[mondofromredondo]

I am currently getting ready to install a new Lighthouse windlass on my PSC 34.
As I tend to anchor in fairly deep anchorages in Southern California I will probably carry 300' of 5/16 chain. My locker has a divider in the middle. I plan on carrying chain for only one anchor in this locker so I do not see the need for this divider. I know of one individual who has removed this divider with no problems afterwards. My thought is the chain will drop down the hawse hole and stack and fall more easily without this divider. Any input would be appreciated. Also is there a drain from the locker down into the bilge at the bottom of the locker?

Much Thanks !

 

[DaveMancini]

Here's an alternative. We put as much chain as will fit in the port bin (hand fed) first, then the rest goes into the bigger starboard bin. As it works out, we rarely get into the "reserve" bin. We keep 200 feet of 3/8" which is the same weight and probably similar volume (?) to 300 feet of 5/16". We fit about 60 feet in the reserve bin. You would fit more, of course. When we do have to use the reserve, it's no big deal re-stowing it in the two bins upon weighing, certainly not as big a deal as cutting out that divider. Different story if you are single handing, though.

Yes, the locker does drain to the bilge.

Dave Mancini
PSC34 s/v Swan

 

[mondofromredondo]

Dave,

That sounds like a good plan. I'll try the alternate route before I start doing surgery on the chain locker. I'm looking forward to beginning the install. Recieved 2 40' lengths of 2/0 wire yesterday. They look like garden hoses. 50 lbs and $450.00. Trick will be fishing them under the caprail to the chain locker.

Best Regards!

 

[DaveMancini]

Good luck with that. I can confirm that it's doable because I still have the wire run that ran the electric windlass that came with our boat when we bought it. We replaced it with the manual one we still have after eight years. It goes up the port side under the deck the whole way. Piece of cake for an old pro like yourself.

Dave

 

[mondofromredondo]

Old Yes !
Pro No

 

[niftynickers]

Its interesting that Dave replaced an electric windlass with a manual.I've always preferred a manual windlass for it's simplicity and reliability when cruising.Is that your reasoning Dave?
Dianne and Chuck Burke S/V NiftyNickers C37 #139

 

[DaveMancini]

Exactly! Yes. Most are very simple and practically bulletproof. Ours is a Muir vertical, very fast, simple and easy to maintain.

Dave

 

[nateinmaine]

Our anchor locker has two different seperators.. A very robust fiberglassed to the hull short segment and an easy to remove plywood part. I removed the plywood in the photo, you can see it lying down on the starboard side of the locker. I needed to climb in there to remove and rebed the bow pulpit and windlass.. There is a drainage area from what I can determine.. Fair amount of chain locker flotsam blocking the way presently and I believe there is some mesh that is doing its best from letting the flotsam cause trouble...I'll get the shop vac in there soon..
Nate, Athenry psc34 #89

 

[mondofromredondo]

Thanks for that Nate,

My PSC is of a similar setup. I didn't realize it but it seems the added vertical bolted on board is a common addition or feature from the factory as I have the same board. I think I'd be reluctant to remove or cut into the glassed in member as I'm sure it provides a certain degree of strength to the bow but I hadn't really seen how much the locker opens up without that vertical board. that helps alot !!!

Thanks again !

 

[svjobeth]

Our anchor locker has two different seperators.. A very robust fiberglassed to the hull short segment and an easy to remove plywood part. I removed the plywood in the photo, you can see it lying down on the starboard side of the locker. I needed to climb in there to remove and rebed the bow pulpit and windlass.. There is a drainage area from what I can determine.. Fair amount of chain locker flotsam blocking the way presently and I believe there is some mesh that is doing its best from letting the flotsam cause trouble...I'll get the shop vac in there soon..
Nate, Athenry psc34 #89

Our configuration on Jo Beth is the same, as would be expected. We also built and installed a plywood divider but have recently removed it since we've decided to carry only a Rocna at the bow and a fortress on the stern rail. The divider worked well when had two anchors, a CQR and Bruce, on the bow.

As an aside, one of the biggest improvements we made to the chain locker was to add an old piece of Eisenglass vinyl just inside the doors, and to barrel bolt the locker doors. This kept the forward part of the V-berth noticeably warmer and drier.