5
2.
Anchors and Windlass
Tivoli is equipped with two anchors, one forward (44# Delta with 180’ of chain and 50 feet of rode) and one
spare in the port cockpit locker (also a 44# Delta with chain and rode). The primary
chain is marked with
paint as follows:
0 through 100’ – No markings
100’ through 110’ – Yellow paint
110’ through 160’ – No markings
160’ through 165’ – Yellow paint
165’ through 180’ (the end of the chain) – Red paint
The above information is posted on bottom of the anchor locker hatch. There is no chain counter on Tivoli,
as anchoring safely requires one person at the helm and another person at the bow. The Quick windlass on
Tivoli pays out chain at approximately 1 foot per second. This is helpful when determining how much chain
has been paid out, but this may vary with engine speed and amperage going to the windlass. Always rely on
your own observations.
The scope normally used in the islands is 4 to 1, definitely not 7 to 1 (unless conditions call for it, i.e. sustained
winds over 25 knots). Most of the anchorages are well protected and popular, so you will likely have
someone anchored nearby. Most coves are 20’- 40’ deep; so expect to pay out about 100’-180’ of chain.
After you have paid out the suitable amount of chain, 1-2 minutes of idle reverse sets the anchor. Also, the
tides can change water depth up to 15 feet in our waters so be aware of where you are in the cycle when
choosing an anchorage and deciding how much chain to put out.
Here is an easy formula for how much
chain you need; add the water depth on sounder, plus any tide increase expected during the night, plus 5’
(to account for the distance from sounder to roller on bow) and take that total and multiply by 4 (typical
example would be 25’ of water + 6’ of tide in 5’ = 36’ x 4 = 144’).
The electric anchor windlass receives power from the dedicated start battery. The circuit breaker (i.e., the
“on” and “off” switch) for the windlass is located in the aft starboard stateroom on the same panel as the
battery switches.
Please note the windlass will not run unless the engine is running
.
In addition, if the
engine has just been started it may be necessary to up the RPM’s a bit to get the windlass to work.
Basically, the system voltage needs to be higher for the windlass to work. This does not happen all the time
but is worth noting.
The up-down controller for the windlass is located in the forward locker to the left of the windlass. Be sure to
take the tension off of the windlass by attaching the snubber to the chain and a cleat (not the windlass), and
then running out more chain until the chain on the drum is slack.
Detailed operating instructions are listed bellow:
Lowering the anchor:
a.
Turn on the circuit breaker for the windlass (aft starboard stateroom on panel near floor).
b.
Untie the line holding the anchor in place (this line doubles as the snubber).
To turn the breaker on, slide yellow switch to “I”.
