Adding Depth (deadfall) to anchor locker in 35.5 Legend, 1990

[Steverhnm]

Has anyone modified their anchor locker to increase the deadfall so you can put an adequate amount of chain/rode and not have to sit there and sort/adjust the rode on the intake? I really need to be able to deploy my bow anchor from the wheel. I have a switch at the helm, works great but if I don't add some depth I will forever be required to send someone forward on the intake (bringing it up)

I was thinking of just carrying down the anchor pit, while I lose about 1 Ft of legroom in the Vberth, it will be well worth it. What I don't know is the structure behind it. I think we have an internal "pan" to cut through and then all we see is the exterior hull. I would glass in a new wall giving me the depth I need and a drain to the outside at the new depth, which is above the waterline. Add a cone of some type to keep rode from piling. I try to never assume anything, so I thought I would seek advice...

Any thoughts, opinions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[JamesG161]

You Anchor Locker is design to keep you boat water tight.
I would never modify that design.

There a few post on the "Pile up" the Cone idea seem like a good one. Use a Traffic Cone might work.
Jim...

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

Hi Steve, I have a 34 and I have done that mod and kept the anchor locker such that the boat is still water tight. Attached is how I did it. FYI on my 34 I did not loose any space in the V-berth ! Hope this helps. Good luck

 

[Steverhnm]

I have no question I have the skill sets to modify the locker and keep the boat watertight. The depth of the locker is < 12", it is just not workable for someone that cruises (sea of cortez) with it. The locker would not be deep enough even with expansion ( I estimate to be at least 18" deeper and would start at the first lateral support in the locker (where wiring comes out of-keep that little 3" self and go down from there., I would make a cone for it. As far as added weight, adding 8-plait on a splice is no big deal. Adding too much chain for the design might be... but I sit well on the waterline, pretty even athwartships and bow/stern.

 

[Steverhnm]

NICE JOB! Thanks for sharing, Exactly what I was looking for, I'm sure that while our boats are a little different, not too much different. I suspected a pan liner there. Just trying to be thorough as taking stuff to Mexico - list has to be complete as possible. I single hand a lot-setting an anchor in a difficult situation can be disastrous if you have to leave the helm and go forward - at the least, challenging.

Not too long ago my seawater intake clogged (solid clog-disassembly of intake was required) right at the mouth of an inlet to the bay, fortunately I was able to deploy the jib and sail out-but an anchor to stop movement to the lee shore should be a plan B....