Rode counter - worth installing or not?

[Chris & Lenore]

The "windlass deal" I picked up a few weeks ago included a Maxwell rode counter. I'm curious if anyone has used one - is it worth installing?

I looked it up at Defender and it's $400 (on sale) but I hate to cut another hole in the boat for something I may not use.

I guess I could replace the voltmeter on the engine panel with the rode counter - the engine panel voltmeter doesn't really tell me much anyway.

The windlass came with a helm station remote so the counter might be useful in conjunction with that?

Advice? Is it just a "gadget" or actually useful?

Chris

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|2276108|2276149|2276150&id=930886

 

[woodster]

for $400.00 i can do a lot of rode and chain marking...my concern would be if it lost count and you sucked your anchor up in to your bow roller...not sure i would trust these things

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

I always mark the rode, and count marks. Got better uses for $300.00

 

[Kings Gambit]

I always mark the rode, and count marks. Got better uses for $300.00

I imagine the counter is intended to be used with the remote control. Can't "count marks" on the rode if you're in the cockpit at the helm station! Actually, the answer to the OP's question depends on whether or not he's single-handing much or intends to. If the anchor is down and you want to get it up quickly, say in a strong blow that makes you want to leave, and you're it--you and you alone on the boat, a helm remote with a rode counter could be a good solution, especially when there may not be enough room leeward to allow scurrying back to the helm to get the boat going in the right direction b/f blowing onto something hard.

 

[Chris & Lenore]

I won't be saving any money - it was free. Well, it came with the windlass which was a "right time, right place" deal for $150 (brand new Maxwell HRC-8).

Form the advert, one of the main features of the rode counter is an alarm to warn when the anchor is almost up.

The unit counts revolutions of the windlass gypsy using a magnetic switch. I'm also concerned how accurate it can be with a chain & line rode.

We tend to anchor out a lot. With our previous boat it was almost every weekend all summer plus a couple two week trips (North Channel, Lake Champlain, etc.). I'm always with my wife, so always have help. She could handle the anchor on the previous boat but not on the new one.

It's starting to sound like a "gadget" for the type of sailing we do. Maybe I'll EBay it and cover the cost of the windlass.

Chris

 

[Benny17441]

Sounds like a gadget to me. I have painted markings at 50' increments and that works well enough.

 

[MrBill_FLL]

if its new in the box, I'd try to sell.

if its been used, I'd try it on a temporary mount. like attached to some starboard at the helm or in a plastic electrical box.

I'd also paint the rode as a fail safe.