Anchor question

[saltypat]

I have an old Endeavour 33 new to me. This forum has helped me a few times already- here is my next question.

My anchor is in a well near the bow. (I have just stowed in that well a nice new Fortress anchor). There is no anchor roller or central cleat on the bow. When I put the anchor over I will have to use a one of the side chocks about 2 feet back from the bow. The bow does have a substantial cleat on each side near those chocks.

Am I going to ride kind of lopsided when at anchor? My last boats had bow rollers, etc. Or will it be of no consequence? If a problem, is there an easy fix for this?

(I will be on the Ches. Bay at anchor).

Thanks for any input, SaltyPat

[TrueBlue]

If I had that arrangement, I would run a single line chain snubber through the opposing side. An easy way to rig one is to thread the end of a 30 ft. long, 5/8" three strand nylon dockline, through the eye of a galvanized chain hook.

Slip the looped end on the adjacent cleat and clip the chain hook to the rode - about 2 feet out from the bow. Adjust the lines length so the rode is centered and run the bitter end of the line back through the chock, with a figure-8 wrap around the cleat -

[btrayfors]

Don't worry about "lopsided" anchoring!

Many boats, including my own, routinely use the chocks on either side of the bow for anchoring load, rather than the roller/anchor windlass -- which isn't recommended, anyway.

If -- as I assume -- you have a rope anchor rode (nylon), just run it through the chock on either side, tie off to the nearby cleat, and be sure to use some kind of protection for the rode as it goes through the chock....a short length of old hose often works well, or you can buy the fancy rubber guards from Worst Marine or other sources.

Bill

[TrueBlue]

Of course, my recommendation accounts for all chain - which is what I use. The chain hook may chafe a nylon rode.

[labatt]

Bill - From what I have read, using an old length of certain hoses (like garden hose) is a no-no for chafe protection. It doesn't allow moisture to cool the line running through it when there is chafing occurring. Old fire hose, often being thrown out by local fire departments, is a better hose since it allows for cooling. Or, as you mention, West Marine, Defender and other boating stores sell fabric (not sure of the material) chafe guards.

[sailingdog]

Actually, having the anchor rode through one of the chocks may help prevent the boat from kiting at anchor, since it will be slightly off-balance so to speak.