Parallax wrote:

(TobagoFlyr) wrote in message ...


This is one of the most dangerous ideas I have seen in a while on this
newsgroup.


I agree, except maybe for the portable generator mounted in the engine room.

The best big money I ever spent on my boat was for a windless. Even my wife
agrees.
Ted Edwards
Chatham Bound




Bruce:

Same thing could happen if you were pullin up the anchor by hand or
even with a windlass. In fact, windlasses I have seen are damned
slow.

My real intention was to break the anchor the last few feet when it is
really stuck. I rarely anchor by other ppl anyway.

What happens if Bruce's windlass fuse blows ath a critical moment? My
system aint got any fuses so seems more reliable. I dont consider a
windlass to be proper equipment, its just another gadget waitin to
fail.


As I said previously, drive up to the anchor. Then those other things
won't happen. Hauling 25' or so of chain isn't that tough if there's no
other strain. When it goes vertical, snub what you have. Usually, the
boat's momentum will free the anchor. If not, put the engine in gear
again and drive forward. That hasn't failed us yet.


--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/