Modern fishing and active recreation on the water require not only reliable watercraft, but also the right equipment that provides comfort and safety. One of the key elements of equipment, especially for those who practice fishing in depth or in windy weather, is becoming a key element of the equipment. electric anchorThis device radically changes the way we anchor, eliminating the need for the boat owner to manually lift a heavy loader each time, smeared with bottom mud and mud.
Choosing the right model can seem like a difficult process due to the abundance of technical specifications such as traction, current consumption and the type of gearbox. However, understanding the basic principles of operation and correctly assessing the needs of your boat allows you to eliminate errors when buying. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances in detail to make your stay on the water as comfortable as possible and parking safe.
Principle of operation and main advantages of electric anchor
The basis of any electric anchor, or anchor winch, is a powerful electric motorIt's a machine that, through a gear system, transmits rotation to a drum or an asterisk, and unlike mechanical analogues, here the physical strength of a person is minimized: just press a button on the control panel or a foot switch. Vertical and horizontal Winches work on a similar principle, but have differences in the layout and space occupied on the deck.
The main advantage of using the electrification of the anchor system is the ability to maneuver quickly and accurately. In high currents or gusty winds, manual lifting can take several minutes, during which the boat can be demolished in shallow water or, conversely, into a deep pit. Electric drive solves this problem in seconds, allowing the vessel to lock in at the desired point.
⚠️ Attention: Not all electric anchors are equipped with automatic brakes. Make sure that the model chosen has a reliable locking mechanism that prevents the cable from unwinding spontaneously under load, otherwise the anchor may not reach the bottom.
In addition, modern models are often equipped with remote-controlThis is especially true for large boats, where shifting to the nose while driving can be dangerous, and the durability of such systems depends on the quality of the materials: stainless steel or anodized aluminum shells withstand aggressive salty environments.
Calculation of traction force and power selection
The most important parameter in the selection is traction Pulling power, which is measured in kilograms or pounds, is an inadmissible error: a winch that is too weak will not be able to lift the anchor along with the chain and the sticky silt, and excess power will lead to battery overuse and excess weight on the nose.
There is a simple rule: for every 500 kg of displacement of a boat, it takes about 10-15 kg of traction force of the winch. However, this factor should be increased if you plan to use the anchor on the current or in windy conditions.
It is important to pay attention to the current consumed. Powerful models can consume up to 60-80 Amps, which requires the installation of a separate device. traction-batteryA standard starter battery for the engine will not work, as it is not designed for long-term return of high current and can quickly fail.LiFePO4) batteries become standard due to their low weight and stable voltage.
When calculating power, always take a margin of 20-30%. An anchor that is overgrown with seashells or stuck in driftwood will require significantly more effort to lift than a clean load on calm water.
Types of anchor devices: vertical and horizontal
Structurally, all electric anchors are divided into two main types, and the choice between them depends on the design of your boat. Vertical winches Windlass are mounted so that the anchor rope extends downwards perpendicular to the deck, taking up less space in length, but requiring space under the deck to accommodate the mechanism and drum.
Horizontal winches They're mounted entirely on deck, and they run parallel to the surface, and they go around the guide rollers, and they're easier to install and maintain because the whole mechanism is accessible from the top, and they're perfect for flat-nosed boats or where there's no access to deck decking.
When choosing the type of device, you should also consider the type of rope used. Vertical winches often use special DIN or mm calibration circuits, which must strictly correspond to the parameters of the asterisk. Horizontal models are more versatile and can work with both the chain and the circuit. tether or a combined version (chain at the anchor + cable).
| Characterization | Vertical winch | Horizontal winch |
|---|---|---|
| Place of installation | Demands a place under deck. | Only on deck. |
| Working with the cable | Only chain (usually) | Chain, cable or combination |
| Difficulty of installation | High (needs cut) | Low (bolts to deck) |
| Moisture protection | High (mechanism hidden) | Medium (open mechanism) |
Keep in mind that vertical models are often more protected from saltwater and mechanical damage, as most of them are hidden in the forepeak, while horizontal models require more careful care and regular lubrication of open gears.
Anchor rope: chain, cable or combination
Choosing the anchor end is no less important than choosing the winch itself. Anchor chain It has a significant weight, which increases the angle of thrust and helps the anchor to stay on the bottom, and also the chain extinguishes the thrust of the boat on the wave, but its weight puts additional stress on the electric motor and requires a special anchor box (chair) for laying.
Synthetic cable (Dyneema or nylon) is much lighter, rust-free and easy to handle, it's not confusing and takes up minimal space, but the cable has a disadvantage: it swims more easily and it presses the anchor to the ground less well, so often use a combination of 2-3 meters of the chain at the anchor itself and then the cable, which ensures that the legs are attached to the bottom.
Why can’t you use a normal household cord?
Conventional cords wear out quickly from friction against the shell, absorb water and lose strength. Specialized anchor cables have a weaving that is resistant to washing and UV radiation, and minimal stretching under load.
The rope should be at least three depths of the parking lot, and ideally five depths (catenation). If you plan to anchor at a depth of 5 meters, the rope should be at least 15-25 meters long. Using a too short rope will cause the anchor to break out when gusts of wind.
Control and electrical equipment
The control of the electric anchor should be convenient and safe. foot-switch Up/down, which allows you to control the winch by holding a fishing rod or mooring your hands, and wireless remotes add comfort, but require control over the charge of their batteries.
The electrical connection must include safety-fuse (breaker) corresponding to the current consumption of the winch, the wires must be sufficient cross-section to avoid voltage drop and heating. For powerful winches (from 700 W), the wire cross-section must be at least 25-35 mm2.
☑️ Pre-installing check
Pay special attention to protecting the contacts from corrosion. Sea salt quickly destroys the compounds, so all terminals must be earned and covered with special lubrication. rela It is better to place the control in a dry compartment, away from direct spray.
⚠️ Attention: Never connect the winch directly to the battery without a fuse. In the case of anchor jamming, the current can reach critical values, leading to wiring melting or fire.
Installation and features of operation
The installation of an electric anchor requires carefulness and compliance with the manufacturer's instructions. The base must be strengthened to withstand the loads during jerks. If the boat is made of PVC, you need to use special platforms with enhanced transom or bow gain, so as not to damage the cylinders.
During operation, it is important to monitor the condition gearboxPeriodically check the oil level (if provided) and no foreign noise. Mud and sand, falling with the anchor, can quickly disable the gears, so it is recommended to rinse the mechanism with fresh water after each outing the sea.
Proper installation and regular prevention increase the life of an electric anchor by 2-3 times, ignoring simple maintenance rules leads to expensive repairs in the high season.
Winter storage also has its own specifications: the winch must be removed, thoroughly washed from salt and dirt, dried and lubricated with conservation grease, and the device should be stored in a dry room at plus temperature to avoid cracking of plastic elements and corrosion of the internal cavities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use an electric anchor on the current?
Yes, you can, but you need to choose a model with a margin of traction. In strong currents, the load on the anchor and winch increases many times, and it is recommended to use an anchor such as "plough" or "admiralty" in combination with a chain that will ensure the correct angle of attack of the legs.
How long does a winch last from a single battery?
The operating time depends on the battery capacity and the power of the motor. On average, the anchor lift cycle takes 30-60 seconds, a 100-Ah battery lasts for dozens of lift cycles, but you should consider self-discharge and the work of other consumers.
Do I need to lubricate the chain before storage?
Yes, the chain must be cleaned of silt, dried and abundantly lubricated with a special lubricant for anchor chains or used engine oil, which will prevent rust and jamming of links in the winch star.
What if the anchor is stuck?
Don't try to rip it out at full power, it can break the gears. Try to get on a boat over the anchor to ease the tension, then slowly pick out the slack. Use the "push" function (pulsing tension) if you have it in control.