T&T: Ball Floats for anchor retrieval

[Rudy and Jill]

> "Any body worried about windlass
> failure should look into carrying a ball float anchor
> retrieval set up. > 
> How well is that going to work in say 25 feet of water with
> an all-chain
> rode?


This is an interesting question. 

As a side note, I've made a significant amount of spare change splicing anchor rodes for the charter fishing guys, who uses this type of retrieval system extensively, at least the guys on the east coast of Florida. I really appreciate their lack of attention, concerning where their rode is, when they are retrieving their gear.

This floating ball/ring system works great with rope rodes, the rode just slides through the ring until the anchor reaches it. 

If there is a length of chain attached to the anchor, who's weight equals the anchor, once completely raised, the anchor will just sit there, anchor on one side of the ring, balanced by the weight of the chain on the other side of the ring. All that has to been then done is to pull it all in, no lifting except into the boat.

Apparently the chain does slide through the ring, but I've never asked any of the captains if it actually does; I just assumed that it does. 

I have to admit that I've wondered if this retrieval system would work for an all chain rode; the assumption is that if it does for 15-25 feet of chain, it would also work with an all chain rode.

Rudy
Briney Bug, Port St Joe, Fl