Drilling Hole in Anchor

[Bob]

I want to get a new Bruce anchor for my 320 and have heard that it doesn't fit properly on the anchor roller and that a hole may have to be drilled so that the anchor pin can go thru it.My question is, will this degrade the strength of the anchor itself?

 

[Ed Schenck]

Yes, but probably not enough. . . .

to matter. Obviously depends upon the size of the hole. I just hung a new CQR over the bow and the pin points right at the middle of the shank. So do I drill it or just bolt a bale over top of it? The bale would keep it from jumping the roller and I could secure it with the chain. The hole would only be about 3/8" but I think I will go with the bale.

 

[Colin]

Go through the middle

If you drill a hole through your anchor, try to go thought the center as that is where you will have the least effect on the strength. You want to keep the edges intact is possible as this is whefre the stress will be transmitted to.

 

[Trevor]

Look at the weakest link in the entire system...

...it's probably the point where the cleat attaches to the fiberglass. I don't think your Bruce is going to bend or crack before something else breaks, even with a hole drilled in it. I drilled a 1/2" hole in the center of the shank on both a 33lb. and 44lb. Bruce for my boat, in order to accomodate the holding pin. I needed the 1/2" hole to allow for the pin and the little locking piece to easily fit. I used a drill press, as the hole was right on the angled portion of the shank in the center and would want to walk all over the place if done by hand. Go slow, use cutting fluid. I'm not concerned about integrity of such a beefy anchor!Good luck!Trevor

 

[Carl and Juliana Dupre]

Ours Too!

Ours is an H340 with a 33-lb Bruce; same thing; had to be drilled for the retaining pin. We were a bit concerned when first told that it had to be done, but Trevor is absolutely right; no way is that beefy shaft, even holed, the weakest link in the system.Carl and Jules/v 'Syzygy'