Windlass on a 323

[Geoff K]

This applies to a 323 but other models may have similar arrangements. Has anyone added or seen a windless that uses the forepeak space for rode storage? Is it feasible? Would it cause odors in the v-berth? If there is a long chain in the rode is the weight a problem?

Has anyone had a windlass installed to empty into the existing anchor locker? How high must the windlass be and how is it mounted.

These questions because most windlass mounting directions ask for 12" of drop for the rode. That can't be done with a surface mounted windlass in the 323's anchor locker.

Any suggestions for windlass mounting appreciated.

Geoff

 

[PSTEVEN]

I can't be sure it will work on your boat but on my Pearson 36-2, I cut the bottom out of the forward half of the anchor locker and glassed a new bottom into the space in the forepeak, then glassed a back side on it to seal it off from the boat, reaching this through the hatch in the v berth. Don't forget you will need a new drain hole near the new bottom. I bolted down the front half of the anchor locker hatch with a heavy aluminum angle straps to use as the base for the windlass. The back half still opens so that I can use the rear portion of the original anchor locker for storage (I keep the wash down hose in there among other things.) It seems to work fine with plenty of drop for the rode.

 

[Geoff K]

Thanks Steve, that helps. It may be a bigger undertaking than I can do? I like the secondary storage idea. Does the 36-2 have a bulwark up front? The 323 has about 6" bulwark at the forepeak decreasing going aft to end about 8-10 feet back. It means the windlass has to be elevated off the deck about 5-6".

Geoff