Windlass - Regal 53 SC Owner's Manual

WINDLASS

INTRODUCTION
Using the anchor windlass requires knowledge of the
anchoring process to understand the correct amount of
rode and scope required. Read the section on anchoring,
the windlass operation manual and understand all safety
information before attempting to run the windlass. Also,
since anchoring is one of the skills the skipper should
master for cruising "peace of mind" visit your local library
or surf the internet to locate further information regarding
anchoring techniques.
WINDLASS SAFETY TIPS & WARNINGS
• Never use the windlass to tow or pull a boat.
• Never use the windlass for securing the anchor line.
Instead use a deck cleat.
• Never drop anchor in the vicinity of divers or
swimmers.
• Never wrap chain around the drum.
• Never use the windlass to pull up a person.
• Never use windlass to break anchor loose.
• Always strive under normal conditions for a 7:1 scope
ratio on the anchor line.
• Always remove the handle from the gipsy when
operating windlass from the foot controls.
• Always turn the windlass deck switch to the "off "
position when not in use.
• Always secure the anchor chain lock in "locked"
position in foul weather.
• Always keep an eye on the rope/chain locker to avoid
rope buiding up under the hatch.
• Always manage the retrieval process carefully to
prevent the anchor from hitting the boat.
WARNING
!
TO PREVENT POSSIBLE BODILY INJURY
KEEP ALL BODY PARTS AND LOOSE
CLOTHING AWAY FROM
WINDLASS MOVING PARTS!
WARNING
!
TO PREVENT POSSIBLE BODILY INJURY
TURN OFF ALL WINDLASS POWER SOURCES
BEFORE PREFORMING ANY WORK ON
ANY WINDLASS COMPONENTS!
WINDLASS ANCHOR LINE
Although several variations exist the windlass is outfi tted
with 3/4 " twisted nylon line and 7/16" chain. With this
combination the vessel meets normal working load condi-
tions and the rope/chain combination protects the rode.
The heavier chain lowers the angle of pull and helps bury
the plow anchor which increases the holding power.
When the plow anchor is buried the chain is protected
from bottom chafi ng as the vessel is moved around due
to current, waves and wind conditions.
Several methods of securing the anchor to rode are used
today including eye splices, thimbles and shackles. Regal
uses a set of hexagon threaded pins which are lock tight-
ened in place. This method provides a clean fi nish and
prevents loosening due to vibration. The bolts may be re-
moved when necessary by using a hex fi tting on a ratchet
wrench.
The plow anchor featured on your Regal yacht has dem-
onstrated to be effi cient in a variety of sea bottoms. Ex-
perts say the verdict is still out on a grassy bottom but
unfortunately some grasses or weeds resist penetration
by any anchor.
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Chapter 4