Automatic anchor coiling mechanism?
 

Hey, quick question. I have an automatic anchor on my boat. However, when I bring the anchor up into the boat, the rope can sometimes get tangled. I'm wondering if there is anything out there I can buy specifically to coil the rope when it comes in? Seems like something that definitely must be out there, I just can't seem to find it online. I would be greatly appreciative. I try to go down there and coil it myself as it comes in, but it gets me real, real sea sick.

Thanks so much!

Re: Automatic anchor coiling mechanism?
 

They make special rope for the haulers so it wont get tangled

Re: Automatic anchor coiling mechanism?
 

In a word, no. Not for recreational vessels, commercial vessels that have to store a lot of line have a coiler, but it's not practical on small vessels. I'm assuming you have a Good Automatic Anchor ? Did they supply the line also ? If you are not using the correct line that might be the issue.

Re: Automatic anchor coiling mechanism?
 

Do you happen to have any specific recommendations on line? In terms of a coiler, I'm really just looking for something that will help guide it into a circle, like a coiler for a hose... nothing too high tech... but if a good rope will do the same thing, then that would work for me just as well.

Any ideas?

Thanks again!

Re: Automatic anchor coiling mechanism?
 

Which anchor winch do you have ? Is the boat new or did you buy it used ?

Re: Automatic anchor coiling mechanism?
 

How about fishing with a bud and have him go down and coil;) ;) just a thought.....

Re: Automatic anchor coiling mechanism?
 

Like Billy and Captain Rich said, the right line makes all the difference in the world. If your're using standard line you are likely going to get tangles. Your anchor locker could also be the issue. Most windlasses not only require a certain type of line but also require a certain depth or what they call drop or your windlass will not stow the line correctly. Once your locker is filled with the desired amount of line your think you need, you take a measurement from the from the top of the pile of line to the bottom of the windlass where the line comes into the locker and that's your drop.

If I were you I would google the make and model of your windlass and see if you can find the specs for the correct type of line and the required drop. If you don't have enough drop your might be forced to cut back on the amount of line you normally stow.

Moving this to the boating section.

Re: Automatic anchor coiling mechanism?
 

Is it 8 plait or 3 strand? Some windlasses require 8 plait.

Re: Automatic anchor coiling mechanism?
 

The right line makes the difference.

The line develops a twist under strain and that's where your tangles begin. Wet line lays down nicely. But when it dries it gets hard and very stiff with that twist it acquired.

One little trick that may NOT solve your woes but may help is one I picked up in a magazine. Because the salt water makes you line very stiff when dry and hose wash downs down cure is - fabric softener.

Put the line in a tub of fresh water with common laundry fabric softener added.

Let the rode sit in the brew overnight. Dump it out, hose it and let it air dry. The line will be a universe of difference in flexability and pay out a LOT smoother on the windlass.

For the deep stuff I used to abandon my windlass and use a retrieval ball/ring system and dump all the line in a large plastic hamper(ventilation holes all around). This Fabric Softener idea worked GREAT! When I sold the Charter boat the new owner thought the line was used only once or twice. While it was actually used about 15-20 times.

Not sure if it'll help you. But just throwing the idea out there.

Re: Automatic anchor coiling mechanism?
 

Fabric softener works great on throw nets too.