265 anchor and rode

[Saltyone]

My 265 didn't come with an anchor or rode. What are other 265 owners using for theirs?

As I've mentioned before, I'm in the Pacific NW and coming from an aluminum boat that was a manual pull anchor. The typical "Columbia River Anchor" setup was with an anchor ball and a break away setup, typically zip ties, so you can get your anchor out if you snag.

I've been looking at the Rocna Fisherman anchor, which would give me the same concept type as a break away with the shackle rail slot. They make the fisherman anchor in 9 and 13 lbs. Their calculator suggest the 9lb, but I was thinking the 13lb was more in line with what I've been reading.

Rocna Fisherman

rocna.com

Also I thought I've read there is either a wired or wireless remote control for the windlass? Or was that not available back then on a 265?

Thanks

 

[JJF]

Just an FYI, if you aren't already aware of it, you don't want to use the windlass as a winch. Instead, you should "motor up" to the anchor as you retrieve rode via the windlass. Obviously, you need to not run over the rode, so you want to go in and out of gear.

 

[Saltyone]

Just an FYI, if you aren't already aware of it, you don't want to use the windlass as a winch. Instead, you should "motor up" to the anchor as you retrieve rode via the windlass. Obviously, you need to not run over the rode, so you want to go in and out of gear.

Yeah, I've been reading up on windlass operation, since this will be my first go with one. Also about tying off the rope to a cleat to release tension off the windlass when anchored, etc.

 

[SkunkBoat]

I switch between a 16 LB claw and a 13 lb Fluke style depending on which one I lost most recently and which was cheapest to buy at the time...
Often we rig with zip ties to release but we have to go straight to anchor if we break loose a lot. Also had it break loose and we dragged thru a wreck and stuck the chain and got screwed anyways.

I have 600 ft of 1/2" 3 strand rigged to 15 ft of chain in the achor locker and another 400ft stowed in the cabin.

I recently added a Powerwinch 300 Capstan which failed quickly and I do not recommend. see https://www.greatgrady.com/threads/powerwinch-300-capstan.34573/
We'll see if it makes it thru this season.

I prefer a capstan to a winch because;
You can use cheaper 3 strand vs 8 plait
You can splice together pieces instead of buying 600ft of 8 plait
you can splice it when you get stuck on a wreck and have to cut off 100 ft
Splices are a problem with a winch.
I anchor in deep water and there will always be an experienced deckhand up there anyways.

 

[drbatts]

On my 265 I had 300ft of 3 strand, 25ft of chain and either a 22# claw or 22# delta anchor depending on what I was doing. Most anchoring was under 50ft with the majority of it being much shallower. the length of chain and anchor was probably overkill but when I dropped the anchor I didn't want to move or worry about it. The boat came with a 14 # danforth which I found to be useless. This was my first boat with a windless which was amazing. The three strand for the most part went through the lewmar windless just fine. After watching a couple of Youtube videos I was able to do the chain splice pretty easily. My current 305 has 8plait and a vertical windless which is much more finicky with the splice and I cannot splice myself. When replacing I was forced to buy the pre made chain rode combo rather then putting the chain rode together myself.

 

[Saltyone]

Is there a recommended thickness of the chain and rope on the windlass?

 

[JJF]

Yes. Each model windlass requires a specific diameter rode and chain.

 

[SkunkBoat]

Is there a recommended thickness of the chain and rope on the windlass?

depends on the wildcat (gypsy) that you have on the windlasss

another reason for using a capstan instead. You can have any chain (you do have to lift the chain by hand)

 

[vocz]

I use Vulcan 12 kg (33 lbs) on my 2003 265 Express. It is a solid anchor. I modified the pulpit and fit the anchor inside so it doesn’t stick out too far. Hope this helps!

 

[Saltyone]

So the windlass on mine is a Simpson Lawrence Horizon 600. Appears to have been discontinued in 2006. I've read the manual on it, but not seeing where to find the gypsy # to get the proper size rode and chain.

Any help finding it?

Thanks

 

[seasick]

If it is a 12kg, it weighs 26 pounds plus a few ounces.

So the windlass on mine is a Simpson Lawrence Horizon 600. Appears to have been discontinued in 2006. I've read the manual on it, but not seeing where to find the gypsy # to get the proper size rode and chain.

Any help finding it?

Thanks

This link should help identify the line and chain requirements

Simpson Lawrence Windlass Identification

www.p2marine.com

 

[Saltyone]

If it is a 12kg, it weighs 26 pounds plus a few ounces.

This link should help identify the line and chain requirements

Simpson Lawrence Windlass Identification

www.p2marine.com

Thanks, I've seen that. What I'm trying to identify is what gypsy I have. I reached out to Lewmar, they said there should be code stamped in between the teeth (pockets where the chains link would go). I'll look it this weekend.

 

[Saltyone]

So i have a GC0762 gypsy, which for what I've found takes the 1/2" rode and 1/4" chain. Where are the best deals to be found for rode and chain? Looking for 25ft of chain and 300 ft of rode.

Thanks

 

[drbatts]

Try

Anchor Rode - Seco South

Nothing is more important on a boat than having the proper anchoring system. We are the industry’s leader when it comes to the quality, strength and reliability of nylon anchor rodes. Our nylon is produced in the USA by the top manufacturers like New England Ropes and Buccaneer Rope Company and...

secosouth.com

Defender.com
I have bought from both in the past. alternatively you can make it up yourself If you go 3 strand line the splice is easy with a little practice. If you go 8 plait the splice is more difficult. I had 3 strand on my 265, My current boat has 8 plait because it came with it and I just added more chain.

 

[Fishtales]

I'd talk to locals and also see what folks use for an anchor for your specific ground. I'd put at least the length of your boat in chain, a little more may be better. Splice into the chain and use 8 plait versus 3 strand line. Use a Lewmar or like anchor swivel between the chain and the anchor.

 

[Saltyone]

These are the most common anchors in my area, but considering probably 90% of the boats are aluminum on the river, it isnt a surprise. For what I've read the plow style anchors work well on the Columbia river as well.

 

[Sauza45]

Dark Horse Marine - Marine Products, Anchoring Equipment, Boat Parts

Buy custom and standard length windlass rodes for all major windlass brands. Rodes are back-spliced by the pros for the best windlass performance.

darkhorsemarine.com