is a sweet spot for the amount of slack in the chain before it is launched. If there is too much slack, the shank hits the bottom of the furler, if there isn't enough slack the anchor won't drop. When the slack is just right, the anchor slides forward and launches easily. It takes a bit of practice to get it right.
 
Kings Gambit

Kings Gambit

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Jul 27, 2011
5,119
Bavaria 38E Alamitos Bay
My.bow roller assembly tilts. I just elevate the shank some, the rollers rock forward and the anchor begins to slide down.
 
Davidasailor26

Davidasailor26

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May 17, 2004
5,446
Beneteau Oceanis 37 Havre de Grace
We had a Delta anchor that always needed a kick, then we upgraded to a Mantus and found its self-deploying. Unfortunately the Mantus has the roller furling drum interference issue Dave mentioned if we don’t retrieve it at just the right speed.
 
Rich 35.5

Rich 35.5

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Jun 4, 2024
30
Hunter Legend 35.5 Charleston SC
While I haven't tested this yet, mcaribiner.jpgy plan when single handing is to use a quick release snap shackle with a trip line run to the cockpit. Hang the anchor over far enough to self deploy, and trip the shackle when you are over your spot.
 
D

dlochner

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Jan 11, 2014
12,332
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
Rich 35.5 said:
While I haven't tested this yet, mView attachment 229322y plan when single handing is to use a quick release snap shackle with a trip line run to the cockpit. Hang the anchor over far enough to self deploy, and trip the shackle when you are over your spot.
Click to expand
That seems over complicated. I've done a lot of solo anchoring lately. In a safe area the boat is stopped, I go up to the bow and prepare the anchor for deploying, putting the chain on the windlass, releasing the chain stopper, and detaching the safety line. Returning to the helm I move the boat to the desired spot walk to the bow and drop the anchor. With a little luck there is enough wind or current for the anchor to set itself (it is a Spade), if not a trip back to the helm to back down is necessary. Attach the snubber and we're done.
 
kloudie1

kloudie1

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Nov 6, 2006
10,007
Hunter 34 Mandeville Louisiana
Remove the aft (upper) roller.. and try it.. you may have to drill and move the roller further aft , but try it without that roller.
 
jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,290
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
From your explanation, it sounds like the shaft of your anchor is pulled snugly onto the bow roller, putting the pivot point well back from the front of the roller. I suspect this is to make the anchor secure on the boat while you are cruising.
If you are in heavy seas, that is a safe approach.

Three ways of dealing with the challenge come to mind.
  1. Keeping the present arrangement, manually move the anchor forward and dangle it as you set the boat up to anchor.
  2. Add a way to secure the anchor further out on the roller.
  3. Create a setup that pulls the anchor forward to the point that it will self-launch.
Whatever you do, there will be compromises involved.

Indeed, the easiest is Number One. Solo sailing I find that simple is the best solution. Secure while cruising through heavy seas. I move to the bow while approaching my anchorage to clear the rigging, and anchor pushed forward - dangling, in preparation to anchor.

Number Two idea: I found a brace on Mantus Marine that holds the anchor forward in the bow roller and, at the same time, protects the bow fiberglass from being dinged. You would need to decide if this works on your bow roller.

Number Three: You may be able to rig a line that permits you to pull the anchor forward near the end of the roller. Only testing and careful design will allow this setup to always function. Lines have a way of getting tangled. This could foul up the whole system should it occur at a critical time. I consider this the most compromised approach.
 
DArcy

DArcy

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Feb 11, 2017
1,754
Islander Freeport 36 Ottawa
I have a similar process to @dlochner for anchoring solo which works well. It can get more exciting retrieving if there is a breeze blowing. Trying to get the anchor in the right orientation to flip over the roller take a few seconds while I'm starting to drift downwind. A couple times I had to leave it hanging to get clear before going forward again to stow it. Fortunately my boat has a long bow overhang so the swinging anchor has not contacted the hull but it makes me very nervous.

Any suggestions on making retrieval easier would be wonderful. I do like the idea of the tilting roller @Kings Gambit mentioned but I don't know if I have room under the furler and my roller is welded to the headstay chainplate.
 
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