| Living on a sailboat was something we did for 8 years, | | | | the windlass is a necessity. Never ever install a |
| all in the Caribbean. Anchoring out for free was our | | | | windlass without one...it takes all the stress off the |
| favorite way of spending the night. The ability to come | | | | windlass. A lot easier to replace a bent pin than a |
| into an anchorage drop the hook, with no yelling, was | | | | windlass. A snubber, is a must have as well, it will |
| the mark of the pros that had done it well many times. | | | | provide a backup to the chain lock to relieve stress on |
| Part of the necessary equipment was a good anchor | | | | the windlass...it will also mean better sleep as the rode |
| windlass. Why?... because in the Caribbean, I do not | | | | can get noisy at night. |
| cruise anywhere I cannot wear swim trunks, 200 feet | | | | When using the windlass make sure you never use it |
| of all chain rode, a 35 lb (minimum) CQR anchor, all | | | | on taut rode. The chain should always be slack as you |
| handled by a motor driven windlass was a necessity. If | | | | are pulling it up. The exception is when you are |
| you wanted to sleep well...anchor drill at 2AM is not | | | | breaking out the anchor. If it does not come up easily, |
| fun...trust me. | | | | put the chain lock on, give yourself some slack, and try |
| We had a vertical Lewmar and were well pleased. | | | | to get it out using the engine... a few times back and |
| About the only catch was occasionally the breaker | | | | forth and you can usually get it up easily. I had to dive |
| would trip and the chain jamming in the locker...should | | | | on a fouled anchor once...no problem in 12 feet of |
| not happen often if you are paying attention. We had | | | | water. |
| hand signals, no yelling, me on the foredeck, the bride | | | | Living on a sailboat is a lot of fun...keep it that way with |
| manning the helm. | | | | a good anchor windlass that you respect and take |
| The key to using the windlass as a back saver was | | | | good care of... It will save your back. Enjoy. |
| not to abuse it. An anchor lock a few inches in front of | | | | |