ABL-8 AbleAnchoring Instructors: George Crowl

Course Outline (1)  a. Describe the various kinds of anchor rode and the advantages and disadvantages of each type.  b. Identify the parts of the anchor cable starting with the anchor and ending at the vessel.  c. Describe the methods of marking chain and demonstrate that you know the chain markings on your ship vessel.

Course Outline (2)  d. While on a cruise assist in the construction of an anchor watch schedule and stand one watch.  e. Identify a capstan or windlass and explain its use in handling line, wire rope, or chain.

ABL-8a Describe the various kinds of anchor rode and the advantages and disadvantages of each type

Chain Anchor Rode  Chain for large vessels  Strength  Some shock absorbancy as chain is lifted from the seabed  Chain at the anchor for smaller vessels  Weight keeps anchor on the ground  Chain resists abrasion on rocks, etc.  Connects to rope rode

Nylon Anchor Rode  Nylon is stretchy – 10%, easing the force of waves striking the vessel  Nylon is much lighter than chain  Nylon is much more subject to abrasion from rocks, sand and mud  Can be used for small boats, or a lunch hook

Manila Anchor Rode  Primary rope rode until synthetic materials  Has more stretch than many materials  Subject to rot if put away wet  Seldom used anymore for serious use

ABL-8b Identify the parts of the anchor cable starting with the anchor and ending at the vessel.

Anchor Rig  Anchor itself, any kind  Ring  Shackle  Chain – much longer than depicted  Shackle  Thimble, eye splice, safety wire and seizings  Rode

Anchor Chain Swivel  Some prefer to have a swivel in the chain  Allows rotation of chain and line when needed  Often galvanized steel, like the chain

Rode  Chain OR  Nylon

Vessel End  Hawse hole / hawse pipe  Windlass  Bow chock  Cleat for line  Capstan

ABL-8c Describe the methods of marking chain and demonstrate that you know the chain markings on your ship vessel.

Chain Marking  Standard Navy chain marking

Marking Anchor Line  There is no standard system  Make your own up that you and others can understand  Tell what your Sea Scout ship uses

ABL-8d While on a cruise assist in the construction of an anchor watch schedule and stand one watch.

Considerations  What is the purpose of an anchor watch?  How long do we need an anchor watch for?  How many people do we have to stand the anchor watch?  How long can a person stay alert during an anchor watch?  How can we minimize disruption of sleep and other duties?

Sample Anchor Watch Schedule  Sam  Janet  Jack  Jill  Mergitrude

Anchor Watch Duties  Watch GPS or take bearings to insure vessel is not dragging anchor  Insure vessel will not interfere with other vessels  Check anchor light and / or ball  Monitor Channel 16  Call the Skipper for unusual circumstances

ABL-8e Identify a capstan or windlass and explain its use in handling line, wire rope, or chain.

Capstan  Stands vertically  Most sailboats take three line wraps and tail the line to be coiled later  Old-time sailboats used it to raise the anchor

Windlass  Barrel is horizontal  Many main and jib halyards use windlasses  Windlass best known for raising anchor chain or rode. Note the slots for chain on both.

Winch  Common sailboat term for both capstans and windlasses that allow tightening halyards and sheets, allowing the line to run off the winch.  Term also used for winding up rope onto a spool, such as the winch used to pull and secure a small boat on a trailer.

All Three Devices  Provide extra force and friction to pull in line or chain  Can be powered by hand crank, electric motor, pneumatic (air), and hydraulic motor  Electric is good for Sea Scout size boats  Hydraulic is better for large vessels

Questions? 