Electric windlass on CD 31?

[jen1722terry]

Hello fellow sailors!

Jenn and I would like to install an electric windlass on our CD 31. Concurrently, we would like to add 60 - 100 feet of chain rode (probably 5/16 hi-test) spliced to 200 feet of nylon.

We were wondering if any other 31 owners have installed similar systems, how the installation went and how the windlass performed.

We do know that adding this much weight near the bow could be a safety problem, but our boat squats a bit anyway, from the davits, dinghy, motor and solar panel (atop the davits) and this added weight could help trim the boat a bit.

Any advice from 31 or other owners would be most appreciated.

Good luck with the fall sailing. Sadly, we're hauling Glissade around 10/8 so we can get a jump on repairs and winterization.

Jenn and Terry

[wizard]

hello Jennifer and Terry, I too have a Cape Dory 31 "Kathryn" I do not have a windlass either but have wanted to also place one. It would need to be offset to clear the staysail pedestal. I divided my chain locker with the port side carrying 90 feet of chain and 200 feet of rode and the starboard side carries 60 feet of chain and 160 feet of rode. Port side anchor is a 33lb CQR plow and Starboard is a HT Danforth. I like to anchor for a storm every time I anchor, I surely don't want to have to re-anchor in storm conditions. When you figure out the windlass position please let me know, it surely would make retrieving the anchors a bit more easy lol. Randy

[jen1722terry]

Hi Randy,

Sorry to be so late responding to your helpful post on the anchor chain. We've been getting the boat ready for winter up here in Nova Scotia and have temporarily tabled the windlass/chain issue.

We've decided to ask Jim Walsh for photos of his foredeck where he has installed a Lofrans Royal manual windlass. We were looking at our foredeck today, and winch placement is a problem, as you know, with the staysail boom, as well as the small fore-aft length of the anchor locker. The winch will have to be offset to allow for the crank handle to clear the boom, which may may is less effective to handle the road on the opposite side of the boom. It would also have to be aft of the aft end of the anchor locker to work with both anchors. Hence, our desire to see Jim's photo of his deck.

On the chain length, we've been back and forth on this, but 90 feet on the primary CQR would be very nice in some situations (particularly down in the Bahamas, if we ever get there). So we think we'll follow your lead and go with 90 feet. Not sure about the second anchor yet. We have a 25 lb. Danforth but also a nice, light 15 lb Fortress which is a fine anchor, but one that would certainly benefit from a longer chain lead to keep the flukes at a good angle to the bottom. Much to consider.

We're going with the Lofrans manual windlass for safety, after reading some sad tales of finger/toes caught in electric windlasses, burned out motors, wiring issues, etc. The manuals seem to crank as fast as electrics, as long as the crankers don't tire. We can work in shifts.

Again, thanks for the thoughts, and we'll let you and the other know how we install the windlass. And do enjoy the last of the glorious fall sailing!

Jenn and Terry

[wizard]

Hi guys, thanks for responding. Dick Spangler also has or had, not sure if he sold his 31, (his was on Lake Lanier in Georgia). He removed his staysail and pedestal, I think, for a while, and had a windlass installed just behind that area. I'll try and contact him and see what modifications he did. Thanks for keeping me in the loop of information. Have you divided your anchor locker into two areas yet? You could always bring your boat to Fl. and you wouldn't have to winterize it, lol We sail 12 months a year.