Stowing the anchor?

[downeast450]

I hate to do it but it looks like we will add a bow roller to Tundra Down. They look ugly on most modest sail boats. They do make managing anchoring and anchor stowage convenient and much easier. I am blaming turning 65 for this decision! Ha!

My question is about the force exerted on the anchor when the bow is plowing through waves during storm conditions or even crossing the vertical wake of a motor vessel. I am more concerned about upward force on the roller mount than downward pulling forces while riding the hook. The power of a 7000 lb. boat cutting through waves that are high enough to hit an anchor hanging over the bow is considerable. Is there a "rule" regarding stowing the anchor off the roller during rough water sailing? As contrary as it seems it makes more sense to keep the anchor off the roller until it will be needed at the end of the day. Then the bow roller looses its most attractive feature. I never see an empty bow roller on a sail boat. I do notice those boats with none. Perhaps a stern storage roller? Hmmm?

Down

[pdqaltair]

While there may be times when you want to remove it (multi-day passage perhaps, or at a mooring if your boat will buck and rub the rode on the anchor) most never do. I never have, but I have a cat (anchor rode is elswhere).

It IS required to secure the anchor with lashing or a strong and tight lock; the exact answer depends on the anchor. The forces are important, but not devistating and not nearly that of the chain pulling down in chop.

Save your back, it's the only one you have.