Acadia AYC CHARTERER, Operation Manual

Page: 6 / 22

6
Anchoring/Mooring
The primary WORKING ANCHOR is a Bruce 33 and is attached to 50 ft chain and 250 ft nylon rode
passed through the deck from the ANCHOR LOCKER (P 18). The locker can be accessed through the
deck anchor locker hatch forward at bow. A keeper and safety rope secure the anchor in its mount while
underway. Store the safety rope in anchor locker when it is not in use (P 19).
The Powerwinch 41 Electric Windlass has an up/down electronic switch. This switch is attached to an
umbilical power cord that is passed onto the deck bow through the overhead hatch in forward cabin (P
20). Always have this switch accessible to the crew member on the bow responsible for the lowering and
raising the anchor. The power switch is in the forward cabin Starboard hanging locker (labeled) (P 21).
Let out sufficient ANCHOR RODE (chain and nylon line) before setting the anchor. Colored markers are
placed every 30 feet on the chain and nylon rode, indicated amount of rode. If the anchorage is crowded
put down at least a 3 to 1 scope (60 feet for 20 feet of water), back the anchor in with a short burst from
the engine. Then let out additional scope dependent upon conditions.
When raising the anchor, coordinate the maneuver with the helmsperson to remain steady above the
anchor without excessive strain on the windlass as it is raised. It is a good idea to wear work gloves
when manipulating the anchor rode. Spare gloves are located in the Port lazarette locker.
To raise the anchor and rode, using the main engine, maintain a neutral strain on the anchor rode while it
is being raised by engaging and disengaging forward shift lever and throttle of engine. Pause the windlass
every 30 ft. or so to move recovered rode away from hawser and windlass inside anchor locker. This will
prevent jamming and avoid a need to release the jam by switching the winch control to “down”. Use
plastic pole stored in anchor locker to move rode inside locker. Reposition boat under power if strain is
excessive as the windlass alone will not raise a tensioned anchor and rode. As the anchor rises, be careful
not to let the rode bind as noted previously or swing against the hull. Wash it down with sea water (rope
and bucket in Port lazarette locker) if you bring up some of the muddy bottom as well. Retie the safety
rope and secure the keeper so that anchor will not bounce out of position in a rough seaway.
Before raising the anchor, start the engines. Turn ‘on’ the WINDLASS SWITCH located in the forward
cabin Starboard hanging locker (labeled). As the boat moves toward the anchor, press the ‘up’ control to
take up slack line, rather than pulling tight line. Give the windlass short rests as you are pulling it up. The
windlass uses a large amount of electrical power; so ALWAYS operate the windlass with the engines
running and pause if strain sounds “heavy”
. Manually raise the anchor onto the bow roller by lifting last
few feet of chain. Leave some chain slack between winch and anchor to avoid ongoing pressure on winch
gears.
Reconnect the keeper between the anchor and forward Starboard cleat. Retie the safety rope around bow
roller and anchor. Return the umbilical switch below deck through forward hatch. Turn ‘off’ the
WINDLASS POWER SWITCH in the forward cabin hanging locker.
A SPARE Danforth 10# ANCHOR is stowed in the Port Lazarette locker (labeled). The 175ft SPARE
ANCHOR RODE (26 ft. chain/150 ft. nylon) is located in anchor locker on bow (unattached). Attach the
rode securely to the chain shackle stored in Port Lazarette locker (labeled).