Bow anchor for SO39DS

[SteveT]

Hi all,

I've recently bought a SO 39DS and like everything about her except the anchoring system. It has the self launching roller system (same as the 39i, 42DS etc) and the supplied Bruce anchor is only millimeters from the gel-coat on the stem when launching or recovering.

Has anyone changed the bow roller or fitted a different anchor? If so, what and how.

Any help gratefully received.

[Jeff Motley]

The challenge with almost all the new Jeanneau's is the relatively plumb bow....looks great, but the challenge is the same no matter what anchor you use. I have a Sunfast 35, and nicks on the gel-coat are part of the seasonal repair so far. I have seen several after market modifications where the owners have added a stainless chafe/protector plate on the bow to help prevent the inevitable chipping. However, this does not eliminate the potential "dents" on the stainless steel, unless one uses a fairly thick plate.


Changing the anchor really won't help in my opinion. The only real solution on launching and retrieval is to lower/raise the anchor by hand the first/last 3 meters in order to be as careful as possible. Fortress (Danforth) style, CQR, Bruce will all end up mm from the stem. I have seen modifications with teak extenders that push the roller further out, but this (in my opinion) only crates a longer protrusion (or lance) on which to impale one's self in the next tight mooring/docking.

Sorry I am not providing you with a simple solution, but it is the same on most modern plumb bows!



Jeff

[franks200645so]

Alternate solution

I have a 2006 so45 with the same problem. It's outfitted with a 30KG Bruce anchor and in one season I have got tons of chips and marks. Jeanneau actually could have done a better job here!
To solve this we are replacing the swivel u channel roller assembly with a 6-8" extended version to ensure that the launch stays away from the hull. It will fit into the same slot and just extend further forward to keep the anchor clear of the hull.
It's an easy modifcation as the assembly is only bolted on and any stainless shop can fabricate the part with the original as a sample

I also don't like the look of the stainless guard on the hull

Good luck

[SteveT]

Many thanks for the replies

By asking my Jeanneau dealer I heard that Sunsail have modded their fleet by welding the swivel so that it doesn't - this gives an extra 3-4" clearence. Can anyone comment on this as it would seem a simpler solution.

I'm also considering changing the Bruce for a 16kg Delta - has anyone else done this with either a modified or standard bow roller.

Thanks again

[brandleside]

I've recently purchased an SO37 which is not yet afloat and anticipate precisely the problem you describe.
I saw a superb looking new type of bow fender at the London Boat Show - a closed cell PU foam "blade" fender which fits over the bow inconspicuously.
I have recently ordered one and will let you know how it performs.
You can view a selection of excellent fender products at:
www.oceanfenders.com/bowfender_blade.html
Regards
Alastair

[SteveT]

Thanks brandleside, given that I'm sailing for 10 days this Easter I've bitten the bullet and ordered the bow fender. I also changed the Bruce to a Delta and have found there's a lot more clearence - I anchored several times last weekend with no problems, still being very careful though and feeding the anchor over and recovering the last bit by hand.

Thanks again

Steve.