The fairlead over the anchor and the related Sampson post are not easy to execute, hence a costly exercise (not to mention heavy). But we think this is a good investment in terms of weight and budget. Together these two items perform a number us useful functions:
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The fairlead works great with an anchor snubber line, eliminating chafe, and allowing the use of a smaller diameter, and therefore stretchier piece of three strand nylon.
- When pivoting off a dock with a bow spring the fairlead is in a perfect position to help the bow spring line attain maximum force.
- If it is necessary to use a parachute anchor, or to be towed the combination of fairlead and Sampson post is an ideal system to distribute load and minimize chafe.
The loads on the anchor snubber and bow spring are comparatively light. But the towing or parachute anchor loads can be extreme. So these bits need to be strong.
The Sampson post is made from a solid piece of six inch/150mm aluminum. As you can see above it is captured at the deck, and with two intermediate web frames.
The Sampson post is positioned forward of the windlass, where it is out of the way, but still has a clean lead back from the bow fairlead.
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 16, 2010)
March 16th, 2010 at 4:43 am
Hi Steve, is there any significance in the red painted pin in the shackle attaching the anchor to the chain?
Regards
Andrew
[Reply]
Steve Dashew Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 9:55 am
Hi Andrew:
Aside from the fact that the paint is a reminder the pin is not yet secured with seizing wire the paint in theory protects against corrosion. But a heavy dollop of anti seize compound also helps.
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March 16th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
Steve,
As a previous Navy welder, I was struck by the beauty of the top termination of the Sampson Post. Very well executed. Will the weld on the cross pin be ground to smooth them out?
Sincerely,
Gary
[Reply]
Steve Dashew Reply:
March 17th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
Hi Gary:
We normally prefer to leave nice looking welds unground. It is stronger we the texture is visually appealing.
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March 16th, 2010 at 11:45 pm
Hi Steve.
That fairlead is a beautiful piece. That soft curve really gives de impression it will minimize chafe.
Do you add some extra antichafe material where the rope touches it. What material do use to protect (against chafe) your ropes
(apart from properly designed hardware).
Regards
Carlos
[Reply]
Steve Dashew Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 11:00 am
Hi Carlos:
With the fairlead chafe protection has not been required. We have not needed it on docklines either.
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March 17th, 2010 at 10:52 am
Hello
Love the boat! the red pin indicates that the shackle is a certified and tested shackle up to a specified rating (safe working load). Glad to see them used for the anchor. Why on earth anybody would want to use a cheap conventional shackle for this important use is beyond me! Good work.
Look fwd to seeing her launched!
Sincerely
Øystein, Norway
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September 23rd, 2010 at 11:17 pm
I feel a little silly pointing this out, but the red pin is a ‘trademark’ of a company named Crosby, which is known is rigging circles for quality. Just an easy way to pick them out of a bucket versus a chinese knockoff…….
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