T&T: Anchor Chain Recommendation

[Truelove39@aol.com]

Bob:
 
You say I'm right and then you say I'm wrong. But, it isn't me -- there are  
no two ways about it. Contrary to what you say, a gypsy is not a commonly  
accepted term for a chain wheel (wildcat).  And, a capstan is only for rope  and 
it has to be vertical. A gypsy is specifically a horizontal rope drum  and a 
wildcat is specifically for chain. Period. I don't care if neo-Chapman  editors 
or those selling dual-purpose chain/rope wheels have bastardized the  names.  
My 1959-1960 Chapmans says different. Ask anyone who has served in  the 
Merchant Marine. It is important that the terminology be correct. Imagine  the 
confusion if the bosun calls for anchor chain to be laid on the capstan!  Pleasure 
boat folk learned this stuff from professional seaman aboard ship.  Let's not 
screw it up!
 
Regards,
 
John
"Seahorse"
 
 
 
In a message dated 9/11/2006 1:13:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time,  
thataway4@cox.net writes:

 
John is correct, and the "Origins of Sea Terms" gives that exact same  
defination as he provides. (actually spelled "Gipsy")
 
  However in my post
I noted: "There is also a Gypsy winch--which refers to any small hand  
operated winch, not specifically to one with a chain wheel."  
 
Which also corresponds corresponds to your defination.  
 
I agree that there are many variations of nautical terms, however time  
evolves standardized and accepted definitions--"Gypsy" is an accepted  defination 
for a chain wheel or wildcat. Chapman uses wildcat and Gypsy  interchangably 
(Latest edition--I finally retired my 1965 copy)  If  one goes to the various 
windlass manufactures, and chain manufactures  catalogues of parts (Simpson 
Lawrence, Lighthouse, Vetus, Lewnar,  Hutton/Orca etc), "Gypsy" is now a commonly 
accepted term for  Chain wheel.  Capstan is currently used for the drum 
windlass.  (See  Ideal, who uses "wildcat" for the chain wheel)