T&T: 2 anchors down ( was Anchoring and anchors)

[Arild Jensen]

> -----Original Message-----
> Rule 2.5: Two complete anchor setups, ready to deploy are better
> than one.


REPLY one of the notable features of the Great Lakes boats ( actually ships
sized to fit the 730 foot lock chambers) is the installation of an anchor
winch on the aft deck and an anchor mounted on an incline for instant
deployment. One strike with a sledge hammer to the senhouse slip releases
the chain and anchor.

These boats run the St. Lawrence where a constant current of several knots
is the norm.
Full reverse thrust can't stop these behemoths in less than a mile so a
better braking system is required in an emergency.
If an engine failure or other problem develops while they are downbound, the
stern anchor is the only remedy.
Remember the freighter that had an engine failure while down bound in New
Orleans back in '96.  It plowed into a shopping mall complex and hotel
building on shore. If they had been fitted with a Great Lakes anchor
arrangement they would have saved  the day.
This is definitely somethig Great Loopers should consider for running
downstream on the Mississippi R.

regards
Arild