deck pipe hole

pcg · Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2023 12:49 pm Post subject: deck pipe hole

After some distractions I’m back at work restoring my 22 Cruiser. I’m currently in the process of mounting a Lewmar H700 windlass. Prior to this I’ve replaced a section of the deck that was damaged when the anchor roller was ripped off. When doing that work I decided to delete the deck pipe hole since I knew I would install a windlass, and the flimsy cover on the deck pipe hole seems like it would be another source for water entry into the anchor locker. Since that time someone has suggested the deck pipe hole can be a handy way to access the anchor locker by hand from above deck, if necessary. So… what are your thoughts? Would this be a good feature to have? Should I install a new deck pipe hole and cover larger enough to put my hand through? How much water leaks into the anchor locker from the deck pipe hole from rain or water splashing over the deck?

ssobol · Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2023 1:19 pm Post subject:

I've never noticed any water coming in from my hawser hole. The cover is very stout and any water that might get will go out the anchor locker drain. I expect that more water gets in from recovering a wet rode than from any rain. The size of my hawser hole would make it difficult to get my hand though it, but I can look into the locker through it with a flashlight. If you put one in, just make sure you seal the deck core after you cut the hole.

srbaum · Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2023 2:53 pm Post subject:

PCG,
If I had a choice and was installing a windless, I would not install the hawse pipe. It's just a little bit more of that tiny foredeck, being consumed and just one less trip hazard...

colbysmith · Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2023 4:58 pm Post subject:

My 25 has a hawser pipe, and after cutting a new hole and installing a windless, I just left the hawser pipe alone. It has a cover, and would be near impossible to get my hand through. I don't seem to get any water through it, and what little does drains out the anchor locker drain hole. Colby

thataway · Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2023 5:00 pm Post subject:

You have the deck pipe which is large enough to get a hand into (from photo in your album; thank you!). I left my similar deck pipe. No issue with water, since the anchor locker should have a drain. Plus the point made by ssobol.

I put a partition in the anchor locker for a second "lunch hook" rode. If you stick with 8 plait anchor rodes there is plenty of room.

If the anchor chain falls over and is "tossed" you are probably not going to be able to sort it out from above, and it may take a trip to the V Bert and put a plastic cover on the bunk to cover it as you pull the chain out...