ChicagoTC wrote:
With the ridiculous cost of a windlass I want as little stress on it as possible. I always use the stopper and cleat when I anchor.
Or you could use a snubber. A line with a hook on it for the chain (if you have that much chain) or just a line tied to the rode. I like to use either a
rolling hitch or a
prusik knot. The other end tied off to the bow cleats in a V. This transfers the load of the rode to the cleats instead of through the windlass.
It also allows for adjusting how the bow is angled in relation to the direction of the rode. This can help alleviate some of the slapping noise of waves against the bow and chines. You tighen up one side more than the other and it pulls that side into a closer angle to the rode, slightly shifting where the waves slap the chines underneath. I've heard there's a trick using a couple of swimming noodles down there too. They serve as a cushion of sorts to keep the waves from smacking the chines. Run a line through the noodles and then secure it on either the midships or aft cleats. Haven't tried it myself but have a couple noodles aboard that I'd use in a pinch. Chine slap from lots of little waves can be REALLY annoying when you're trying to sleep. Not even extra tequila dulls the noise.
The chain stopper is pretty much only good for keeping the anchor securely in place when it's up on the pulpit, nothing more. I'd replace the missing latch and use a wire to keep it there.
That cleat up there is a MUCH better place to fasten the rode. Just cleat it off as you would a regular line and that takes the stress instead of the windlass. That's what I use most of the time, only using the snubber when on the hook overnight.
I much prefer to trust how a cleat is anchored to the deck instead of just a couple of screws holding a chain stopper. I've seen the underside of the deck under that hardware and the stopped isn't fastened as securely as the cleat.
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