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Why is my anchor upside down?

10K views 17 replies 12 participants last post by  tdw 
#1 ·
I have a delta anchor on a al chain rode with a swivel between the anchor and chain. It stows on a bow roller and I have a maxwell windless.

I used to be able to just press the up button and it would smoothly come up onto the bow roller. Now it always wants to come up upside down. I have to use a boat hooks to flip it around before pulling it up. Its awkward leaning over the pulpit with the boat hook while reaching to the foot switch with one foot.

I can't figure out what would make the anchor hang one way or another. Does anybody have any clues?
 
#2 ·
I guess you're just unlucky. lol

If you're usually motoring when getting off the hook you can try backing up and "dipping" the anchor. That will usually get a Delta pointing the right direction, assuming it doesn't turn again the last few feet up to the roller.

I used to have the same problem, but a swivel did the trick for me.
 
#3 ·
I understand several of these designs tend to rotate as they come up Manson included. A swivel would not stop this merely stop the chain and warp from rotating.
The answer is apparently a special type of swivel shaped like a shallow v which rotates around the centre. This settles so the apex is up and the anchor is then in the correct position.
It can be hazardous particularly solo in a cnfined anchorage trying to right the anchor position.
 
#4 ·
Chris ... any idea who makes or sell them ?

I have noticed that our Bruce seems to prefer coming up backwards. A quick flick with boathook sorts it out but it can be somewhat tedious. On the old boat neither our Rocna nor older CQR seems to have the problem.

I'm not a fan of swivels. Intended to remove from Bruce setup but havn't done so yet. Will be doing so shortly and will be interested to see whether that has any effect.
 
#7 ·
I keep checking the thing and it appears to be in good condition with no sign of any wear or tear but the horror stories are out and about.
 
#8 · (Edited)
This is obviously a problem related to magnetic variance. We've all seen the compass roses on our charts that show true and magnetic directions, with the caveat: +var 5'/yr, or something like that. The earth's magnetic field is continually shifting, and your anchor is now being twisted by this force just enough to have it come up into the chocks upside down, whereas before the variance was insufficient for this to happen. When people used rocks or cast bronze anchors this was not a problem, but with iron or steel, you are probably not the only one with this issue, though few like to admit it. In Australia, they have similar problems, but they turn the opposite direction when it happens. (Wombat can confirm this for you if you want to ask him.) Because the earth is flatter at the southern end, the earth's core is closer to the surface there, so the problem is actually worse there than in N. America. You could try anchoring in a less magnetically active area and see if that would help. Anchors can also be degaussed, which may be a simpler solution. Good luck! ;)
 
#13 ·
This is obviously a problem related to magnetic variance. We've all seen the compass roses on our charts that show true and magnetic directions, with the caveat: +var 5'/yr, or something like that. The earth's magnetic field is continually shifting, and your anchor is now being twisted by this force just enough to have it come up into the chocks upside down, whereas before the variance was insufficient for this to happen. When people used rocks or cast bronze anchors this was not a problem, but with iron or steel, you are probably not the only one with this issue, though few like to admit it. In Australia, they have similar problems, but they turn the opposite direction when it happens. (Wombat can confirm this for you is you want to ask him.) Because the earth is flatter at the southern end, the earth's core is closer to the surface there, so the problem is actually worse there than in N. America. You could try anchoring in a less magnetically active area and see if that would help. Anchors can also be degaussed, which may be a simpler solution. Good luck! ;)
That has got to be one of silliest explanations I've heard. Twisting anchor due to magnetic variance? That's absurd. No, what has happened is you've agitated some sea monster by anchoring in his territory and he is exacting revenge on you by giving your hook a twirl just before it surfaces. It's pretty common really. Just count yourself lucky .... I've seen more vengeful monsters either wrapping your rode around objects or even unsetting your hook in the middle of the night. ;)
 
#11 · (Edited)
As your anchor comes to the surface, you should be looking over the side to see if it is fouled or not, have a load of mud or as you say up side down.
Take a large cresent wench and flip the chain and that should twist your anchor around in order for it to be housed.
But if the anchor is hanging by its crown instead of the shank you will have to figure out why you are fouling your own anchor with its chain.
 
#15 ·
In answer to TDW's query, the product is called anchor straightener made by Maggi of Italy who make HT chain. I bought it here Anchor Straightener 8mm [ANSTRA068] - NZ$36.97 : SHOP :: Chains, Ropes & Anchors :: The Maritime Bondage Specialists
Other sizes are available and suppliers of high quality chain may also have it.
I tried the boat hook thing, the trouble was it sometimes took several shots. Lowering it a bit sometimes worked. Very stressful in confined quarters to be fiddling about.
However this thing works fine.
I also suspect that the position of the hole in the shank makes a difference. On the Manson using the lower slot changes the hang of the anchor and I suspect makes it more likely to reverse. Presumably the shape makes it likely to turn as it comes through the water much like a freewheeling prop.
I am not familiar with the shank details of the delta so don't know if there is any variation. Presumably both increased depth and speed of recovery increase the chances of twisting. Any mud would also change the balance.
 
#16 ·
well Izzy reckons its the Kraken and who am I to doubt such a fine fettled pooch ? :):)

Thanks for that Chris, I can't find them in Oz so i've ordered one from NZ. Be interesting to see how it works.

Cheers

Andrew
 
#18 ·
I did give my setup a good going over on the weekend and noticed that in fact the swivel is not spinning as freely as it should. The new gizmo should sort it out but it would seem that if I hadn't ordered the new Anchor Straightener a new swivel or shackle, would have been in order.
 
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