Anchor Locker

PeterM · 14 May 2009, 20:15

As a result of my trip back from Ribex last week I was wondering if it would practicle for me to flood the anchor locker on the boat if I needed to keep the bow down when heading into sea/ wind.

I know its water tight as it collects rain in bad weather ( not huge amounts) . But I think I could get 40 kg in there if needed ( with a bucket ) and then empty it out when I get to where I am going - leave the achor etc in there and stick the cover back on .

Anyone done this as a one off ever ? To my mind its just like having a ballast tank ? Anyone see any problems with doing it ?

Also a link to this I find intersting for seeing sea state type info off Milford if heading up the Solent across what can be a relatively ' lively' few miles in a SW wind .

http://www.channelcoast.org/data_man...arts/?chart=73

Pete7 · 14 May 2009, 20:21

Forty grands worth of rib and you want to flood the anchor locker then empty it with a bucket

please.........

Take it down to Cookee in Salcombe and ask him to fit a proper fill and drain system.

Pete

PeterM · 14 May 2009, 20:25

haha - good point ! But defo not £40k worth ( I wish ) . I'm thinking as a real extreme measure - only considered it needed it once ( last week) just to make it an easier ride home !

I tend to like ' simple' solutions - hence the bucket. Bucket is for filling , not sure about emptying it yet -have to work on that.........maybe a high tech sponge . Make that £40 + bucket + Sponge = instant bow ballast system ! Now must be worth £40,001 ?

J S · 14 May 2009, 20:59

Surely if you needed to push the nose down into a head sea more than your engine trim is capable of. Would trim tabs not be a viable option??

James

chewy · 14 May 2009, 21:13

The only system I've seen or used is on the Atlantic's. It works well but has a pipe running beneath the deck to the bow to fill and drain.

I'd be interested to here how you get on.

codprawn · 14 May 2009, 22:01

Yes there is a big problem - if you suddenly need to turn and run you would be more prone to stuffing.

Anyway 40kg is not really a lot - it would be better to send someone up to the bow and lash them on!!!

Nasher · 14 May 2009, 22:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackroady

not sure about emptying it yet -have to work on that.........

Before I had my all over cover the Anchor Locker used to fill with rainwater really quickly.

I used one of these, http://www.force4.co.uk/853/Whale-Easybailer-Pump.html to pump it out.
It would fill a std bucket in about ten strokes and being quite long is easy to push down to the bottom of the locker.

I'm keeping mine though, sorry, it proved itself too useful to lose.

Nasher

codprawn · 14 May 2009, 23:09

Depending on the layout of your boat you could rig up a scoop on the transom and run the tube along the deck just under the tubes.

http://www.maritimejournal.com/archi...hibition_debut

there used to be a company called salmon Power sports who made such water pickups - their website seems to have been sold though - anyone know where they are now?

chewy · 15 May 2009, 06:25

Think the RNLI use 3" pipe under the decks.
Someone might have mor einfo as I'm away at the moment.

PeterM · 15 May 2009, 07:59

Thanks fro the comments & ideas. I dont have a problem in ' normal' conditions and would consider this purely as an' emergency' solution to keeping the nose down .

The boats pretty well trimmed in most conditions and alas I didn't have any one to tie in the bow last week. Trim tabs are a possible, but again really just thinking about the ' one offs I find myself in once a year ish.

Sounds like there is no reason why I could try it some time & I'd hope that 40Kg that far forward would make some differance , but not prove to hard to trim out if I turned & had to run down weather .

two stroke mick · 15 May 2009, 08:48

If you could place spare fuel tanks in the bow at least your balast would be dual purpose

PeterM · 15 May 2009, 09:25

Godd idea , I do often mean to carry a spare tank but find it a real pain . I hate having stuff on deck , even if its secured. With 180 l under deck I dont often feel the need to carry more.

I tend to worry about stuff floating weightless as the bow moves up & down - especially if it could end up with a spit tank & petrol running back over the deck.

Maybe I should just stay at home in the really bad weather - problem solved !

mr_sav · 15 May 2009, 13:32

Hi, this might be a bit left field of what you were looking for but here goes.

Consider changing your prop(s). I trialled 5 Props for suitability Speed, torque, Trim etc.

I found a set that provided all my requirements including providing a trim range that would allow me to push my bow down in the worst of conditions the boat (err me) would handle.

I also put a heavy tow rop right in the forward area of the locker, and it just stays there. If ever needed (not yet) its there.

Best of luck on whatever measure you take.