I read all the windlass posts (including the amazing well done recent installations!) We took a slightly different approach. Our new-to-us E38-200 came with a manual windlass (which was well maintained and works fine for us) and the standard chain locker. The windlass was positioned on the foredeck just aft of the chain locker. We moved it into the chain locker as far forward as possible before the gypsy would interfere with the locker's lid. This gives the most chain wrap possible without mounting turning rollers lower down (we wanted to avoid the extra friction).
To reinforce the chain locker we glassed on a thick piece of G10 and tabbed it to the inside of the hull with three layers of thick cloth (I forgot the weight, a friend helped with that part). We left room to access the pulpit backing plates etc.
I sealed the opening between the most forward two v-berth storage spaces under the cushions and installed a 500gph rule bilge pump in the aft most part of the forward storage space. The pump was then plumped as high as possible before dropping down and connecting to the current anchor locker drain hose. There is a one-way flapper valve in the system as well as a strainer on the pump intake. The pump was fused appropriately and wired to a switch on the main DC panel.
The opening between the forepeak and the forward v-berth storage space was enlarged to allow chain to pass more easily and a small PVC pipe was placed in the crease of the hull to provide a surface with less resistance.
We now have 275' of 5/16 high-test chain (Titan chain) connected to a Rocna 20 anchor. The anchor fits perfectly in the bow roller.
Last weekend we tested the setup at two different locations. One was a calm bay with a mud bottom and the other was a sandy bottom at a somewhat exposed "anchorage" adjacent to a small island offshore Northern Baja, Mexico. In Mexico we let out 250' of chain.
The system worked well, especially dropping anchor. When weighing anchor I had to go below a few times to flake the chain but I think when I enlarge the hole between the forepeak and the v-berth it will largely solve that issue. Even if it doesn't it's no big deal and worth it to us to have the chain further aft and lower down. The bilge pump works perfectly so far but I figure it will eventually clog and need clearing... We'll see.
Pics attached. Please forgive the cosmetic stuff, we haven't finished yet. Also please note the green and red jib sheets came with the boat...
I included a pic from the passage just for fun.
(whoever made these Ericson smiley icons is a legend!) No, the splash was not from excessive bow weight...
To reinforce the chain locker we glassed on a thick piece of G10 and tabbed it to the inside of the hull with three layers of thick cloth (I forgot the weight, a friend helped with that part). We left room to access the pulpit backing plates etc.
I sealed the opening between the most forward two v-berth storage spaces under the cushions and installed a 500gph rule bilge pump in the aft most part of the forward storage space. The pump was then plumped as high as possible before dropping down and connecting to the current anchor locker drain hose. There is a one-way flapper valve in the system as well as a strainer on the pump intake. The pump was fused appropriately and wired to a switch on the main DC panel.
The opening between the forepeak and the forward v-berth storage space was enlarged to allow chain to pass more easily and a small PVC pipe was placed in the crease of the hull to provide a surface with less resistance.
We now have 275' of 5/16 high-test chain (Titan chain) connected to a Rocna 20 anchor. The anchor fits perfectly in the bow roller.
Last weekend we tested the setup at two different locations. One was a calm bay with a mud bottom and the other was a sandy bottom at a somewhat exposed "anchorage" adjacent to a small island offshore Northern Baja, Mexico. In Mexico we let out 250' of chain.
The system worked well, especially dropping anchor. When weighing anchor I had to go below a few times to flake the chain but I think when I enlarge the hole between the forepeak and the v-berth it will largely solve that issue. Even if it doesn't it's no big deal and worth it to us to have the chain further aft and lower down. The bilge pump works perfectly so far but I figure it will eventually clog and need clearing... We'll see.
Pics attached. Please forgive the cosmetic stuff, we haven't finished yet. Also please note the green and red jib sheets came with the boat...
I included a pic from the passage just for fun.
(whoever made these Ericson smiley icons is a legend!) No, the splash was not from excessive bow weight...
