Photo courtesy of Ellen Massey

A.

If boats surge forward at anchor in rough weather, large side loads can be imposed on their stemhead rollers. Weak side cheeks can bend, but a nut and bolt across the gap helps spread the load between the two sides.

B.

Some simple locking pins can be rolled and released if a mooring line or anchor rode rubs back and forth against them. A chain rode in particular must be kept in its roller, because chain can cut right into a boat if it gets loose.

C.

A pawl on the roller will stop the chain running out, so you can rest while hauling it in. A counterweight, or bit of bungee cord, will keep the pawl in contact with the chain.

D.

A simple notched plate can also be used to secure the chain to give you a breather.

E.

Strong side rollers protect against chafe.

F.

This extended bow roller augments the original one, so the anchor misses the stem and self-stows. The thick stainless bars welded on the edges reduce chafe and strengthen the sides.

G.

The notched plate, welded between the sides, will hold the chain while hauling in.

Photo courtesy of Nakomis Nelson

H.

A second roller at the rear of the fixture running over the rode helps to tip the anchor clear of the stem and creates a better lead into the windlass.

Image: Moody Yachts

I.

There are many types of tipping rollers to help anchors self-stow.

Photo by Kristen Greenaway

J.

Large boats often need a second large anchor to keep them safe in remote anchorages, but anchor width can make it hard to stow two anchors in side-by-side bow rollers. This design has one roller slightly ahead of the other so the two anchors don’t quarrel. Note the hefty anti-chafe pad on the stem underneath.

Illustrations by dickeveritt.com