Anchor Set up for Columbia 28

[tcul]

Aloha,

The Columbia 28 I bought has a 4.5" deck plate opening on the bow leading to an anchor locker with no deck hatch. The fluke anchor, chain and rope the boat came with was neatly stowed below on the V-berth. Obviously, not optimal if you actually want to USE the anchor. Especially in an emergency!

Boat had no bow rail, so I just put on one from a Cal 25. Pretty good fit. I tried hanging the anchor off the rail but it won't work without the flukes banging into the hull. So, I plan to secure the anchor on the fore deck with this chock set up: http://content.westmarine.com/images...rge/400624.jpg and stow the chain and rope below in the locker below through that 4.5" deck plate opening.

Problem is that I haven't been able to find a deck pipe to fit that opening. I need to be able to cover that opening to keep out rain and water, but with the anchor chain being fed through it.

What would you use cover an opening in the deck with anchor chain going through it?

Thanks

tcul

[Ita]

On my Cal 29 I have a similar setting, I've up a wire on the cover and have the chain hanging from it

[tcul]

Ita,

Thanks for reply.

What do you mean by "up a wire"?

TC

[Ita]

Sorry, is difficult to type on the phone screen.
I mean I put a metal hook in the deck plate cover and have the chain hanging from it.
Anchor is on deck, so what I do is attach the chain every time , it only take me a few seconds to do so.
Hope this help

[JPA Cate]

Look around for hawse pipes with covers. It will be useful to be able to leave the chain shackled and "moused", therefore ready to go at all times. Do find a way to secure the bitter end of the rode in the locker, perhaps just around a bit of sturdy branch that will not exit the hole.

Ann

[tcul]

Thanks for replies.

TC