How to Seal Anchor Chain Pipe Hole

[jonlgauthier]

Originally Posted by tanzer

Playdough, modelling clay

Better than playdough or modeling clay (which tend to dry out), I found at Home Depot what appears to be a silicone-based clay found in the electrical section. It's meant to be used to seal outdoor electrical conduit from rain. I've been using the same piece for about 4 months now.

I form it around the anchor chain where it drops from our horizontal chain gypsy into the sill pipe / hawse pipe. Seals very well.

[Vasco]

I'll add my two cents worth. When I was at sea (a long time ago in my youth) it was called a spurling pipe. I've also heard of it being called a navel pipe. We used to cement it after leaving port. Usually put canvas around it and filled it with cement. Impractical on a small boat but playdough is a good substitute.