Parkerman":sm5al7g3 said:
The roller idea instrests me but I am lacking the access at the bow for the anchor rode. I believe it is call a hawse or in other terms a hole with a stainless steel cover that your anchor line can feed down into so it stores in the front anchor locker. Has anyone installed a hawse into thier bow? If so I would like to know the process.
You can see one just to the right of the custom pulpit I made, in this bow shot of my boat after customizing it extensively from the 'empty' hull I bought without power.
To put one in:
* Determine location - place on deck and using a smaller line, mimic or 'pretend' you're accessing the anchor locker ... everything seem OK where it is?
* Not too close to other deck hardware? Mine is ... but in all honesty, it was already there, I didn't install it. But I did remove it, as the previous owner or dealer or factory never sealed the exposed wood core on the bow deck
* Then check, recheck, and check the spot again
* Sit down and have a beer. Recheck. Make SURE to check 'from below' ... so you don't run into any access issues ...
* Mask off deck with 3M blue tape
* Trace outline for hole required
* Drill 1/8" inside of line so when you go through with a 3/8" bit, the edge of this drilled hole will allow you to cut around with a jigsaw
* Use jigsaw with NEW downward cutting laminate blade, cuts on the downstroke, leaves no chips
* Go slow and let the tool cut, do not force it
* In spots (centerpiece for windlass install) the deck there can be up to 2" thick, see below
* Sand edge and wet-out using waterproof 2-part epoxy, if even the 5-minute kind, just use waterproof
* Let dry and sit back and have another beer
* Mark holes for chain cap
* Drill a tap-drill a tad oversize into the deck where marked for fastener holes and then weep/drip some 5-minute epoxy in, let cure - go do something else
* Go back in with a drill bit SMALLER than the screw you will use
* Apply bead of Boat-Life LifeCaulk or LifeSeal to deckcap pipe and put in place
* Apply goop to screws and install but NOT tight, clean up rest of goop
* Let cure 4-8 hours, go back and tighten the screws
* Open 3rd beer ... you're done
For those really inclined ... here's a DIY 'How To' article for making a full anchor locker,
http://www.practical-sailor.com/marine/anchorlocker.pdf