Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Anchor system
Posted by wing15601 on 10/16/13 - 11:17 AM
#1
I have a nice F4 Fortress anchor which I've had for years. One leasson I've learned is that you must use stainless or copper wire to secure the shackle pins to keep them from coming unscrewed and losing your anchor. Since I'll be using this boat in fresh water I'm just going to strip a piece of 12 ga household electrical wire and secure the pins on my new anchor shackle with that. If anyone wants my old F4 Fortress, it's about a mile and a half straight out from the lighthouse at the St Josepg River in 55 feet of Lake Michigan water. Bring an aluminum magnet.
Edited by wing15601 on 10/16/13 - 11:18 AM
Posted by Finnegan on 10/16/13 - 12:19 PM
#2
The correct way is to use a small size SS cotter pin.
Posted by wing15601 on 10/16/13 - 12:38 PM
#3
I don't know that securing the shackle pin with wire is incorrect because it's been done that way for many many years. I went with this one to avoid the cotter pin snagging the line. This one was made for securing the pin with wire. I saw that they now make shackles with the screw pin sticking out beyond the end of the threads so a cotter pin can be used. http://www.marinepartdepot.com/newstst316bo2.html. Securing the shackle pin with wire is called mousing.
Edited by wing15601 on 10/16/13 - 12:44 PM
Posted by blacksmithdog on 10/16/13 - 12:51 PM
#4
I've been putting a plastic wire tie through the hole in the pin and around the clevis. Haven't lost an anchor that I've done that to yet. I used to use stainless wire, but it cut the crap out of me one time getting the anchor out of the locker.
Posted by Whalerbob on 10/17/13 - 12:48 PM
#5
I use a galvanized shackle, mostly salt water so it's never been an issue for me.
Why not just smack the threads with a hammer before screwing it in?
Why SS? I don't recall every having a galvanized shackle rust to the point it didn't work and even if it did, they're half the price of SS.
Posted by wing15601 on 10/17/13 - 2:24 PM
#6
Whalerbob, I agree that galvanized is much cheaper and stronger but when I bought this boat it came with a really crappy off brand anchor and a nice 10 foot piece of 3/8 stainless chain so I just also use a stainless shackle to keep it dressed up. Yeah, I know I'm the only one who sees it.
Posted by Whalerbob on 10/17/13 - 5:36 PM
#7
I've probably lost more anchors by forgetting the shackle altogether than anything else. Splash.... oops.