Anchor Rode won't feed

dwna1a

Well-Known Member
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Apr 23, 2012
5,974
James River
Boat Info
88 Weekender 300 "Seahorse"
Engines
Twins 350
So, today was spent replacing my old rode. I did ordr a swivel that I will place when it comes in. My problem right now is the new rode won't feed into it's locker it just jambs up. SeaRay says this that the boat call for 5/8s line and that's what I have. Have I made a mistake on is there an adjustment that need to be made?
 
Hey Shipmate, there's this spring loaded Finger on the windless ( it puts tension on the windless feed) that Fubars when the spring looses its expansion energy. Most people have a problem when the line ends and the splice and chain go through. Do a search on the site!!
 
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What windlass do you have? Makes all the difference in how to fix the problem as you are going to get a ton of answers involving "a finger". Most of the windlass designs used in 1988 Sea Rays had no fingers..............
 
If your old rode was the same diameter and fed correctly, was it more flexible? If so, you might try soaking your new rode in fabric softener.

Good luck, Art
 
What windlass do you have? Makes all the difference in how to fix the problem as you are going to get a ton of answers involving "a finger". Most of the windlass designs used in 1988 Sea Rays had no fingers..............
Thanks for clearing that up Frank!! :grin:
 
Benson, it does have a finger with a plastic screw adjustor
 
If your old rode was the same diameter and fed correctly, was it more flexible? If so, you might try soaking your new rode in fabric softener.

Good luck, Art

The old rode appered to be smaller, when I ordered this one I used the manual for my boat
 
First thing you should try is removing your anchor and feeding the rode all the way out in a protected area of your cruising grounds. Make sure the bitter end is secure in the locker. Some rodes have a "set" similar to a garden hose. Letting the rode all the way out and backing down without the anchor will get rid of any twist in the line. Once fully extended, retract it into the locker. In most cases, if you equipment is functioning properly, this will solve the problem. Re-install your anchor with a swivel, add your stainless steel safety wire on the pin and you should be good to go.
 
My old 1987 30ft Sea Ray had a Benson windlass and would only take 1/2in line when Benson/Sea Ray said 5/8in. :smt021

I'll bet yours only takes 1/2in also. :smt001
 
My old 1987 30ft Sea Ray had a Benson windlass and would only take 1/2in line when Benson/Sea Ray said 5/8in. :smt021

I'll bet yours only takes 1/2in also. :smt001

That's my fear right now....what the hell am I gonna do with 200' of 5/8. I wonder if WM will do an exchange?
 
That's my fear right now....what the hell am I gonna do with 200' of 5/8. I wonder if WM will do an exchange?

Looks like with a bit of work you'll have two new sets of dock lines. One to leave at the dock and one aboard for travels. :grin:
 
Get a new windlass and some chain to splice to it!

Boy it sure is easy to spend OPM. :grin:

MM

I looked into that already...... I think that's off the table for now, those things are pricey!
 
The original line only windlass on our '91 310/330 has a Goody windlass that takes 1/2" line. The windlass itself is stamped with the specific anchor rode size. Goody offers replacement anchor rode that is color coded so that you visually know how much line you have out. The cost through Goody was a little bit more than WM, but not a lot and the visual reference is handy.
 
I took a good look at the windlass before I went back to WM. I couldn't find any other info other than what my manual states. I took a measurement on my old rode and it was 1/2. WM refunded me for the line and had a 1/2 200' line in stock. As soon as the rain stops I will give it a try. Finding the correct swivel will be the next issue.
 

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