Anchors and Bowsprit: where and how?

[Benoit Girard]

Hi to all again,
In restoring our old sailboat (See previous topic (http://www.woodenboat-ubb.com/cgi-bin/UBB/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=012326#000013) for a picture of the boat) We now have to decide how and where to fix the anchors and anchor roller. The problem is that there are three chains linking the bowsprit and the hull; one under the bowsprit and one one each side of it (I don't know how the are called).

Our first choice was the bowsprit but there does not seem to be that much place.

What's the standard way of doing this?
Any advice welcomed.

Benoit.

http://www.geocities.com/grandloup66/100_0095.jpg

[George.]

This is how we did it: a 304 stainless-steel fitting, welded at a local shop, fixed to the bowsprit by a steel hoop and two through-bolts. Two rollers let us haul the chain and stow the anchor on it.

http://pic2.picturetrail.com/VOL1014/4016373/8339206/111944356.jpg

The bobstays (the cables or chains under the 'sprit) do tend to foul the anchor when hauling up - dropping is not a problem. The solution is to time the final haul-up to the twists and sways of the anchor - you'll get the hang of it after a few tries. On the other hand, when moving short distances between anchorages, or wanting to have the hook on quick stand-by, you can keep it hung on the bobstay, ready to drop as soon as you release the chain.