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Reel anchor winch on La Chica, JRA Mag. #64, p.52

  • 07 Feb 2014 21:37
    Quote
    Reply # 1493422 on 1492906
    Anonymous member
    David Tyler wrote:The chafe resistance of Dyneema is extremely high. That's why it's taking over from wire rope in many applications (when I've finished using up all my scraps of 8mm polyester on the sheet spans, which do tend to chafe through the sheet blocks, I plan to buy some small size bare Dyneema for this job, because it will be everlasting). However, its stretch is extremely low, the same as with wire, and that would make me wary of using it as an anchor rode. Its low weight would make the use of an angel/chum essential.The only reasons to use it are that it won't chafe, won't degrade in UV, and is a lot less injurious to health than wire.
    For sheetlets.... I'm with you there... I've been using it on my foresail sheetlets because I had some. However I did not realise that it has the good chafe resistance that you say. Nor have I yet put on enough miles for chafe to be a problem. So far the rig has been remarkable free from chafe... long may it continue. Another thing I like about it is that it's very easy to splice, even easier than three strand... and that's saying something. If the anti-chafe properties are so good, it may also be good for batten parrels.
  • 07 Feb 2014 06:16
    Quote
    Reply # 1492906 on 1491774
    Anonymous member
    The chafe resistance of Dyneema is extremely high. That's why it's taking over from wire rope in many applications (when I've finished using up all my scraps of 8mm polyester on the sheet spans, which do tend to chafe through the sheet blocks, I plan to buy some small size bare Dyneema for this job, because it will be everlasting). However, its stretch is extremely low, the same as with wire, and that would make me wary of using it as an anchor rode. Its low weight would make the use of an angel/chum essential.The only reasons to use it are that it won't chafe, won't degrade in UV, and is a lot less injurious to health than wire.
  • 07 Feb 2014 00:24
    Quote
    Reply # 1492746 on 1492617
    Anonymous member
    David Tyler wrote:

    Better than wire, I should think.

    Undoubtedly except for price and chafe resistance. If they could sort out the chafe resistance, I could possibly deal with the price as it would probably last a lot longer than wire. However from a handling point of view, wire is not a problem when it's all nicely stowed on a drum, its also a lot lighter than all chain and its affordable.
    Last modified: 07 Feb 2014 05:28 | Anonymous member
  • 06 Feb 2014 21:34
    Quote
    Reply # 1492617 on 1491774
    Anonymous member
    I see that Marlow Ropes now make a Dyneema rope especially intended for use on this kind of reel winch:

    Better than wire, I should think.
  • 06 Feb 2014 19:06
    Quote
    Reply # 1492415 on 1491774
    Anonymous member
    I sail LC's anchor out nearly every time without any issue though admittedly I mostly use it in powered mode (there is an electric motor). The manual system is powerful but admittedly slow however I do not see that as a problem. She justs puts in a few extra tacks to the end of her chain while she's waiting for me to get all the chain in.

    If you wanted to speed up retrieval you could easily add a geared or direct crank handle to the system. I'd still keep the ratcheting handle as well though as it is very powerful and sometimes you need that power.

    The whole system is very convenient and I'd not willingly go back to the standard way of ground tackle management again.
    Last modified: 06 Feb 2014 21:31 | Anonymous member
  • 06 Feb 2014 01:13
    Quote
    Message # 1491774
    Deleted user
    I like the concept and all the advantages of a reel anchor windlass but I can see that it would be difficult or impossible to sail the anchor out as you need to get the chain fast on board while the boat is tacking back toward the anchor. Or can you turn it fast by hand?
    I really use my windlass only to break out the anchor if there is no wind and it's stuck. I have a pawl at the roller. A pawl works only with chain, not with cable or rope.

    Thierry
       " ...there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in junk-rigged boats" 
                                                               - the Chinese Water Rat

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