PROBLEMATIC PULPIT

Actually, my title is misleading. It’s an anchor roller, not a pulpit, and there’s nothing wrong with it. In fact, most of the shown assembly is top-notch: The hatch swings on through-bolted hinges and is finished on both sides; the hatch is also supported all around, so it doesn’t deflect when stepped on, nor does it rattle underway, thanks to the robust latch; the windlass sets over a deep locker that allows the rode to drop easily and inhibit tangles when free-dropping.

But there is no retainer for the anchor. A so-called “chain stop” or hook of some sort should be installed in order to take the strain of the anchor off the windlass. In this case, the boat’s owner is a salty old sod who’s belayed the anchor with a length of line. That works fine. My gripe is that this boat featured such a fine overall anchor stowage plan yet left out this critical accessory. I’ve been aboard a boat where the motion of running through waves caused the windlass to fail and release the anchor.

That anchor bounced off the water three times, striking the boat each time and creating deep gashes in the fiberglass. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

A snubber or chain hook should also be used while anchored, if the rode is not belayed to a bow cleat. Windlasses are not designed to take on the load of the boat.

Look for a chain stop or hook when shopping for a new boat, or consider adding one to your existing boat.