Page 303 - Vetus

An Introduction to Maxwell’s Products

To make the proper selection in anchor-handling equipment it is important ‘CHAIN’ OR ‘ROPE AND CHAIN’?
to give careful consideration to the style and size of boat, the anticipated The two options for use with windlasses:
anchoring conditions, and the weight and type of ground tackle. (Refer CHAIN ONLY
to ‘Which Winch’ article on page 305). Maxwell has an extensive range A rode consisting entirely of short link anchoring chain provides the
of windlasses for all types of ground tackle, bow configurations, locker ultimate in holding security. Chafe resistance combined with excellent
spaces and power requirements including: catenary effect ensure the best holding , suitable for use on all Maxwell
• The vertical stainless steel RC Series and the horizontal HRC Series anchoring windlasses including those designed for use with rope/chain
automatically handle rope/chain combination rodes and are suitable for combination rodes.
boats from 4.5 metres (15 feet) up to approximately 22 metres (75 feet)
ROPE AND CHAIN
• The evolutionary RC12 Series automatically handles rope/chain
A rode consisting of a combination of short link chain and nylon rope,
combination rodes and is suitable for lighter displacement vessels up to
provides a good compromise between holding security, weight and shock
approximately 24 metres (80 feet)
absorption. A length of chain attached to the anchor provides good chafe
• The multipurpose VC (Vertical Capstan) Series, which can be used for all
resistance for those portions of the rode often touching the sea floor,
types of line handling
the remainder of the rode being nylon rope which significantly reduces
• The traditional rope and chain VW (Vertical Windlass) Series, designed
the weight of the rode and also provides some shock absorbing and
for manually handling a rope and chain combination anchor rode joined
noise cancelling. This type of rode is only suitable for use with Maxwell
by a conventional shackle and eye splice. The exception being the
windlasses designed specifically for rope/chain combination rodes.
hybrid VW10, see page 318
The length of the chain or rope is only limited by chain locker size so it
• The VWC (Vertical Windlass/Capstan) and HWC (Horizontal Windlass/
is possible to have for example 60 m of chain (used for most anchoring)
Capstan) Series, which handle chain only rodes automatically
and 100 m of rope (for those times where it is required to anchor in deep
VERTICAL OR HORIZONTAL - MAXWELL OFFERS BOTH water). It is not recommended to leave a vessel anchored on the rope
Vertical systems have several advantages: They take up less space on portion of the rode for extended periods without monitoring of the
deck and are easier to maintain. They are less expensive than equivalent rope condition to ensure chafe does not become an issue.
horizontal models. Chain, or rope/chain alignment with the bow roller,
while not as critical as horizontal windlass alignment, should be within
a tolerance of about +/- 2% for smooth retrieval of chain or rope/chain.
Rode (rope/chain) alignment with RC Series winches is more critical
(consult Owner’s Manual). With vertical systems more chain is in contact
with the chainwheel thus minimising the possibility of chain jump. Line-pull
on the warping drum can be in any direction, as opposed to fore and aft
only on horizontal models.
Horizontal models have the advantage of being better suited to
applications where there is extreme deck thickness (over 200 mm - 8”),
limited below deck accessibility or when two anchors must be handled
from one winch. Each winch is available with a circuit breaker of an
appropriate size to provide electrical protection during normal operation
of the winch. Maxwell capstan winches and anchor windlasses fitted with
capstan drums are manufactured with Maxwell’s fluted stainless steel
design to ensure the best possible grip and control
of rope lines or rodes.
Maxwell products are distributed and supported
worldwide by an extensive service network.

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