Anchor roller configuration

[jondavies]

I want to add an anchor roller to my SeaCraft so that I'm not hauling the rode and ground tackle over the gunwale and scratching up the protector below the cleat all the time. I'm not planning to stow the anchor on the roller so I picked up a medium sized fairlead roller with a quick release pin.

Short of moving the bow light, I think the best location for the roller is on the port side of the bow (see photo) with a center cleat to tie off the anchor line. I'm wondering if anyone who's been down this path has any advice on placement or other considerations. TIA.

[ct9amr]

I added one to the Contender and I love it, mostly because I put a Lewmar Profish behind it.
Works great!

[DonV]

My 2 cents! Remove the bow light, place the roller bracket straight off the bow, with a backing plate custom cut on the under side, that way you can leave the anchor hang in position straight off the bow so it will not wack the side of the boat when retrieving it. I'll take a picture of mine if you want. Is that a horn? As far as the light, there are many options on that.

[abl1111]

Agreed with comments. Light goes bye-bye. New ones on port and starboard.

I supported my cantilever anchor roller with (2) 3/4" pcs of glued-up plywood under the deck. Shaped to the bow shape. I used a bottle jack to hold it place while I mounted the anchor roller and the windlass - then drilled thru... Even if you're not going to use a windlass, I'd still put the same support underneath.

[jondavies]

Thanks -- I'll move the bow light.

What replacement lights and placement do you recommend?

Any pics would be helpful.

[abl1111]

I have a 23' Tsunami - might be different from your boat. I bought Perko side lights ( tear drop shaped ) and mounted on a vertical part on port and starboard. Wired thru cabin.

Sorry no pix right now. You doing a windlass ?

If so, the cantilever anchor roller is perfect ! Never a problem or hangup. And for the windlass, get a lewmar - they're great. I have an older 600 series and it's been great !

[ct9amr]

I went with flat LED side lights.
You can see them below to give you an idea. Just like stated above, leave the anchor in the roller and use a lock down device/pin to secure it while not in use.

Once of the best upgrades I did to the boat and my wife is happy she no longer has to pull the anchor up.

[jondavies]

I ordered some new teardrop LED lights (not quite flat - they're about 2" high) but I'm not sure where to mount them.

Based on the size, they could either go above the rubrail just aft of the bow cleats (like CT9's) or anywhere along the bow below the rubrail. I'm trying to decide what's the cleanest look and where there will be minimal opportunities for bumping the lights when docking etc.

I'd love to get some recommendations and see some more pics of other nav light placements.

[jondavies]

I've reinforced the foredeck with a triangular section of ply glassed under the deck and I'm going to distribute the load of the anchor roller by mounting it to a section of Starboard on top of the deck (not shown in the pics below).

I'm wondering what's the best configuration for the locking pin for the anchor chain and the cleat (cleat before the pin or vice versa?). And is it best to place them all on the centerline or should the cleat go laterally on the surface above the anchor locker?

I'd appreciate any input.

[Boatboy6]

Pin should go in front of the cleat. I wouldn't mount it laterally because it will create more torque on the cleat, how will you back it up, and wouldn't you constantly be hitting your knees on it?