Windlass question about double decks??

[rothfm]

Installing a Horizontal "Quick" Brand Model 1200 on the front bow of my boat. The question is this....

The Rope essentially will be going thru two decks spaced 5" apart. I"m wondering if this will be ok, and if the lower "deck" opening has to be larger than the upper to avoid and mis-feeds.

I will explain: The windlass is mounted on a fixed hatch surface. The inside of the opening extends down 5", I am using a 1.5" (yes, very thick and sturdy) plywood piece as a Backer for thru bolting the windlass from the top surface, through this thick backer board.

The backer covers a very large area on the underside, I'm not at all worried about strength as the load will be well distributed. However, now I have basically 2 decks to go through. Also I have plenty of drop under the backer board-Verified.

The manufacturer mounting template cut-out (and the matching underside of the Windlass) has an opening of 2 3/8" x 1.75. Its not very large. Then the rope has to drop a 5" void of space, and thru the 1.5" backer board.

Wondering if I just need to ensure this "secondary deck" opening is quite a bit larger then the upper opening. I'm wondering if anyone has done a similar setup, and if there will be any issue with the rope passing through??? Do I need to make a "pipe" or passage between the two openings??

 

[Grub54891]

Certainly wouldn't hurt to add a pipe, seen them before. Chain more than likely would not need it, but rope might.

 

[alldodge]

Never heard of someone doing it this way, but I would think the lower hole needs to be sized based on how much fall the rope has at its shortest. Meaning, after almost all anchor line is in the locker (piled up) how much distance is between the pile and the top hole.

Then take the rope (rode) and determine if it will stay straight. Take the amount it flexes then add in the amount the boat may rock/roll and determine if the lower hole needs to be greater.

Maybe think about using a long funnel and cut to fit in order to create a smooth path. Fasten to the bottom, thereby allowing the upper hatch to be opened.

At least if I understand what your wanting to do