Book Case and Anchor

On Friday morning I purchased a second-hand, but very-good-condition 45-lb plow anchor made by Manson in NZ. It is 10 lbs heavier than the dumpier 35-lb plow anchor that came with Pachuca and to me is indistinguishable from the genuine CQR, with its long shank and very pointy blade. This will be a definite improvement on the 35-lb plow, but it appears that the new-generation roll-bar spade anchors like the Rocna and the Manson Supreme, and even the Delta, are better propositions. But at only $200 I thought that this was worth the investment until I see how my order for the Swarbrick 50-lb "fisherman's" type anchor pans out.

The new anchor is now on the roller with the 40 m of chain at the bottom of the anchor well where it should be. I've got the bitter end of the chain (i.e. the "other" end) shackled to a fitting at the upper level of the anchor well so that (1) I don't accidentally pay out all of the chain, (2) I've got the option to add more length to the rode. The only other items in the upper level of the anchor well are (1) rope and float so that I can send the anchor down with a trip line/marker, (2) anchor chain snubber ( i.e. steel claw and nylon rope to take the strain of the anchor - other wise you hear the chain rattling all night as the boat shifts about.) I'll keep the spare anchors (currently one Danforth, one 35-lb Fisherman's) and spare anchor rode (10m chain with 80m white rope) in the starboard locker of the forecastle ( i.e. v-berth area).

Also, I installed the new book case that I built in my garage last week. It is basically a box, but a box to the specifications that I required to accommodate the big navigation books. It might not be a work of art but it is durable: 9mm marine ply, held together by nails and 2-part marine glue, finished with 3 coats of varnish - extremely water resistant and very strong. I'll set up a line of shock cord running about half-way up the case to keep the books from falling out in a heavy heel.

This week the project will be a new spice rack and shelves to fit next to the companionway.

I've brought two of Pachuca's mattresses home: the one that was on the bunk where the new book case sits, and the one from the starboard quarter berth where I will store the tools, materials, and spares. That's going to take a lot of thought and planning, but it is important because you wouldn't believe the amount of time I waste rummaging around for things. It is amazing the volume of space that removing those mattresses has freed up.