REDTAIL - Version 2015 - May
Page
19
of
28
ANCHORING
The primary WORKING ANCHOR is a 90lb CQR-type and is attached to
260ft 3/8 BBB chain and 100ft ¾ nylon line passed through the deck from
the ANCHOR LOCKER in the bow. The locker can be accessed through
the port bow locker.
The WINDLASS is a vertical capstan MUIR 2500 with rope and chain
gypsy. The POWER SWITCH is located below the pilothouse helm station
to port of the steering wheel. There are “up” and “down” controls just
aft of the windlass. Make sure that switch is turned to the “ON”
position. At the bow, tap gently on the “down” foot control to lower the anchor. If necessary, guide the
anchor over the anchor roller to prevent binding on the pulpit. Initially you may have to push the anchor
over the roller until the weight of the anchor and chain is sufficient to pay itself out.
Let out sufficient ANCHOR RODE (you’ve got a total of 260’ of chain and 100’ nylon rode) before setting the
anchor. Colored markers (yellow paint) are placed every 30feet on the chain; the nylon rode is unmarked.
If the anchorage is crowded put down at least a 3 to 1 scope (75 feet for 20 feet of water – remember the
bow is 6’ above the waterline), Attach the bridle (either the single or double bridle) to the Samson post or
the bow cleats then back the anchor in with a short burst from one engine. Let out additional scope
depending upon conditions.
NEVER, just let the anchor tension be taken solely by the windlass. That’s not what it was built for; use a
bridal on the Samson post. Be aware of your swing radius as compared to other boats and objects around
you. You might want to set an anchor alarm to alert you should REDTAIL drag.
Don’t forget to turn “OFF” the WINDLASS POWER SWITCH when you are done.
Before raising the anchor, ALWAYS start the engines as it uses large amounts of power. Turn “on” the
WINDLASS SWITCH. Bump the engine controls forward and as the boat moves toward the anchor, press
the “up” control to take up slack chain/line. Don’t run over the anchor chain. Give the windlass short
rests as you are pulling it up.
Place yourself in position to guide the anchor onto the roller. As the anchor
rises, be careful not to allow it to swing against the hull.
If the windlass motor does not work, there is a manual handle (looks like a winch handle) in the aft cockpit
locker just to port of the saloon door.
We suggest that you use the wash-down pump at the bow to wash the rode and anchor as you are
retrieving it and before storing in the anchor locker. This helps keep it from smelling in the forward locker.
Turn “off” the WINDLASS POWER SWITCH.
Mooring Cans
The State Park Sticker on your vessel allows you to pick up the MOORING CANS in the parks for free. You
only need to register at the kiosk usually located at the heads of the docks. Mooring cans have a metal
triangle at the top upon which is a metal ring. The metal ring is attached to the chain which secures your
boat. IT IS VERY HEAVY. The strongest member of your crew should be picked for this job.
