Anchor lifehack 1: Retrofitted bracket for easy rear anchor handling
We wanted to fit a bracket for our stern anchor for the Swedish cruise. However, as we don't need this permanently, we didn't want to make any major modifications and the bracket should also be removable later. That's why we took our Delta anchor to the metal shop and selected an aluminium square tube into which the shaft fits exactly. We cut the corner where the shaft rests on the profile with an angle grinder so that the anchor is hooked in there and cannot rattle back and forth. We closed the bottom of the profile with a matching plastic pipe plug. However, four holes were drilled in the cover to allow rainwater to drain away. We then attached this construction to our rear basket using pipe clamps. There is also space for the chain lead in the profile, and we only attach the line when the anchor manoeuvre is imminent.
Heike Grusemann, Cologne
Anchor lifehack 2:Tame the chain with a hose, protect the yacht
We have neither a bow roller nor a windlass. That's why there were always scratches on the pulpit or in the gelcoat, which is annoying. The main culprit is the five-metre-long chain, which can rush across the deck and leave unsightly marks, especially when the anchor is dropped. We found what we were looking for in a specialist electronics shop: A polyester mesh tube for neatly guiding and protecting cables fits perfectly over the chain. The thin cover then protects against scratches.
Olaf Timm, Nindorf
Anchor lifehack 3:The Use the swim ladder as an anchoring aid
Our ship does not have an anchor locker, so we use the ground anchor at the stern. The only problem: without an anchor fitting, the gelcoat is at risk during manoeuvres. We were able to remedy this with a plastic anchor roller. However, instead of attaching it to the pushpit, we placed it on the lowest tube of the swim ladder. To anchor, we lowered the ladder into a horizontal position secured by a line and passed the chain and line over the pulley. This keeps the anchor harness free of the transom and the gelcoat undamaged.
Jan Knecht, by e-mail
Anchor lifehack 4:Cleverly bypassing the rear guard
Bow anchor fittings protect the ship's side from damage by the harness during anchor manoeuvres. However, this protection is often missing at the stern. As the ground bar with hawser and chain leader is often used here, there is a simple solution: Place the anchor on the pushpit and the chain from the outside in a bail. The bailer can now be fished slightly and the anchor can be deployed at any time. The entire chain will now come out easily without even touching the stern.
Edgar Wohlheben, by e-mail
Do you have any advice for other sailors?
We will honour the publication of your lifehack with50 EURO.Please add photos or sketches. We also need your address and bank details
Submissions to: Editorial office YACHT, Quartier O, Paul-Dessau-Straße 8, 22761 Hamburg; or: mail@yacht.de
