Windlass and Anchor Lockers

[AirBoyzT]

I have a 31 foot boat that I am about to liveaboard on and would much like a windlass. My current anchor locker is just a hatch on the bow and I don't have access from down below. I was wondering if there is a windlass that would simply just feed the chain backwards instead of straight down.
Thanks!

[noelex 77]

The most common solution is to fit a windlass behind, or on a shelf at the rear of the anchor locker. The chain lays over the gypsy feeding forward and down into the anchor locker. A horizontal windlass can be mounted above deck and is often easier to retrofit, but this photo shows a vertical winch.

[sck5]

I have a 33 and had the same problem. My windlass (and most of its competitors) need the weight of the chain pulling the rest of it through. That is, there needs to be a minimum vertical drop AFTER the windlass into the chain locker. My anchor locker was too shallow so I had it deepened by knocking out the bottom and glassing the inside of the locker in the forepeak below it. This locker (which used to be the one at the forward end of the V berth) had an access which had to be converted to a water proof door. Also had to add a drain in the bottom of it.

Why was all this necessary? If you dont have adequate vertical fall you will have endless problems with the chain not feeding properly. Sort of defeats the whole purpose of having a windlass if you have to constantly mess with it.

[AirBoyzT]

Dumb question but can I take the chain off the windlass after it's done so I can close the anchor locker?

Also the shelf idea sounds like a plan

[noelex 77]

Originally Posted by AirBoyzT

Dumb question but can I take the chain off the windlass after it's done so I can close the anchor locker?

Yes, but the usual solution is to have a slot so the locker can be closed.

[AirBoyzT]

Originally Posted by noelex 77

Yes, but the usual solution is to have a slot so the locker can be closed.

I'm thinking the shelf is going to be the best option.

[gjordan]

A windlass in a locker is a nice way to keep the foredeck clear, but it puts the windlass into a very high humidity environment for 99% of its life. Electrons and salt atmosphere dont get along very well. Just something else to take into consideration in your planning. ___Grant.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by gjordan

A windlass in a locker is a nice way to keep the foredeck clear, but it puts the windlass into a very high humidity environment for 99% of its life. Electrons and salt atmosphere dont get along very well. Just something else to take into consideration in your planning. ___Grant.

I put a vertical windlass on a specially fabricated bracket in the locker as you mention on my 44. You are right, it seemed to be wet all the time. Sometimes I found long white hairy stuff growing! The other issue mentioned is you need some depth to the locker.
One solution for the lid is to cut and refinish the anchor locker lid. Cut it right down the middle front to back so the two halves are easier to open and close. Hinge it on both sides and have a support cleat on one half.