[gailwins]

I have a plow anchor on a windlass and would like some suggestions on finding a way to make it self launch.

Right now I have to loosen the chain and then go on the bow to push the anchor forward before I can go back to the helm and lower the anchor.

Any suggestions?

GW

This is the best picture I have.

 

[MakoMike]

Convenience may not always be the best route. Having you anchor well secured is very important. I've seen several vessels that sunk because their anchors deployed accidentally and the rode got wrapped in the wheels completely disabling the craft in a dicy situation.

 

[boloranks]

you have to get the right anchor roler.

the breaker anchor roler works great, all u have to do is hit the button down and it free fall the anchor.

 

[6to8ftSeas]

This one should do the trick. It pulls up straight when pulled taut and gravity makes it drop. I usually hold the line at the console of my boat and let it drop when I am in position and it never gets hung up.

you can find them at west marine or boaters world and they're not that expensive. make sure you mount with stainless hardware.

 

[DarthBaiter]

Get a Delta self droping anchor.

 

[Lattitudechange]

Second that.

Loose that plow anchor and get a Delta. No need for a pivoting roller with a Delta.

 

[gverb1219]

Lattitudechange wrote:
Second that.

Loose that plow anchor and get a Delta. No need for a pivoting roller with a Delta.

I switched from the Delta to the Plow anchor a couple years ago and will never go back to a fluke style anchor

My plow anchor had trouble dropping on it's own because I didn't have a self launchinig bow roller. So, what I did (on my other boat) was put another roller on the pulpit near the middle / end of the anchor shaft. It was enough to keep the weight of the plow anchor forward and launch on its own.

If you don't want to spend the $$$ on another roller, you can also keep the shaft of the anchor a bit elevated using a block of wood mid way.

And depending on the room, your could always remount your existing roller so it pitches forward / downward a bit.

But, you should ALWAYS travel with the anchor secured to the cleat or with a safety chain / hook.

 

[Fishbust]

accidental deployment...

Seocnd what 6to8 and gverb post, just change the angle, add a little more chain, whatever to let gravity make it fall.

I use a lanyard and tie to the bit so the anchor cannot be accidentally released or an internal failure inside the windlass. When I am putting around dropping anchor here and there, say for flounder fishing, then the lanyard if off. Not a big deal once in a while to go unclip the lanyard for the once a day drop the hook for lunch.

 

[boloranks]

6to8footsea, thats the one i have, and it work great never get hangup,

 

[DarthBaiter]

gverb1219 wrote:
Lattitudechange wrote:
Second that.

Loose that plow anchor and get a Delta. No need for a pivoting roller with a Delta.

I switched from the Delta to the Plow anchor a couple years ago and will never go back to a fluke style anchor

Delta isn't a fluke/danforth type.

S.S. Delta

Danforth/fluke

gverb1219 wrote:

If you don't want to spend the $$$ on another roller, you can also keep the shaft of the anchor a bit elevated using a block of wood mid way.

That would be the best way. I would use marine tex and fair it out to make look good.