how to add bow cleats on hunter 26

[Brithi]

Hi, I read a closed post (Brian W.) about adding cleats on a 26 foot Hunter. I am not certain how to go about this since there is very little space on deck to install them and a plate underneath. We mainly sail on lake Champlain and often spend nights at anchor or mooring. It would be nice to reduce the "swinging" back and forth and I think two bow cleats would do the job. Can anyone tell me if this is possible and safe ?

 

[Benny17441]

Yes it is possible and safe but I do not think installing a pair cleats will stop the boat from swinging at anchor. Instead of a backing plate considering the displacement of the boat you could use some sturdy washers.

 

[cephius (Dave)]

The only way to prevent swinging at anchor is to set more than one anchor. Another anchor off the stern would do. This only works if you are away from other boats swinging on a single anchor.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

In the Carolinas, I use to let the boat swing on one anchor as most boats will point into the wind. No way to control the wind. Putting a second anchor out tends to create more issues particularly at the coast. If on a lake, then maybe a second anchor but the area will dictate and the best advice to you sir is ask the local old salt sailors as their advice to that area will be much better. In hurricanes when anchoring out, I use to find a good holding area and threw a heavier anchor out to the east with chain and heavier line (long line), dug it in by backing up and then threw another out to the south with the same set up and never lost a boat. Make sure you use chafe protection where the line goes over the boat if doing alot. I learned this from the experienced locals and not weekend warriors.

 

[Hugh Straub]

When anchoring in a slow moving Louisiana bayou a second anchor off the stern will keep you from swinging your vulnerable rudder and stern mounted motor on to the bank.

 

[Brithi]

Thank you all for your advice. We have used a second anchor at times but you have to be extra careful since the wind tends to turn during the night (then you know what happens: all on deck !!!).
Returning to my question about adding cleats, what I really need to know is if there is space on each side of the anchor locker to put in a backing plate. I would put in access holes in the anchor locker but I want to make sure there is a hollow space to install the plates. There is only about two inches of deck to screw the cleats on and I don't think washers are strong enough.

 

[John23883]

Two cleats on the bow

I removed the single cleat on the bow and put two in it's place. I also added a stainless plate to protect the bow from the anchor chain. There is an aluminum plate imbedded in the fiberglass under the existing cleat. I drilled and tapped for the new ones. The plate was not perfectly centered and only the one side was fully in the plate, the other one was half in. I added a 3/4 inch by 4 inch bar under the one that was half in and put washers and nuts on it. They work great.

 

[Mergatroid]

I removed the single cleat on the bow and put two in it's place. I also added a stainless plate to protect the bow from the anchor chain. There is an aluminum plate imbedded in the fiberglass under the existing cleat. I drilled and tapped for the new ones. The plate was not perfectly centered and only the one side was fully in the plate, the other one was half in. I added a 3/4 inch by 4 inch bar under the one that was half in and put washers and nuts on it. They work great.

Hey john, how about a better shot of that anchor roller. How did you back it?

 

[John23883]

Here's another picture

I drilled extra offset holes in the roller and bolted it through the cabin/hull joint. I banged it good on a pier post and it didn't budge. The anchor latch, I bolted through the hull which was a pain because I had to remove some flotation foam stuck to the wall and add an aluminum backing plate.