chillipepper Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 Hi All, We have just moved our boat over to the Broads and are wondering it it's safe to swap the anchor for a mud weight. is there any danger of overloading the windlass as the mud weights are much heavier than the anchor now fitted. The boat is a 8.3m sport cruiser and we would like the option of mud weighting occasionally in a broad. Any advice appreciated , Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CambridgeCabby Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 I presume your windlass to be a powered one ? if it is if you google the make and model you can get the specs up which will include max load , depending on which mud weight you decide upon (most are 26kg)I seriously doubt any electric windlass would struggle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liberty Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 Anchor + chain (+ warp if using) weighs a hefty amount too. Mudweight should present no problem. Worked for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helian Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 We have a plough anchor and electric winch plus 18kg mudweight. The plough is held reasonably securely on the top pulley and surround. I would be reluctant to let the mudweight swing around off the same top pulley.I keep our mudweight in the anchor chain locker on the foredeck with a seperate rope to "chuck" it (see thread on mudweighting on Bargate).Hope that helpsSent from the Norfolk Broads Network mobile app Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MauriceMynah Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 Welcome to the forum Chillipepper, I would go along with your windlass to be more than powerful enough to handle a mudweight, but try it and see. you can tell if an electric motor is starting to struggle, just be ready to turn it off the moment it seems to be doing so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grendel Posted August 13, 2020 Share Posted August 13, 2020 the biggest part of the problem is breaking the suction, you may find that reversing away from the mudweight will achieve this (or if deployed when stern moored driving forward, as from experience i know that mudweight doesnt want to shift at first when you are pulling on it, I find taking a gentle strain and applying pressure slowly achieves that, then once free the rest is easy. mind you it is the same with an anchor, you are pulling the boat until the anchor is up and down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liberty Posted August 13, 2020 Share Posted August 13, 2020 And you're going to want to drag it through the water for a bit to get the mud off before it gets anywhere near the boat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chillipepper Posted August 14, 2020 Author Share Posted August 14, 2020 Hi All Thank you for all of your replies, very helpful ! Our windlass is electric (Lewmar H600) it would appear an 18kg mud weight will be suitable for our Rinker 250 so we'll add it as soon as we can get one. out of stock at the moment around the broads but should be available in a week or two. We'll be venturing from the river Yare up to the Bure in a week or so so do give a wave if you see us. We have used hire boats over the last 15 years or so and are really enjoying owning our own boat. Thanks again Chilli Pepper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.