Enlarging anchor locker

Status
Not open for further replies.
A

Andrew Brayshaw

I would be interested to hear if anyone has tried to enlarge the anchor locker on a 34 by cutting thru the bottom and using the void underneath. I am about to fit an electric windlass and would ideally like the chain to store unattended so a greater drop is needed. Another idea I thought about was to install a hawsepipe from the bottom of the locker right thru to the space under the vee berth.This way the weight of the chain (I carry 150ft of 3/8th chain) would be alot lower in the boat.The only thing I am not sure about with this idea is there would be no self draining and I am not sure whether an auto bilge pump would do the job properly. Any ideas welcome. Thanks Andrew
 
T

Tom

Interested as well

Andrew, I'll be interested to see what you come up with. I've thought about this and would like to use the space under the V but do not want the mud in the bilge. Lowering the bottom of the anchor well might be an option...I need to measure that area and see if a new bottom could be put in a bit lower. Tom
 
S

scott wilson

Andrew, check the photo/project forum

as there are a couple of anchor locker projects done on the 37C, basically cutting out the locker molded in to the deck, installing a new floor joined to the hull sides. Scott
 
F

Frank Walker

Need a Bigger Chain

Andrew, have you considered spending the money on a smaller size chain. 3/8" chain is storm material for a 34 hunter. Put the 3/8 chain in the bilge in case of a hurricane and get some 5/16 or 1/4" hi test. It will probably be cheaper and won't involve reworking the anchor locker.
 
E

Ed Schenck

Hawse pipe idea.

I am one of those who opted for the pipe to the keel. Most of my H37C brethren have tripled the size of their locker. But I am too lazy to do all of that fiberglass work. And I wanted the chain low in the boat, right on the keel. I mounted my windlass in the locker on a glassed in 3/8" plywood pad. This places the chain hole about 3/4" higher than the locker bottom. With the slope and a clear drain I should not get rain or wave water down the pipe. Mud and water from the chain is another problem(not entirely solved yet). I glassed in a 3" PVC pipe with a 4" adapter on the end where it goes through the forepeak and into the chain locker. The 4" adapter acts like a big funnel so the chain will not hang up when paying out. I have one problem to solve. The keel area is pointy enough that the chain will wedge under the pipe and not always slide to the bottom. So I will have to glass in a little "sliding board". But I sure like having that locker empty and 150# of chain down low. Plenty of room in the locker for 100' of rode and a Danforth lunch hook. Pictures to follow, hopefully this week.
 
A

Andrew Brayshaw

Best solution

Hi Ed I really think what you have done is the best solution even though it creates the problem of removing water from the space under the vee berth. I am going to install a hawsepipe as you have and work on the problem of removing the water as I go along. I am still trying to work out if I can link the lowest point in the forward space to the bilge for the shower so water would be pumped out via the auto pump. Failing that, I will install its own pump. I would still really like to see the pics when you have them. Many thanks Andrew
 
F

Fred Ficarra

Ed (and all) here's what we are doing on our 34

We use 1/4" high test. I have 100'. It is spliced to 200' of 1/2" rope. This is all hooked to a Bruce for the starboard side. Normally we anchor with two hooks. The port side anchor is a Fortress with 250' of rope and short chain. (two rollors too) This is all handled with a S/L windlass. On our web site you can see a picture of Epitome' after the tarps are off. Note the factory anchor locker drain hole. Below it is the new drain hole for the locker that will take over this duty. I'll probably cut out the locker bottom soon. The key to making this work is the 1/4" high test. 3/8" is way too big. Especially 150'. No need. Also check out how the windlass is mounted. Have fun Ed. I don't want to hog all this good stuff.:)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.