Anybody installed a cowl for anchor rode on 1802?

[emoney]

So, having the "baby" of the family meant there is no deck access to the "anchor locker" in the cuddy. Obviously, Trophy figured this to be a "storage compartment", but I'm from the 'if it looks like a fish and smells like a fish then it's a fish' camp and figure why not use it for what it was probably intended for. I'm thinking about putting a hole in the heck with your standard, run-of-the-mill vent cowl like this;

That way I can hang the anchor from the rail and keep the rode below when not in use? Anybody done this before or do you see a future problem with this idea? Already considering water intrusion, of course, and I will search for a vent cowl that's specific for this purpose. I'm having this idea while at work and the boat's at home, and I'm also wondering if there's even enough room behind the navigation light to fit one? If not, then I guess that would answer any and all questions, right?

If not, what do other 1802 owners do for storing their anchor & rode? I just like an uncluttered deck, as I'm not very graceful my wife will confirm, so there is a safety issue as it relates to me, lol.

 

[Monterey10]

Re: Anybody installed a cowl for anchor rode on 1802?

You want a true Hawse Pipe with cap. This will keep the water out of you cabin. In heavy weather, a surprising amount of water can come down a hawse pipe w/o cap. You don't want surprises in heavy weather. http://www.rodholderdepot.com/store-products-34470-Perko-Rope-Deck-Pipe_1097650161.html

You can have the anchor attached to the rail or on cleats on the deck. Note the anchor chain tensioners and anchor rollers: http://marinepartdepot.com/new316ststan.html

The best anchor for small boats is one that will lay flat, such at these SS Fluke anchors. The Delta and Hinged plow (CQR Type) anchors would need to be secured to a roller on the bow.http://marinepartdepot.com/anchor.html

People focus on the anchors, but the true mariner knows that it's the anchor rode and chain that allow you to hold the bottom. Look for the 8 plait rode with proper length of chain. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Anchor-Rode-150ft-1-2-8-Plait-10ft-1-4-G4-Chain-/180941400094?pt=Boat_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item2a20f2a81e&vxp=mtr#ht_500wt_899

If you're mooring, you will have entirely different needs. In my case, we were required to moor front and stern. We had long anchor rodes which allowed us to loop through. The next morning, we just pulled the line through the mooring eye and were loose. This saved me hanging over the rail, trying to untie while a 5 knot current was going through the mooring field.