Anchor Chain Tensioner Install (Revisited)

[Bryan 2530]

Age old topic but one that I am about to embark upon so lets talk.

There are a good number of posts on this topic and I have been reviewing them since I got my Parker last year.

This Is what the anchor storage looked like on the pulpit when I bought the boat.

I have got it down to this and it is very funcional and safe. But I think still needs some inprovement for ease of use.

I was fortunate enought to win a Windline Tensioner like this one on the Megabyte from a seller on Ebay for only $5.50 .

My question for those of you out there that have installed one is about location. I see Megabyte has his at the base of the anchor. A few other posed pics have similiar devices set a bit further back. Any Pros or Cons to either location???

I do change anchors throught the season depending on fishing so I will need to check that out to allow for room. I am thinking about half way from the cleats to the base of the anchor but have not gotten to try any out yet.

Also any tips on using and adjusting the tensioner would be appreciated.
And what about the mounting, two screws enoough?? Should I through bolt??

Here is another another shot of Kevin's for reference.
Thanks in advance for any help!!!

 

[DaleH]

And what about the mounting, two screws enoough?? Should I through bolt??

OMG ... 'never' use a screw :shock: when you can through-bolt! If/when I can't access the 'other' side, I either use a SS Toggler or embed a length of threaded SS in epoxy, with the bottom part of the hole mushroom shaped (larger than the top in OD) so it can't pull out. See below ...

FYI, never used one, so can't speak to the tension adjustment.

 

[Megabyte]

If you decide to put your tensioner any further aft than you see mine, the nuts and washers might be inside your anchor locker, so take that into consideration. Not a bad thing, but you might have to have a little person assist you in getting the nuts on inside that locker. :shock:

And yes... through bolt, and put large fender washers and lock washers on the backside in addition to sealing with 3M 4200. :wink:

 

[Bryan 2530]

you might have to have a little person assist you in getting the nuts on inside that locker.

OK I got the little people, now what???

Seriously though, Did you through bolt yours Kev?
Any word on the adjustment or is it as straight forward as it looks?

 

[Megabyte]

OK I got the little people, now what???

Perfect! You're all set!

Seriously though, Did you through bolt yours Kev?
Any word on the adjustment or is it as straight forward as it looks?

I did through bolt mine and yes, it was a pretty straight forward install for me.
Measure, measure, measure... drill two holes... assemble the hardware (a little more than finger tight) while sealing with 4200, and have a beverage.

Came back in the morning and snugged it up, and the job was done. 8)

The tensioner has several inches of adjustment in it, so take that into consideration when you mount it. It doesn't have to catch the jaw-to-jaw swivel like I did on mine.... So long at the hook fits in a link of your chain, you're good to go. :wink: