T&T: Anchor Chain Recommendation

[Ron Rogers]

Hey, hey! If there is someone on this list who is going to confuse the rope 
side of a windlass and the chain side - that's a problem. The good news is 
that the chain side is usually already rigged. Gipsy shipsy. Wildcat 
smilecat. Usually, if dealing with crew (based upon vicarious experience, I 
wouldn't do this) we'd have agreed upon terms, otherwise, I think it wise to 
use the manufacturer's diction. So if you are lucky enough to have an Ideal 
windlass, it's a wildcat; otherwise, it's a gipsy. Or, say nothing and point 
and say "da kine."

Ron Rogers

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <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!