anchor issues

[mikestein]

I do not have an anchor locker which is really starting to bother me. Right now I keep my anchor in a plastic crate next to the engine, so every time we anchor, I have to fight my way back through the kids, move stuff off the engine cover/sunpad, carry the anchor and rode back up, etc etc. I've tried keeping it under a bow seat, but it bangs around too much in there, and there's not enough room to keep it in some kind of box. Would it make sense to mount a small anchor roller in front of my bow light -- the kind that could also serve to secure the anchor? I was thinking I could do that, then also install a cleat and stow the rode in my little bow compartment in between the two bow seats. Or would that look bad on a 185? Any other solutions, ideas? It is really getting to be a pain. Why any boat does not have a dedicated anchor locker is beyond me.

 

[Dave S]

If it will fit in the bow area, that's where I would keep it. Try taking a swimming noodle and cutting it up to provide some cushion for the anchor on the ends so it doesn't bang around. You could slit the noodles length wise to fit over various portions of your anchor. I have used pieces of hose on my Fortress anchor to pad it because it is stored in the rear compartment on my Sundancer. But I actually think a noodle will work better.

 

[Asureyez]

Some times you just ...

Need to think differently about the problem.

Rather than bring the Mt. to Mohamed, bring Mohamed to the Mt.

I sense a SR your size would not benefit greatly from an anchor roller.

Try this. Flake your anchor line so you can get to say 10 feet of the end of the line with the rest ready to run out out your crate, with the anchor and chain on top of the nylon.

Put your stern where you want your anchor to drop ... and slip in the hook over the stern quarter most easy to handle the line from. Then pay out the line you want out for scope and cleat it off as the boat drifts or the Mate slowly powers off away from the hook in the direction of your drift, just barely pumping the shifter in/out of gear while throttles are in idle.

Once set, then walk the line to the bow and cleat it off.

Retrieving the anchor perform the maneuver in reverse.

When retrieving from the stern, it is best to bring in the line hand over hand so the props don't become entangled. Store your anchor crate where you will and you're off.

No extra hardware required, not lost weekend making a mod you don't really need.

 

[mikestein]

perfect. sometimes it takes a fresh look at the problem to get past the clutter of over-thinking! thanks!

 

[Nehalennia II]

..............my only add is a Rubbermaid type box with holes drilled in the bottom for drainage, which fits the space. This way there's no way the line can get snagged or bounced into the engine pulleys or moving parts that may cause real damage. Have a matching box for the spare prop/tools. I agree with Chad that the roller is excessive for your issue. Good luck!

 

[SeaRide]

Simple solution: Think outside the box.

Simply purchase a 230BR. I understand this particular model has an anchor locker and some may even have a Fortress FX-7 anchor :grin: .

 

[mikestein]

Just let me know when you're ready to sell. I'm right down the road!