Input on reasonably priced anchoring system

[stevenj]

Has any one built up their own bow pulpit extension with winch etc. for anchor deployment and retrieval?

I own a Starcraft Islander 21 footer,and enjoy perch fishing in Lake Erie. Due to physical limitations,partial knee replacements,arthritis,loss of strength etc... only 47 LOL.... I find it very difficult to get up on the bow of the boat to
deal with the anchor.

I am looking for ideas, leads, recomendations on a system that is not too costly (CHEAP). That will help me with this
problem.

I have looked on E-Bay,local craigs etc. but turn up nothing within my budget. found some new stuff but very spendy.

Thought about anchor mate system,but not so sure 100 foot of 3/16 line would work..Seems those are made for inland lakes using mushroom anchors.

I really want to be able to go fishing at times by my-self. I have anchored from the stern in VERY calm conditions but really do not like doing it.

So any help and ideas for a sore old sole with low budget numbers is appreciated.

 

[1216bandit]

Re: Input on reasonably priced anchoring system

I have the same boat and the same problems...gonna keep my eye on this one. What I have done for now is tie a float about 20' back on the anchor line...power forward and retrieve the anchor line. I store the anchor under the rear jump seat, and the anchor line is attached to the bow eye when I launch. Not the best system but it beats climbing through the bow hatch.

 

[stevenj]

Re: Input on reasonably priced anchoring system

After posting yesterday,and some more searching, I turned up a lewmar 700 windlass and roller assy. that I think I am going to buy,used but appears like new. I will follow up with install after it arrives. a bit more than I wanted to spend but Hey you only live once.. To be continued

Steve

 

[JoLin]

Re: Input on reasonably priced anchoring system

After posting yesterday,and some more searching, I turned up a lewmar 700 windlass and roller assy. that I think I am going to buy,used but appears like new. I will follow up with install after it arrives. a bit more than I wanted to spend but Hey you only live once.. To be continued

Steve

Does your anchor locker have 18" of depth for the rode to 'fall'? Unless you have a deep enough locker for the rode to fall into, it will back up and continuously jam in the windlass' gypsy.

Check that out- in many small boats a winch that winds the rode onto a drum (look at Powerwinch) is really the only choice.

There's more, too. Does that Lewmar have the chain-only or rope-chain gypsy? Does it accept the same size rode you're using now? It may require a larger-diameter rope/chain combo, which will take up additional space in the locker... in turn impacting the amount of free fall space you have available. With either winch or windlass, your anchor rope must be spliced directly to the chain (no thimble or shackle) so it can pass through the gypsy. A windlass is also 'picky' about what kind of rope and chain you use. Adhere to Lewmar's requirements or you'll have problems with jamming and slipping.

My .02