www.iFourWinns.com

Experienced Brisbane boatie, but first Four Winns! I love it! I'm asking for any help fitting an anchor bow roller to the 255 - has anyone done it? Is it a factory option from Four Winns? All help appreciated. Scarborough to Moreton was my first run in it last weekend, and in a typical Moreton Bay slop, it was fantastic! anchor management around these parts is essential.

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2006 Sundowner 255
Volvo Penta 5.7L GXi 320HP DuoProp

Greetings from one 255 Sundowner owner to another (albeit across the globe!)

I currently do not have an anchor roller on my 91 255 Sundowner, but would love one - it would make anchoring that much easier, instead of fighting trying to get the anchor out of the anchor locker with all of that chain and rope So I am definitely interested in one.

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1997 Four Winns Vista 278
T - 4.3l EFI
Kohler 4esz Genset
379 hours as of 8/8/21

Welcome.

No roller on my Sundowner either. I believe the rollers fit a plow or QCR type anchor but the Vista guys can probably answer that one better.

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Terry
Current: 07 Crownline 255 CCR cuddy - 350 Mag MPI/B3 "Casi Cielo"

Previous:97 245 Sundowner 5.7GI/SX

Tow vehicle: 1986 GMC 2500 Camper Special 454/TH400

I would like to have one; have been toying with the idea of a removable one, to avoid comprimising the atractive lines of the boat.

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2005 Four Winns Sundowner (Sold)
350 MAG B1

I have found a 255 with bow roller and windlass fitted. Will take pics and find out more and post here for comments next day or so........

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2006 Sundowner 255
Volvo Penta 5.7L GXi 320HP DuoProp

I fitted an anchor roller to my 255. This lets me pull the anchor up without scratching the hull. I put the anchor roller to the left side of the bow so that I can easily reach the anchor and pull it in. The roller is mounted in front of the cleat and just in front of the bow rail support. The roller is attached to the section of hull that angles downward and the roller extends about 4 inched beyond the hull. Just be sure the light from the bow light is not blocked by the anchor roller. I have not been able to stow the anchor on the roller when running because of the limited space for the locking hardware.

Another idea I use is to attach a 18-inch long line (1/4 inch diameter) inside the anchor locker and have a metal S hook on the free end. Then when retrieving the chain section of the anchor line, I can hook the chain and hold the anchor line in place while I arrange the free anchor line in the anchor locker. If we are moving a short distance at idle speed I sometimes just keep the anchor on the roller held in place by the S hook and line.

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2006 Sundowner 255, 5.7 GXi, 320 hp
"Simply Irresistible"

Pics of 255 with bow sprit/windlass....not sure if I'm going to go this way, but it can be done. Some nice 'glass work has been done for reinforcement, plus the bow sprit has been a custom build.

pics:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11924385/Photos/IMAG0117.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11924385/Photos/IMAG0114.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11924385/Photos/IMAG0116.jpg

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2006 Sundowner 255
Volvo Penta 5.7L GXi 320HP DuoProp

Obie, thanks for the info, sounds like it works for you - any chance you canpost a pic or two for us?

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2006 Sundowner 255
Volvo Penta 5.7L GXi 320HP DuoProp

Well, it took a while, but the job's done. Custom made here in Aus., but I was so frustrated without a proper anchor solution, and it's a necessity around these parts. Whilst it's not in keeping with the nice lines of the Four Winns fleet, agreed, but I've solved my problem

For those interested, pics are here:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11924385/Bow%20Sprit/Image1.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11924385/Bow%20Sprit/Image2.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11924385/Bow%20Sprit/Image3.jpg

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2006 Sundowner 255
Volvo Penta 5.7L GXi 320HP DuoProp

Dear Four Winns' Friends,

Here is a new message in order to bring back to date this old topic from another part of the world.

I have immediately felt the lack of a safe mooring solution when I bought my Sundowner back two years ago, and an extreme need for it when my boat is slipping when a mild wind is appearing and a small wake rising. I can already account for a couple of fears.

Lately, I have been devoting all of my spare time to initiate myself at 3D drawing in order to generate scenarios with a couple of bow roller and anchors, I have not found any solutions that would ultimately need some tweaking.

At first, the custom made solution was my first idea, and I am delighted to see your availability to explain us your beautiful implementation. Thus, I have a couple question as I would like to equip my boat with a A+ solution !!

Thus, did you get involved in this realization or you had it made ? Do you keep some drawing or plans ? How did you do to have a flat bottom fixture fitting a sharp angular shaped bow ? From your experience gained since you have this fitting, would you suggest any improvement or add on ?

I look forward to reading you,

Kind regards.

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1992 Sundowner 195
Evinrude 175 hp Spitfire

Hi, as you can see, I'm not on the forum very often.

I had a guy who specialises in stainless fabrication measure it up and custom make it.
I have his contact details, but not sure if he kept any drawings - I can check if you're still interested.

To cope with the sharp angle at the bow, the backing plate or rear section of the sprit is set forward of the side plates.
Two large stainless bolts secure the sprit to the bow, with marine sealant around the back surface and bolts and along the side plates where they meet the bow.
If you look closely, you will see the side plates are scolloped to match the ribs of the bow.

I removed the single nav light mounting in the centre above the sprit, and bolted a chain restraint/bollard in it's place, with newly installed LED nav lights either side now.

Sorry for the delay in posting

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2006 Sundowner 255
Volvo Penta 5.7L GXi 320HP DuoProp