Adding cleats and chocks for anchor bridal 82 46' SF

[madhatter1]

Upgrading our anchoring setup to compliment the awesome 70 pound Delta anchor we put on for the Bahamas. Added 92' of chain and will be purchasing a bridal. With our shower built into the V of the boat I have great access to install backing plates for the 12" cleat on the deck and the 6" chock that will go on the toe rail. The chock will be forward of the cleat but offset with the line tension to make both pieces of hardware carry the load.

Any reccomendations on installing the hardware pertaining to backing plates, penetrating the deck, and what the coring material would be on a 1982 vintage Hatteras? I got one shot at this to come out right.

 

[brettportzer]

Look up some of 'bostonhatteras' posts about his windlass upgrade, you can see the backing plates he did with aluminum.

He also has a bunch of posts pertaining to the foredeck with good pics too.

 

[Pascal]

Why don’t you attached the bridle to the existing, why do want to add cleats? Whenever I use a bridle, I secure each end to the forward cleats.

 

[madhatter1]

My forward cleats are right up next to the bow pulpit. My forward midships are too far back. These will be back 5 1/2' from rode drop and will spread out the bridal to over 10' wide at the chocks rather than just under 5' at the pulpit.

 

[Pascal]

I would try using the existing cleats first. I ve used bridles running thru chocks very close to the pulpit and it worked fine. I don’t see any significant benefits to having them spread out.

 

[madhatter1]

I am getting my advice from a friend who has anchored all over in his 44’ trawler so similar size and load. Did look up some videos on these and I see they are used on the bow cleats. Am I overthinking this or is there an advantage to having cleats further back on the bow? If there is an advantage I have easy access to install new hardware.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I would use/ do use, my forward cleats. They are close to the bow pulpit but my bridle is setup with two 25' lines on it. I usually attach the bridle hook and lower the chain until the hook is just above the waterline. Then tie off both bridle lines and let out a little more chain to relieve the pressure off of the chain and onto the lines. There is plenty of length of line out to absorb any shock load.

 

[Pascal]

Also… we anchor a lot. At least 100-120 times a year for the last 20 years, probably half of that in the Bahamas. The only time I use a bridle is when it’s over 20kts and the boat swing causing the chain to rattle in the pulpit at night.

With a lot of chain the catenary effect gives plenty of shock absorption and in case of a blow and some boat dragging onto us, I want to be able to pick up anchor and get out of the way quickly.

 

[madhatter1]

Also… we anchor a lot. At least 100-120 times a year for the last 20 years, probably half of that in the Bahamas. The only time I use a bridle is when it’s over 20kts and the boat swing causing the chain to rattle in the pulpit at night.

With a lot of chain the catenary effect gives plenty of shock absorption and in case of a blow and some boat dragging onto us, I want to be able to pick up anchor and get out of the way quickly.

Understood and absorbing all this. Need to do the research and form my own conclusion and more importantly my own plan. Saw your video of a crazy storm and agree that while holding power is a concern an exit strategy is just as important.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

My chain hook always releases itself as I bring in the anchor chain and it hits the roller. I could pull up and move without ever touching the harness or chain.

 

[Pascal]

Nice one. Much better than those I ve used

 

[madhatter1]

My chain hook always releases itself as I bring in the anchor chain and it hits the roller. I could pull up and move without ever touching the harness or chain.

Do you have the brand and part number to share?

I found similar hooks but if this one is tried and true I'd like to get the same one.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Do you have the brand and part number to share?

I found similar hooks but if this one is tried and true I'd like to get the same one.

I'm sorry. I don't. I've had it for probably 15 years and I can't remember where I bought it. I thought it was from Mantus, but when I looked on their website, it shows something different. Maybe they changed they're design or maybe it was from somewhere else.

 

[drewread]

Do you have the brand and part number to share? I found similar hooks but if this one is tried and true I'd like to get the same one.

Referenced here in the chain hook list. Manufacturers website is no longer active. https://www.snubberhead.com/anchor-snubber-bridle-hooks

 

[madhatter1]

Thanks Drew, it was on there. Part # for the one I need is UCG8 which is Ultra Chain Grabber 8MM (5/16").

 

[drewread]

Ah, just the link in the article was dead. Here is the correct link: https://ultraproductswest.com/ultra-chain-grab/