On Sun, 22 Feb 2004 17:00:51 -0500, "Paul Schilter"
paulschilter@comcast,dot,net wrote:

If one uses an "all chain" anchor line, how do you cleat it off?

I use what I call a "hook line". It is a 6 or 7 foot line with a hook
spliced into the end with an eye splice. It is used to hook the chain
and then the free end is cleated. After that I pay out a few inches
of chain to relieve pressure on the windlass. I also use the hook
line to secure the anchor after it has been retrieved and to prevent
an accidental "drop" which could be disastrous under way.
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Does the
anchor come up into the pulpit rollers without getting tangled up or does it
need human intervention?

Usually comes up with no intervention. If the anchor comes up dirty,
I'll back down with about ten feet of chain still out and drag the
anchor through the water until it cleans up.

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I notice that you tie off your anchor, is this
necessary, could you just have tension on the anchor from the windless?

For a short stay in light conditions windlass tension is enough,
otherwise the anchor rode should be tied off to relieve strain.

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When
seating the anchor on the pulpit, how do you deal with not pulling it in too
much and damaging something?

Carefully! The risk of damage to the windlass or pulpit is quite
real. Use short bursts of the windlass to bring the anchor close, but
not all the way.

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Do even the remote (in the helm) models have
controls at the windless or is this optional?

Usually optional but highly recommended on larger boats.