Suggestions - IP 40 re chain pyramiding & backing up in anchor locker

Hi all,

we have 77 metres of 3/8th shortlink chain on our IP 40, hull 100. We have a maxwell anchor winch.

Problem is that when retrieving, it backs up - and where the chain is meant to go down the spurling pipe (ie) through the deck, the chain jambs between the gypsy and the bell housing that both covers the spurling pipe and guides the chain down the said spurling pipe.

We are almost always two handed - my wife on the helm and I am forward on deck. Typically, we would not have to retrieve more than 35 metres of chain where we use the boat on Moreton Bay in Queensland, Aust. But that will not always be the case as we expect to be going a lot further afield ... and from time to time, much deeper anchorages....

When retrieving, with hand signals, my wife goes forward to the chain locker and clears the backlog, usually before it backs up. However, when it does backup, the loads on the bell housing - transmitted from the gypsy - are significant. So much so, that recently, one of the two bolts (diameter 7 mm which is also around 3/8th of an inch) sheered flush with the cast part of the windlass - getting that out is another story. But that is not sustainable. My wife going foreward to clear the locker backlog is not always desireable.

I have a number of options:

(a) go back to 5/16 th chain - which does not fill me with confidence - I'd rather 3/8th. (Mind you, we are babysitting an IP 44 for a Danish / Canadian couple who have just sailed her out from E Coast USA)

(b) reduce the chain length - please dont make me do that - I'd hate to be stuck 10 metres short at a critical time

(c) Get some sort of hatch arrangement to allow me to access the chain locker from on deck.... the IP 44 has the two covers which lift to show a lewmar circa 10 " * 8" ocean hatch - but that looks a big job.

I have tried restowing the chain under the ledge in the chainlocker - so there is more foreward and greater storage in the aft end of the chain locker. That didn't work!!

So, suggestions, particularly from IP40 owners, would be greatly received.

We have a 30 kg Bruce as our primary anchor.

And no, dragging does not seem to be a problem!!

Thanks all from down under

Barney
Some people,have made a removable plywood or metal plate ledge which they fit into the chain locker.
It is located below the windlass,
It slopes downward and backwards.
Thereby keeping the chain from 'piling' up underneath the windlass
There is a photo essay about it online.
Ed

I have recently purchased an 1993 IP 35 in Florida and I am now traveling down the Caribbean.I am very pleased with the boat except for two things. I fitted 200 ft of chain and we have continuous problems with the chain backing up in the locker and I noticed you have made a board up to help with the problem.I wondered if you had the dimensions to share as I might try to get a friend to make one for me who is coming out to see me in a few weeks.Also we have had a problem with the stern gland leaking more and more and despite tightening it still leaks badly.The packing was replaced 3 months ago is there a better solution you know of ? Many thanks in anticipation Rod Ducker

Lester,

We have hull 28 of the IP40. We used a section of PVC pipe to lead the chain aft in the chain locker. The pipe is suspended with aluminum strapping. After a bit of adjusting, we don't have any problems with the chain building up or jamming and this has worked quite well. The front section of the pipe is a piece with the top half cut off to accept the chain from the deck pipe. I don't have great pics but here are a few.
[attachment:1]P3170242.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment:2]P3170245.JPG[/attachment]

blewtack wrote: I have recently purchased an 1993 IP 35 in Florida and I am now traveling down the Caribbean.I am very pleased with the boat except for two things. I fitted 200 ft of chain and we have continuous problems with the chain backing up in the locker and I noticed you have made a board up to help with the problem.I wondered if you had the dimensions to share as I might try to get a friend to make one for me who is coming out to see me in a few weeks.Also we have had a problem with the stern gland leaking more and more and despite tightening it still leaks badly.The packing was replaced 3 months ago is there a better solution you know of ? Many thanks in anticipation Rod Ducker

Rod, you should research "how to" and then check your engine driveshaft alignment., cutlass bearing, and flexible engine mounts.
If you are at all interested in learning about your boat systems then consider these two books. Even if you don't do your own work at least you will have grater insight and avoid rip offs.

Hi Hayden,

is your ramp that you made built from Starboard or coated plywood? Was that half inch or 1 inch? And finally, does it just sit in and hold itself in place or did you have to attach it somehow?

Howdy Barney,

I know this is an old thread, but if you happen to be around I'd be very interested to see what you came up with to solve your pyramiding issue.

Thanks,
Erin

Hello Erin
Thank you for your query.
Since doing that post, we have sailed down the east coast of Australia, sailed around Tasmania ... and are now back in Sydney on our way north.
Aside from occasions when the boat has been laid up, we have rarely used marinas (I think they are called slips in USA), and whilst we try to use courtesy moorings when available, there has been a lot of anchoring.
We do have the 100mm pipe at a 45 degree angle, then the board a bit like Hayden & Radeen's. That has been unchanged. Hopefully the pic will attach okay.
We have managed to find anchorages (and weather conditions) where we have not found it necessary to deploy more than 45 metres of chain. Thank goodness!
What we have done in retain 52m in the starboard (main) half of the chainlocker. The other 25 m is in the port half, on top of spare chain and an anchor warp.
And yes, it still pyramids, but Helen loves the exercise of racing through the cabin to get "gritty" hands - particularly if the captain has been losing concentration with the deck wash!
So, we continue to favour sandy anchorages, with well less than 10m of depth ... that aren't rolly, or choppy!!
Basically, we have done nothing!
I just know that murphy will provide an unexpected severe wind change in a congested anchorage, or with limited searoom ... I am sure we all know the drill!
Let us know further thoughts!
PS:- pic of Joule, just now in Blackwattle Bay, Sydney, Australia - in 3metres of water ... Sydney CBD skyline dominates! It's muddy though! (Damn ... it wouldn't attach!)

Hello Captain BW
I am going through this site, as I am in the preliminary stages of looking to replace the sanitation hoses... but that is another story. I did however see your reply shortly after you sent it, thank you.
As per another post we did on this thread, we certainly have a 4" pipe, then a plywood ramp like Hayden & Radeen - they were installed pre our purchase of our IP 40 Joule in 2012.
I guess my first question for you is what size is the chain on your ship?

Cheers
Lester & Helen