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Reader Tips: Windlass Aid

A brightly colored zip tie around a link of chain is a simple fix.
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Having a windlass on your boat is truly a pleasure – and a back saver to boot! One of the first things you learn when using a windlass is the importance of knowing when the anchor is coming up and over the roller on your bow or pulpit. It’s at this point that the operator should slow the retrieve and ease the anchor up inch by inch over the roller and into its final position. To keep your anchor from coming up too fast and damaging your roller or windlass, you need to know how much chain you have retrieved and when to slow down for the anchor. A brightly colored zip tie around a link of chain is a simple fix. Leave the tag end long, and you now have an indicator flag that lets you know exactly when it’s time to slow down and creep the anchor up into the final position.

Richard DeMarte
Long Island, New York

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