In the real world, one anchor isn't always enough...

by Malcolm Young

In mid March (2006), on the message forum, John W posted a question regarding how to add a second anchor/chain/rode to the one anchor locker. 

Let's face it, one anchor just isn't always enough.  Sometimes we need a specialized anchor for a grassy, sandy, or rocky bottom -- for in heavy weather, we might want to put a second anchor out there for added safety.

The factory installed the second roller at my request when the boat was built. The second roller was installed after the deck was on via the access port in the chain locker. I expect it helps to be double jointed.... I believe the roller is from a C27...but I am not sure – perhaps someone here will recognize it and let us know.

As can be seen, the molded shape of the chain locker makes it a relatively simple matter to divide the locker in two. Install a wood block through-bolted into a backer block on the aft side of the chain locker. You do need to remove the forward bulkhead in the V-berth to install the backer and put the nut on the bolts. If you do that, you might as well run in a washdown pump at the same time.

The divider is made from 3/4" Starboard cut to shape. Make sure it is cut to stop several inches above the drain in the bottom of the chain locker. The edges are all rounded and a handle is cut into the divider.

Capacity

The port side of the split locker is larger. I use this for 200' of 5/8" braided nylon rode and 40' of 5/16" chain for the main anchor (a 35lb CQR which is kept on the starboard roller).

The starboard side of the chain locker is used for 180' of 1/2" braided nylon rode and 20' of 1/4" chain attached to an anchor (similar to a Danforth) hung from the port side of the bow pulpit.

You could put a little more rode in both compartments, however this depends on how high you make the divider. I would suggest it be made as high as the access port.

Usage

As you may have noted, the rode from the large anchor on the starboard roller goes to the port side locker and vice versa for the smaller anchor....despite what you may think, there is method in my madness. I shall explain...

   - The port roller is too short for the main anchor.

   - The line and chain for the main anchor is bulky and the port side of the division is bigger.

   - As can be seen from the second photo, the chain runs off the winch into the port side of the divided locker and I virtually always use the winch to lift the heavy chain and anchor.

I manually retrieve the rope rode and chain for the small anchor. The winch can still be used if desired, however I have no problem manually retrieving the anchor as the chain and anchor are fairly light – 22lb anchor and about 10lbs of chain (this is not a storm anchor, however it does well in sand and mud due to the broad flukes).

The rode for the small anchor crosses under the rode for the main anchor. The fact that the rodes cross needs to be allowed for but do not cause a major problem . The small anchor is cleated on the port bow deck cleat (or from the stern) while the main anchor is cleated to the starboard cleat or the cleat in the chain locker. Thus, when both anchors are in use, the parts of the rodes that are under tension do not cross.

I would agree that this approach might not be for everyone, however I like to have two anchors of different design available for difficult situations. I can't keep the second anchor at the stern as there is no place to hang it given the stern pulpit seats, the MOB pole, the barbeque and the outboard. There is no room in the cockpit lockers as they hold a larger Zodiac roll up dinghy, a 6 person life raft in a valise, fenders, and a pile of other stuff – so the bow is the only choice and the chain locker is big.

Malcolm Young
Shimarak II
C36 MK II #2183
http://www.shimarak.net