Getting Chain into the Bilge

[boden36]

Will post photos and details of the chain transfer device when it is installed and running. It did not cost that much to make (around $200 ) using old car parts, some angle and bar and a chain and sprocket. Had to buy a used chain gypsy. It weighs around 40 lbs.
The chain will come off the winch gypsy, down into the fwd chain locker, be guided by a roller into a trough, be pulled along the trough by the transfer device, and fall from that into the keel compartment.
It will only transfer if the fwd chain compartment is empty, as it can't pick up from the bottom of the pile.
I will wire it to the winch motor so they both come on at once, but put a switch into the circuit so if we are anchoring frequently the chain remains in the fwd locker.
Regards,
Richard.

[gjordan]

Jonathan, no matter what length of chain you decide on , make sure the bitter end is attached to a short piece of rope that is attached to something substantial inside the boat. If you have to bail out of an anchorage in a hurry , you dont have to go below to find a wrench to undo some shackle that is probably rusting away in the chain locker. If the line is the correct length you can attach a bouy to the bitter end of the chain and cut the nylon and get out of the bad spot in a hurry. The other reason for having the bitter end attached is to prevent that embarrassing ( and costly) feeling when you watch the bitter end go over the bow roller because it wasnt secured. Safety wire everything . I still vote for the electric windlass with as much chain as you can carry. It will just make cruising EASIER.____Grant.

[barnakiel]

We are slowly upgrading here too. Our take now is:

- 100' in the bow locker together with +150' dacron rope,
- the excess chain in the bilge (100'),
- etc.

We have a plastic boat, so the bilge is dry hence no need to put the chain in the container.

BTW Trick of the day: paint the 'bilge chain' ends bright and attach pieces of light plastic line to them. Finding chain's ends in the pile can be sorta exercise!

b.