Sketchy drone catch! Testing a rough looking anchor and manual windlass for the first time. EP | 10 

Good job guys, don’t forget to tie something onto the end of the rope so it can’t pull out of the chain locker, CQR are great anchors and still used by many sailors, I would replace the chain and rode, especially if your going to Anchor overnight.

When you insert the new shackles on an anchor, make sure you safety wire the shackle pin as well. I use aircraft safety wire and safety wire pliers to make an nice sano job of it

I think you guys did great! Glad you figured out the clutch action on the winless. I sailed quite a bit around Bellingham Bay and San Juan’s and never did anchor, always a buoy 😊or a dock, guess I’m a wimp!

A useful addition is a chain hook on a line with an eye to put over the cleat. Similar to, but much shorter, than a snubber. You can then take breaks by hooking the chain to the cleat, it also takes the strain when breaking out the anchor from the seabed. Looking at your winch, normally the holes you tried first loosen the clutch/brake which allow the chain gypsy to turn freely. I do not have a winch on my Vindo 32, just a pair of hooks and patience. Using slow ahead takes the strain off the gear even when single handed. I am now pushing 70 and technique is everything, a handy billy or a sheet winch can be used at a push.

Suggest you secure the bitter end of the anchor rode to the boat and tie a ribbon about 15 feet from that to warn you when it is about to run out. Wire (mouse) the shackle pin to prevent it undoing at the most inopportune moment. CQR anchors are reliable but they can plough. a good anchor alarm app improves sleep.

Awesome video! Looks like you got a new full body workout. 😂

On the starboard side, where the gypsy is located, the end of it has a clutch. A bar goes into it to loosen it, and it freefalls the gypsy. Hope that helps! FYI: Watch your fingers.

Asking about which anchor is better is comparable to asking which religion is best... Manually lifting restricts you in chain size and weight of said anchor... I've just fitted a Maxwell RC 10/10. 12 volt. Because I was struggling to lift my 52 lb Bruce... I cannot sleep at night on any other anchor. I run 10mm chain 50 mtrs with 50 mtrs of 8 strand 18mm woven rope... It's bliss... Buttons on the bow, and an up and down switch in my wheelhouse for when it's raining... Hahahaha, why did I wait so long for that upgrade...

You better not let everyone know you ain’t no Swifty 😂😇

Drone - Attach a foot length of line under the drone, grab & cut power. Chain - Could have it & anchor professionally regalvanised, get longer life, cheaper than replace. Alternate, soak in bucket of vinegar for ~10hrs (stir occasionally), rinse/neutralise in bucket of bicarb/water Have it retrieve through a piece of poly pipe (reticulation pipe) off bow with high pressure sprays (salt waters fine) washing crap off. Have it feed/store into tub in chain locker with bicarb & fresh water mixture so it continually (soapy) soaks when not in use, rather than drying out, salt rusting. Use spray bottle on what doesn't go in bucket, maybe even some WD40 or fish (other) oil. Attach chain to anchor & rode with Jaw Swivels. Switch ends occasionally so not always one end coping a hiding. Wash & fabric softener (or oil) rope/s makes it/them easier to work with (can machine wash in sealed pillow case). @8:50 perhaps to far gone, but try soak & scrub the deck with some Jiff (cream cleanser) on a cloudy/cool day. Watch the used/wrecker market for an electric windlass.