Securing Windless When Not In Use

aero3113

The 330 is my first boat with a windless. Do you guys secure the chain to the cleat in the locker when it’s not in use? Are there any stories of the anchor dropping without notice? Is it possible for that to happen?

LaRea

Should I secure it?  Yes.  Do I?  No.  Never had one come loose.  

Liberty44140

On my 342 I did add a line with a hook just in case. Never had one come loose but if it ever did it would wreak havoc on the drives so I added it. Obviously Rinker didn’t think it was needed so it must not be a big deal, but my cruisers came with a built in hook to keep the anchor from falling. 

Willhound

I usually secure mine. Just a short friction strap. Have not seen it happen but have been told it can. Just seems to make sense to me to take the stress off the gypsy gears. 

aero3113

Would make sense to secure it. 

Liberty44140

This is what my cruisers has, easy to rig up the same.

Ian

The Lewmar manual actually states not to use the windlass to secure the anchor but to secure with alternate means. I bring mine up to 4-6” fully up then with 2 bungy cords on the anchor I secure back to cleat - 2 so 1 is backup (and one snapped just before winter layup). That way the anchor is secure and there is no tension on the windlass.

aero3113

@icoultha the way how you secure it makes sense.