Anchor Chain Piling Up

kordo

I have had issues with my anchor chain (110 feet) piling up and jamming my windlass.  I finally decided to take a look at the installation and noticed that the hole cut in the deck was not according to the template supplied with the windlass.  The second pic shows what I assume was the factory installation, they drilled 3 small holes in a row, instead of the 3" hole shown in the template.  This is the Lewmar Pro-Series windlass.  I removed the windlass (an awkward job) and drilled a 3" hole as shown in the first pic.  The chain now falls in a shorter pile and doesn't jam the windlass.  I think the larger hole allows the chain a bit more room to fall in a wider circle and therefore a  shorter pile.  If you are having a similar problem, it might be a good idea to check on how the factory or previous owner installed your windlass.  



  

YYZRC

Brilliant!  Mine piled up and jammed last time out (had never happened before) and it was annoying to say the least.  I only have 60' of chain, though.

LaRea

Ditto -- I have 60 feet and it does jam up every now and then.  I might have to try this solution.

@kordo what was awkward about removing the windlass?  Just reaching the bolts?  Gotta be a 2-person job, right?

kordo

LaRea, yes, just reaching and undoing the nuts and then putting the nuts back on along with the washers.  Did it myself and only suffered stretched muscles and a few scratches.  A further note, I was pleasantly surprised at the more than 2 inches of depth of the platform that the windlass sits on.  Needed to charge my portable drill a couple times to drill the hole.