I installed the anchor rode on my boat today and I'm wondering how badly that ten inches of deck between the anchor stock and the deck pipe is going to get beat up with the chain laying on it. Any thoughts on how to protect that area over the long term?
I've not gotten as far as installing these parts on my boat yet, but am thinking that an anchor chain tensioner should do the trick for you. Rather than padding the deck below the chain, it's pulled tight enough not to bounce off the deck. Below is a pic of the first one I found online. A number of variants are available.
I have the anchor tensioner mentioned by Tom. I have had windlass in the other boats--never been a real problem. If it is, use tubing to cover it--could even be the foam used for insulation of water ;pipes--cheap and soft. I always carry some 1.5" fire hose to use as chafing gear.