Hands-off Chain Washdown

[bobk]

A couple of us have discussed how to make a hands-off washdown for anchor chain. I just fabricated one but have yet to test it in mud, but the pictures below show it. The body is DWV PVC, sized to allow the chain to pass through. The funnel end is a 3" to 2" reducer and the 'Y' is 1.5'X2". I used a bladder from HD to deliver the raw water, but a simple hose nozzle might work better.

The thing is attached with shock cord to pull it over the bow when washing and when the anchor comes aboard, it pushes it back toward the winch. I'm hoping this will facilitate single-handed anchor retrieval.

Bob

 

[Beckytek]

Great idea, I like it. Once I get water run I'll steal your design. Thanks Ron

 

[MikeP]

Neat idea!

Produce it in bronze/chrome and mount it with SS or whatever so it looks oem and you'd probably make some decent money selling them!

 

[bobk]

Neat idea!

Produce it in bronze/chrome and mount it with SS or whatever so it looks oem and you'd probably make some decent money selling them!

Mike, I'm retired and don't have the time to fool with making money the hard way.

Bob

 

[MikeP]

I know the feeling! I make money the easy way myself - retirement pension!

 

[Pascal]

very nice idea!! i saw a chain rinse on a boat that was just a SS tube, maybe 1/2" with a nozle at the end, but this is nicer as it probably keep the water swirling around and rinsing better...

 

[Jaxfishgyd]

I USE to be retired...... then reality sunk in.... things like fuel, food, beer.

But if ATT keeps treating it's employees like it is,,, I'm gonig to leave again.

I can live without fuel and food......

 

[krush]

Put a sponge or some sort of rubber do-hickey on the aft end of it to force the water/muck to come out the front.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Won't the chain just eat that pvc up as it runs through it?

 

[bobk]

Won't the chain just eat that pvc up as it runs through it?

I'm sure it will, but it took only minutes to make and just a few dollars for parts. If I get just one north-south transit from it I'll be happy.

Good idea on a sponge. It does look like almost all the water flows foward because that is the slope of the chain... until the anchor shank clears the bow roller. A small brush in the front of it might make mud release easier too.

Bob

 

[Trojan]

That's a good idea. Maybe try Just adding a second spray nozzle at the exit end forcing the crud out the entrance end. Or you could go to an AG store and purchase a couple crop spray nozzles. Then use the 1/4 inch wall gray plastic pipe. Try using a 3 or 4 inch inch pipe and a 45 deg kick up at the exit. The chain will pass through the tube not touching the chain and the majority of the mud and water will only exit out the front. If needed you could notch the 45 for a greater clearance. Just a thought.

BILL