Complete Anchoring System Installation: Mantis Anchor, Vetus Maxwell Windlass & Cromox Chain

Anchoring System Components

• ⚓ The Mantus M2 105-pound anchor is chosen for its design, notably lacking a roll bar, allowing it to fit snugly against the bow.
• 🔗 100 meters of Cromox stainless steel anchor chain will be used, running through the hull and into the chain locker.
• ⚙️ A Vetus Maxwell RC12 Windlass is selected for lifting and lowering the anchor.

Custom Bow Roller and Bushings

• 🛠️ A custom bow roller made of acetyl (a low-friction thermoplastic) was machined to ensure smooth chain passage and prevent wear.
• 🛡️ Acetyl bushings were also machined to isolate the stainless steel pin from the aluminum boat hull, preventing corrosion due to dissimilar metals.
• 📏 Holes were precisely drilled using an angle drill and hole saw to accommodate the roller and bushings.

Vetus Maxwell Windlass Installation

• 🌊 The Vetus Maxwell RC12 Windlass was installed after cutting a precise hole in the deck, noting its substantial thickness and power.
• ✅ The fit and placement were double-checked, and a second hole was drilled using a template for secure mounting.

Custom Chain Box Construction

• 📦 A custom chain box was fabricated from aluminum with specific bends to guide the chain towards the flat bottom.
• 📐 The box was designed to fit through a narrow opening, requiring trimming to achieve the correct fit.
• 🗜️ The inside of the box was lined with HDPE plastic (similar to cutting board material) to reduce noise and prevent corrosion between the stainless chain and aluminum box.
• 💧 A drainage hole was incorporated into the box to allow water and debris to escape.

Electronics and Wiring

• 🔌 Electronics for the Selden Furling system and the Vetus Maxwell RC12 Anchor Windlass were installed, including control boxes, power supply units, and relays.
• 🌐 A CAN bus system connects the Selden components, managing power distribution and potentially prioritizing operations.
• ⚡ A 48-volt circuit breaker and wireless control unit were installed for the Maxwell Windlass.
• ⚠️ An emergency stop relay and button were incorporated for the Selden system to cut power to all components if needed.
• 🖥️ Two custom panels were created to neatly organize and mount all the electronic components, ensuring good access.

Cromox Stainless Steel Chain

• ✨ The Cromox stainless steel chain (Grade 318 Lm) is highlighted for its durability, corrosion resistance, and strength, avoiding issues like rust and frequent replacement seen with galvanized chain.
• 🌊 Its slippery surface is noted to help the chain pile more evenly in the chain locker, preventing jams.
• 🇩🇪 The chain is manufactured in Germany, emphasizing quality and reliability.

System Testing and Integration

• ✅ The entire anchoring system, including the windlass, chain, and electronics, was tested, confirming that the 100 meters of chain fit perfectly into the custom chain box.
• ⚓ The Mantus M2 anchor was attached to the chain, and the system's smooth operation was verified, marking a significant milestone in the catamaran build.