windlass question

Discussions about Cape Dory, Intrepid and Robinhood sailboats and how we use them. Got questions? Have answers? Provide them here.

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camroll
Posts: 84
Joined: Aug 21st, '10, 16:21
Location: CD 36 "Nutmeg" located Rockland, Maine

windlass question

Post by camroll »

On my CD 36 the hawse hole for the anchor chain is quite far from the windlass and at a right angle. It is such that when cranking the manual windlass I have to keep tailing the chain all over the deck. What do people do about this? I would debate moving the hole to a place that the chain would just fall through but I'm not sure there is room next to the bowsprit. any suggestions?? Thanks
Russ
John Stone
Posts: 3621
Joined: Oct 6th, '08, 07:30
Location: S/V Far Reach: CD 36 #61 www.farreachvoayges.net www.farreachvoyages.com

Re: windlass question

Post by John Stone »

Hi Russ,
A hawes hole goes through bulwarks. Deck lines pass through it. A deck or chain pipe is what you are describing. Todd Mills informs us it’s called a spurling pipe if there is an actual pipe below deck. I think that’s kind of interesting. I’ve being learning to call my deck pipe that but have not mastered it yet.

Anyway, attaching a picture of what you are describing always helps the forum members better answer your question.

My boat is different than stock CD 36s...but, the issue is the same. The pipe needs to be positioned so the chain can fall naturally into the chain or rope locker. Doesn’t matter if it’s a vertical or horizontal windlass.

So You need to think about either moving the windlass to the hole or the hole to the windlass.

Picture below is how I set up my windlass. It’s a joy to use. Others will chime in.

Post a photo if you can....
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
camroll
Posts: 84
Joined: Aug 21st, '10, 16:21
Location: CD 36 "Nutmeg" located Rockland, Maine

Re: windlass question

Post by camroll »

I guess my real question is what do folks with manual windlasses do with their chain while cranking up the anchor? Do you just pile it on deck and then flake it down the hole? John I'm thinking you are correct and I need to move the hole but I'm just wondering what anybody else does. Thanks
Russ
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wikakaru
Posts: 839
Joined: Jan 13th, '18, 16:19
Location: 1980 Typhoon #1697 "Dory"; 1981 CD22 #41 "Arietta"

Re: windlass question

Post by wikakaru »

Every boat I've ever had that had a windlass had a straight drop from the gypsy into the chain locker. No handling of any kind was needed.

Even if you have the luxury of a washdown pump, and especially if you don't, the chain always has mud on it that you don't want to have to handle and you don't want getting all over your decks and sails.

I agree with John Stone--if the chain doesn't drop straight off the gypsy into the chain locker, you should either move the windlass or move the hole.

Smooth sailing,

Jim
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