Chain and anchor and no! dat is not rhyming slang - part 26

Last time, I was tellin you how we started preparing for our trip to our new moorin. Dad reckoned we would definitely av tos moor up overnight somewhere. Wifout chain and anchors we would drift and end up who knows where, so anchor and chain installation began.

In the last post, dad had built the chain locker and mum an dad started working on getting all the chain into the bow and the lockers. They used the crane to lift the chain and then lower it into the bow.

Dad put rope on the final chain so it could be lifted up later and taken through the winch. Here's the chain in the locker:

As I mentioned in the last post, dad built the chain lockers out of some old steel and scaffoldin we ad knockin about. Dat is recyclin at its best! heehee. We gots to paint the chain locker once all da works is complete and it will be spray-foamed too when the time comes. We will do that in the future when we don't need to worry about moorin and can remove the anchors for a while. Here's a better view of the locker:

As you can see there are two lockers wiv chain in. Hmmmm - I wonder if you can guess why? Hahaaaa that's right! Coz there are two anchors, so two chains, two lockers!

Here's a pic of Atlantis's bow before work starts on the cutting work for the anchors on a misty cold morning:

Dad started cutting the holes on each side of the hull to house the chain. 

Close up as dad cuts the port (landlubbers: left) side of the hull.

Testing that the chain fits frew the hole well:

Testing the chain wiv the first anchor. Don't even ask how we got that there! Ok - you can ask! Well we magically shrunk it and pushed it frew da hole! No? Ok, we used the crane to lower the anchor. Using the crane to hold the anchor in place, we then used a shackle to attach the anchor to the chain and released. Hey presto! One anchor thank you very much!

Here's the chain inside the chain locker, As you can see it fits through the hole well. The hole had to be just right - too big and there's a risk of too much water coming into the bow, risking a flood. Too small and the chain wouldn't release, so no anchor.

Here's the view from above. The angle had to be jut right. Which, of course, it was! Clever

Ok, so, hole cut, chain through, anchor attached. What next? He then welded in steel tubes (fabricated by im) so that the anchor has it's housing to sit in.

Then .... testing of course! Here's a video showing how well everyfin worked:

Here's the anchor in the raised position:

This photo shows the anchor in it's final resting place once the anchor is fully raised:

This photo shows the chain locker with full chain. 

Right pay attenshun! Here dus be geeky bit. The anchors weigh 350kgs each! Each section of chain is connected by shackles. The chain section between the shackles is called the "shot" and usually measures 90ft. So, we has 9 shots on board .. meanin we as 810ft of chain! And we had to hammer all the rust of each link "by hand" and checked every single link! I say we, of course, I mean mum an dad! I can't ... no thumb you see?

Well dat is for now, see you again soon. Hope you enjoyed dis update.

Chain, chain, chain!!!! - part 25

Hello!! Last time I was tellin you bowt how we decided to move to a new mooring. Well before that cud appen dad had to sort out some chain and anchors in case we had to stop any time during the trip! As you may remembers, Atlantis never had no chain or anchor, mainly coz when she was a fishing vessel she used her fishing gear and nets when she stopped. Well that and she probably never stopped much!

Mum and dad had already stripped out the galley so that dad could get to the front wall. This would get him access to the bow which is where the first step wud appen. Installation of the chain locker! There is a lot of chain to be stored! This the wall wot will be cut away.

Next dad cut two holes in the roof of the bow which where the two chains would come down from the bow. He wud also cut holes in the bow but that wud come later coz he had to work out the right angle for the chain. Ere dus be the first hole:

Ere's the uvva hole! One for each chain. we have put some chain frew to make sure it fits and can slide in an out wivout too much trubble. That chain dus be heavy and mum an dad had to knock all the rust off wit hammers first! Talk about popeye-arms and that's just mum! heehee.

Dad starts by building the locker for the chain. He dus be using steel from the walls that he had already taken down from the galley! Good recycling eh? Here's the first of the walls on the right. He also used some old scaffoldin we had holdin up the bow roof (no longer needed I hasten to add) to make the frame for the locker.

He starts welding up plate into any areas where there are holes. This locker has got to be strong and well built to keep the chain in its place. 

Here are some further walls added. The holes are above so the chain will come into the locker when the winch operates (ooohh!!) - all electronically of course ;).

Now, we dus go all well posh and dun a video! Ere's dad dussin some weldin (warning: contains bald head and some flashin stuff).

Dad plated over an old out-of-use hatch too. He as asked me to point out his very neat welding! Ok dad - here is some very neat welding please take note:

I have decided to pay a visit and inspect proceedins as is my right as ship's dog! Yes ... all seems in order, carry on dad, carry on.

Welding sparks! Ohhhh pretty!

And, coz I bin such a good doggie and dad was gettin a bit stir crazy in his little locker, a trip to Old Felixstowe for some fun on the beach!

Next time, more chain, more holes and ..... anchors!!! hurray!