anchor release

I want to hang a Bruce anchor from the underside of a bowsprit (the anchor shaft parallel to the (bowsprit) that keeps the anchor rigid but allows for easy release. I do not want to drill any holes in the anchor shaft. Any ideas?

William C. Winslow
wcwinslow@aol.com

 

Lash it with rope.

 

Kiss principle!

 

Re: anchor release from bowsprit. Gonzo says use rope, but the bowsprit ias highly varnished wood and rope will chafe. Also takes too long to untie. I want some sort of release that keeps the anchor rigid and not touching the bowsprit.

 

Mount a 3" x 4" piece of wood to the underside of the bowsprit with the 4" part being vertical. Carve out a U in the center of the 4" piece from top to bottom to fit the anchor shaft. Push anchor shaft into the U and strap it with webbing that snaps tight on the sides or use twist connectors.

 

If you want the anchor to drop and secure itself while you run the windlass remotely, you need a pivoting roller that's built to fit your anchor. The pivoting roller is actually two rollers (or more) mounted in a channel that pivots on an axle. google should find something for you.

 

Traditionally, chafe areas get covered with leather. Also, there are a variety of trip knots that are easy to release. Other knots can be used that are easy too. For example, a clove hitch. I find that mechanical fasteners like pins and bolts can be much harder to release unless you have tools, which can be a problem in an emergency. A rope can be cut in an emergency.

 

Another time honored release, very traditional looking for a bow spritted yacht, Wooden toggle (fid) and eye. Pull lanyard (not depicted) spliced to the fid, trips release.

 

A Sparcraft shackle with a lanyard thru the trigger is a common trip shackel.

An anchor is normally turnbuckled in place to prevent it bashing around or breaking free.

I have no idea how you would mount a Bruce on a bow sprit...choose a different anchor

 

I like the chunk of wood idea, except I'd use plastic or metal. Then a latch that tensions it (quick release, no chafing).

 

Navy ground tackle used to (maybe still does) used a turnbuckle and a pelican hook around chain, to secure anchor snubbed up. a sledge hammer applied to pelican hook trigger "let fall"!

 

Another release is a tripping hook.
The tripping lanyard with it's hook is not attached until planning to release.
The tripping lanyard is made fast, and as the load line is slacked (larger line), the strain transfers to the lanyard, capsizing the hook and "letting fall".

tripping hooks are usually shop modified cargo hooks, never seen one for sale.
Use a stainless hook and stainless welding and fabricate one.

 

http://www.hanessupply.com/itemdeta...Hooks&CategoryText4=Crosby Sorting Hook A-378

nearest purchasable hook I can find.