Anchoring from cockpit

[Todd Stein]

On Catalpa, our CSMk3 I use a Mantus anchor mounted on an anchor roller bracket located in front of the anchor locker in the bow. In the past to deploy anchor I stand up through the forward hatch to release anchor and ground tackle before securing on forward bow cleat and chock.

 

Since I frequently sail singlehanded I wanted to find a way to quickly and safely anchor and see if it can been done effectively from the cockpit. To do this I’m installing a stainless eyebolt in the bow which will act as a bullnose for the anchor rode. That way I can lower  the anchor safely from the cockpit and then have it lead forward through “bullnose” then lead back to a horned cleat on cabin top next to companionway. I’ve also removed the 2 fathoms of chain from the ground tackle so the anchor recovery will be less muddy and not worry about dragging chain over the deck. Im hoping the anchor will set quickly despite no chain.

 

Does anybody have experience successfully anchoring from the cockpit? I’d like to hear your opinion’s and feedback. What are the ways you prefer to anchor?

[Reacher]

Todd, on my Mk1 I changed from a bow roller to anchoring from the cockpit. By that I mean I lower the anchor over the side of the boat keeping the chain and rode from scraping the deck and rail. When it’s on the bottom I drop the line into a bow chock, set the anchor, and tie off to a deck cleat. The danforth stays in a low profile plastic tote low in the boat. I like the bow chock because it is convenient without the need to thread line.

[Alan Stewart]

Graham has always anchored his Core Sound 17 Mark 3 from the cockpit. He has no chain and leads the rode back on the starboard side to a horn cleat on the cabin top no problem. 

[Don Silsbe]

@Todd Stein— Please provide me with a photo of your bullnose setup.  I’m trying to decide what to do with my CS17.1.  Right now, I’m thinking that Graham’s way is best for me, since my boat will mostly be used for daysailing.  Most of the time, a bow roller would just be a nuisance.  But the Rocna I intend to buy self deploys off a roller like a rocket.  (I learned this on Ted’s Avocet.) I might get a bow roller, and make it removable with 1/4” tee nuts and bolts.  If so, your system would be desireable.