Anchor Chain Stoppers

Anchor Chain Stopper Install on WD

WD didn’t come with an anchor chain stopper, and with two 44lb CQRs riding up front on the bow pulpit, it was time to fix that. Our 40-year-old Plath windlass still hauls like a champ, pulling in 400 feet of ½” chain from either side — but without a stopper, all that tension rests on the windlass when dropping or pulling up the anchor. Not ideal.

Installing a proper chain stopper adds a whole layer of security between the anchor and windlass — and takes the pressure off our vintage gear.

To keep resistance low, we needed the stoppers to sit even with the windlass gypsy. So we built a 16” platform out of 3/16” stainless steel to mount two ½” chain stoppers and a 6” long, ½” pin for backup. Overbuilt? Maybe. But now we’ll more peace of mind when we drop the hook.

Close-up of our custom-built anchor chain stopper, made from 3/16" stainless steel with two ½” stoppers and a 6” pin. Waiting to be welded together.