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Anchor locker

jimcleary

James M. Cleary
This year we have to replace our anchor chain. Today I unloaded the old chain into the car and cleaned out the lower anchor locker. I was wondering if it would be better to block up the drain to the bilge and put in a straight overboard drain fitting at the bottom of the locker? Has anyone done this? The lowest point of the locker seems to be 4-5 " above the waterline. So when the boat is sailing the drain fitting will dip below the water allowing water to enter. The way it is now, even with a good wash down system there is smelly, muddy water finding it's way to the bilge. Which way do you think would be better?

Jim
 
I have pondered the same issue, with inconclusive and therefore paralyzing results. I look forward to the responses. But are you sure the bottom of ythe locker is above the water line? And how would you plug the drain hole? Mine is big enough the former owner used to carry the last bit of chain under the forward bunk.
 
Terry

My lower locker (I still have the on deck locker) which is for the all chain rode, is sealed with tabbing up to the level of the hatch into the V-bunk. By my measurements the bottom of that locker, where the pipe to the bilge is, is a few inches above the waterline. I haven't done an exact measure yet. So no water will enter and the locker can drain the wash down water when the boat is at rest. When sailing the location of the drain fitting can and will go under water and take water in. Because the locker is sealed up to the hatch edge that is not a problem until the angle of heal becomes acute allowing the water to find the edge of that hatch. An answer to that problem could be to replace the wooden hatch with a waterproof hatch.

If I decide to add the outside drain, I would plug the pipe to the bilge by stopping up the locker end of the pipe with a cork or something then pour resin over the area to make flat up to the level of the new drain. That way the chain does not sit in the water. I agree with you that the answer to this is paralyzing. When I was discussing it with Bonnie, she asked me "why do you want to put another hole in the hull?".

Jim
 
Maybe your anchorages are muddier than most of mine. I have not had a major problem with dirt and smell. Another solution, perhaps, but complicated, would be to plug the hole at the bottom and have a small pump in the forward cabin plumbed to the lower locker for overboard discharge.
 
Terry

Our anchorages are mostly very tenacious mud. Dana has an aggressive wash down system and there are still times when it takes a 1/2 hour or so to bring up and clean 90 ft of chain. I like the idea of a small pump but our holding tank is directly up against the fwd bulkhead in the V-bunk and getting past it would be a bear. There is that little locker that held all the lead ingots. That is under the holding tank but I think I'll look if there is a way to access through it. You've given me a good idea. Thanks.

Jim
 
Jim: Did you decide what to do, or are you still paralyzed? Some other boats in my marina have low water drains with small vent covers over them, to help deflect water, but that will not stop all water from entering when heeled. I will try to remember to ask how they handle the situation.
 
Hey Jim, I added a false floor to mine and drilled a hole on the Starboard side about 10" above the water line which gave me plenty of depth inside the locker. I have never had an issue with water coming in. You can add a clam shell cover on the outside if you want added peace of mind. Tilt the floor so that water gravity drains all to that back corner.
 

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Hey Jim, I added a false floor to mine and drilled a hole on the Starboard side about 10" above the water line which gave me plenty of depth inside the locker. I have never had an issue with water coming in. You can add a clam shell cover on the outside if you want added peace of mind. Tilt the floor so that water gravity drains all to that back corner.
 
Tim, is that ten inches above the true static waterline or above the bootstripe. Since I carry two rodes, I hesitate to lose too much space. But you certainly do nice work.
 
Hi Terry, I would have to measure to be sure, was just an estimate from the "water up".....I would say it is definitely not any less that that. Next weekend when I am at the boat I will measure. Thanks for the compliment on the workmanship.
 
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