On Sat, 10 Dec 2005 13:39:28 -0500, Larry wrote:

you can adjust the
anchor chain rode from the comfort of the covered cockpit without going up
forward to fight with the damnable windlass clutch to pay out more chain,
now....really handy.

==========================

Handy perhaps, but not really a good idea. Every windlass
manufacturer that I know of recommends that the windlass be offloaded
at anchor, either with a mechanical chain stopper or a hook line.
Most serious cruisers that I know use a 10 to 20 nylon foot hook line
to get some shock absorption at the same time.

If you expose your windlass to shock loads and/or cyclic loading you
will eventually damage the gear train or shaft seals. Damage the
shaft seals and the gear train will follow.

Either way, chain stopper or hook line, you've got to go forward to
adjust the scope.