protect hull from anchor chain

S

ssobol

Active member
I recently noticed that the chain from my anchor is damaging the gelcoat where it goes across the deck from the hawser hole to the anchor shank. This is probably due to vibration when towing and when encountering rough water.

Has anyone else had this problem and found a good solution? I was thinking something that glued to the deck in the vicinity of the anchor chain to protect the hull.

Anyone know anything about SeaDek http://www.seadek.com/default.aspx?
 
We use a piece of self adhesive stair tread cover. It is white, about 1/8" thick and has been on our bow for several years with no debonding. It is very unobtrusive. You should be able to find it at a hardware or home store. It come is either small sheets, maybe 6x12" or rolls. We just cut it to fit.
 
If you're looking for something to carry you through until you get something better, I cut a short piece of pool noodle and slit it lengthwise, then put it on the chain for that short stretch between the anchor and the deck pipe. Kept it there when underway and when towing, and then just "snapped" it onto one leg of the bow pulpit when anchored.

Some of the other ideas are probably better, but this one is quick and easy.

I have a similar piece of slit "fat" pool noodle that I put under/around the anchor shank when towing, to keep it from bouncing up and down. That probably won't happen once I get the windlass on though.
 
Chester":1x7hv3ow said:
Foam pipe insulation.
Click to expand...

Exactly what I use. Never had a problem since I started using the same piece 5 years ago. If it is windy when you drop anchor, make sure you have a good handle on it or it will fly away never to be seen again. That's how I lost the first one.
 
I put a piece of 1/4" rubber sheeting on the bow deck. It is cut to "lock on" to the cleat base and anchor roller base so it stays in place just fine. It also protects the deck well.
$5 at the rubber supply store.
 
ssobol - I had a similar problem after using my bow cleat to set the anchor I run a carabineer down the rode to the bow eye. This was causing the rode to chafe the gel coat. I installed some of the transparent 3M chip protectant film that they use on cars. So far it is holding up well and is almost invisible. I understand though that your problem with the chain requires something more robust in nature.

Vern, bicycle tubes also come in handy as chafing gear for your dock lines. I carry 2 pieces(1 tube cut in half) for the lock walls. That rough cement wreaks havoc on lines especially on smaller boats where the lines have to run up over the top of the wall to get to the cleat.

Regards, Rob
 
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