The AMPHS World - chainhook and shock absorbers

Our boats are heavy, high on the water and the wind resistance is important. Furthermore, beyond a hill protecting the anchorage, the wind speeds and blows once to port, once to star.

It is therefore important that the anchoring line gives the boat good stability and prevents him wriggle. A strong wind and disorderly movements of the bow result besides by getting the anchor release.

To remedy this, chandlers offer a chainhook, which binds to the chain (it is obviously much better than the shackle whose axis passes through a link and makes it horribly suffer, or even distorts it). I know of three models :

1. the NIRO model (in 3 dimensions) : www.svb.de/out/1/html/0/catalog/s_14.pdf
2. the WICHARD model (in 3 dimensions) : www.bigship.com/catalogue/mouillage-1/chaine-et-accessoires/main-de-fer
3. the model which is been selling by Osculati (in 2 dimensions) : www.osculati.com/cat/Scheda.aspx

Whoever I prefer is number 3 (which I use for over 5 years) ; it not only spares the windlass, but it allows a better stabilisation of the bow and avoid it jerking at anchor. Just bind two lines after inserting it in the chain to pass through fairleads side and set them on the bow cleats.

2 shock absorbers (one on each side) prevent the violent jolts caused by wind or swell - which can only benefit the anchor ; after setting up at each side one schock absorber which calls back the bow by strong wind, you can enjoy a quiet night.

The installation of the security line (removed in the anchor locker) takes no longer than 3 minutes and you take it off in a jiffy.