Savwinch CS Series Installation, Operation & Maintenance Manual page 6

The anchor rope is fastened to the chain with an eye splice and shackle. The shackle should be larger than the
chain links but still run smoothly over the bowsprit. It's wise to wire the pin (called 'mousing') or use a
waterproof thread sealant such as Loctite, Threadlock, Nutlock, or Clessetite Thread Sealant to keep it from
coming undone. A swivel reduces twist in the rode, helping the anchor to run cleanly up onto the bowsprit.
Note. Tying a knot in a rope can reduce its strength by up to 50%. This is why anchor ropes
are spliced onto stainless-steel thimbles. While the bitter end of the rope is usually tied to
the winch drum rather than splicing, this is not regarded as a problem as the knot is usually
covered by layers of rope wound onto the drum well before any significant load is applied.
Some Savwinch anchors include a sliding escape ring to assist with freeing the anchor from the sea bed if it
becomes jammed.
A chain leader ensures that the shank of the anchor lies in the correct position; and it reduces abrasion of the
rope on rocky and coral sea beds. The chain should be at least equal to the length of your boat. The chain is
fastened to the anchor with a swivel. If you find that the swivel jams, an extra two or three links of chain
between the swivel and the anchor usually fixes this problem.
Most Savwinch models come with double braided nylon, polyester or UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight
Polyethylene) rope. Nylon and polyester have similar performance characteristics. Both are suitable for
recreational boating.
UHMWPE offers a very high strength-to-weight ratio, very high abrasion resistance, high UV resistance, and
does not absorb water. Its disadvantages are that it has very low stretch and it floats (which can be a
disadvantage to boats passing close by when you are anchored). But 3mm UHMWPE, for example, is stronger
than 8mm nylon or polyester. It allows you to fit a much longer anchor rode on your drum. Since it doesn't
stretch, it's a good precaution to fit a few metres of three-core nylon (a 'top shot') before the chain to dampen
shock loads that can be uncomfortable and can jerk the anchor out of the sea bed.
Note. One downside of thin UHMWPE is that it can jam easier than larger nylon and
polyester ropes. This can be minimized by taking extra care when raising your anchor. For
trouble-free operation, choose a winch large enough to carry the length of nylon or
polyester that you need.
Once you've settled on an anchor and chain configuration, you can select the correct size of winch from the
recommended maximum anchor weight and chain options listed below:
Winch Model
450CS/SS
880CS/SS
1000CS/SS/SSS
1500CS/SS/SSS
2000SS/SSS
3000SSS
4000SSS
These recommendations are based on a safe margin for lifting with mud clinging to the anchor or other objects
on the sea bed that could increase the load during the lift. Do not exceed these recommended sizes.
Hawse Pipe or Guide Roller, Bowsprit and Samson Post Guiding the anchor and rode as it's launched and
retrieved is an important consideration. If the winch is mounted below deck (typically in the anchor well) and
feeds through a hinged cover, cut a hole through the cover and fit a guide roller on the deck. Alternatively, fit a
hawse pipe to guide the rope from the winch to the bowsprit. Take care to minimize abrasion as the rope feeds
on and off the drum.
If the winch is mounted above deck, a guide roller is usually fitted.
A suitable bowsprit or bow roller is also needed to store and secure the anchor. Consider whether you need to
lock the anchor on the roller, particularly if the boat is being towed on a trailer.
A samson post or bollard serves to secure the anchor rope on a strong point, to protect the winch from
excessive loads while at anchor in heavy weather.
Maximum Anchor Size
Up to 18lb/8kg
Up to 22lb/10kg
Up to 37lb/17kg
Up to 42lb/19kg
Up to 55lb/25kg
Up to 77lb/35kg
Up to 88lb/40kg
Maximum Chain
Up to 18lb/8kg (26ft/8m)
Up to 18lb/8kg (32ft/10m)
Up to 24lb/11kg (46ft/14m)
Up to 26lb/13kg (52ft/16m)
Up to 35lb/16kg (65ft/20m)
Up to 56.4lb/25.6kg (105ft/32m)
Up to 61.7lb/28kg (115ft/35m)
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