Chinook II System
#marine systems
#custom engineering
#boat electronics
#DIY projects
#system integration
#reliability
#tinkering
#electrical systems
#homebuilt solutions
#engineering projects
Description: This section outlines the various systems on board the Chinook II. The approach taken is to utilize reliable and appropriate systems that align with the boat's size and intended use. The design incorporates elements that may deviate from standard practices, driven by the desire to enhance performance or reduce costs associated with off-the-shelf components. The importance of a dependable anchoring system for a cruising vessel is emphasized, as it is crucial for maintaining the boat's position at anchor. Confidence in the anchoring system is vital for ensuring a restful experience while at sea. While no solution is entirely foolproof, the right equipment and practices can instill a reasonable level of assurance. The primary anchor selected is a 22 lb. Delta plow, which is always ready for deployment from the bow platform. This plow style is favored due to its versatility across various seabed conditions and its effectiveness in handling changes in direction. Tests conducted by Practical Sailor and West Marine support this choice. Other anchor options considered included the CRQ and Spade. The CRQ was ultimately dismissed based on Practical Sailor's findings, which indicated its difficulty in setting and tendency not to reset during directional shifts. It was also noted that only heavier CRQs (35 lbs and above) tend to perform well. Conversely, the Spade anchor received high ratings, comparable to the Delta, but the lower cost of the Delta influenced the final decision. The secondary anchor is a Fortress FX16, which complements the plow anchor due to its efficacy in soft bottom conditions, where plow anchors may underperform. However, the Fortress anchor does not perform well during directional pulls and may skip along the seabed if dislodged. The Fortress was selected for its adjustable fluke angle, which can be modified from 32 degrees to 45 degrees, enhancing holding power in soft substrates. Its favorable strength-to-weight ratio is an additional advantage, and it is stored on the stern pulpit for immediate accessibility. Determining the appropriate anchor size is not straightforward, as the holding capacity varies with different seabed types. An anchor may secure several hundred pounds in one type of bottom but significantly less in another. Various charts exist to suggest anchor sizes based on boat length, typically considering a maximum wind speed of 30 knots. It is commonly recommended to choose an anchor one size larger, or even two sizes larger for storm conditions. Another method involves calculating expected load based on the specific boat and comparing it with anchor test data for holding power, though this data is often contingent on seabed type and proper setting. To estimate anchor load based on wind speed, the frontal area of the boat must be calculated. For Chinook II, the total bow area is 54 square feet. Wind pressure is approximately 3 lbs/ft at 30 knots, which is a function of the square of the speed. A table detailing the total wind load (in pounds) on Chinook II at various wind speeds is available, noting that in beam-on conditions, the load on a single anchor will be halved since two anchors are utilized. The anchor light is positioned at the top of the mast and is an "Owl" LED unit manufactured by Bebi Electronics. This light features 15 white LEDs arranged in a circular formation, is approved for visibility exceeding 2 nautical miles, consumes 90 milliamps, and is current-regulated to maintain a constant output across a voltage range of 11-16 volts.
The Chinook II's anchoring system is designed with a focus on reliability and versatility to accommodate various marine conditions. The primary anchor, the 22 lb. Delta plow, is strategically chosen for its proven performance in a range of seabed types, ensuring it can maintain a secure hold even when faced with changes in wind direction. The decision to utilize the Delta over the Spade was influenced by cost considerations and comparable performance metrics. The secondary anchor, the Fortress FX16, is engineered to excel in soft bottom environments, where traditional plow anchors may struggle. Its adjustable fluke angle allows for enhanced adaptability, enabling it to provide superior holding power when conditions demand it.
In terms of anchoring strategy, it is crucial to account for the specific characteristics of the Chinook II, such as its frontal area and expected wind loads. The calculated wind pressures and corresponding loads inform the selection of anchor sizes, facilitating a more informed decision-making process that aligns with best practices in anchoring. The use of two anchors in beam-on conditions further optimizes holding capabilities, ensuring that the vessel remains securely anchored even in challenging weather conditions.
The implementation of an efficient and reliable anchor light, such as the Bebi Electronics "Owl" LED unit, enhances safety and visibility during nighttime operations. Its low power consumption and high visibility rating make it an ideal choice for ensuring that the Chinook II is easily identifiable to other vessels while at anchor. Overall, the systems aboard the Chinook II reflect a comprehensive approach to marine engineering, prioritizing safety, reliability, and performance.This section describes the various systems aboard Chinook II. Our approach is to use reliable and appropriate systems consistent with the size and for our intended use of the boat. Being a tinkerer and engineer (for better or worse) I often build parts or try to do things that may be different than normal, either in an effort to make improvements
or at times "off the shelf" components may seem just too costly. Anyone that has spent a few windy nights at anchor can appreciate how important the anchoring system is to a cruising boat. After all, it`s what`s keeping the boat in one place off the shore. And one needs confidence in it to be able to rest easy. As with most things there is no absolute fool proof solution. However with proper equipment and practices it is possible to be reasonably confident. Generally we use a 22 lb. Delta plow for the primary anchor that is always ready to go off the bow platform. We prefer the plow style for the primary because it works well in a lot of bottom conditions and seems to be the best at handling a direction shift.
Tests done by Practical Sailor and West Marine seem to confirm this. Other choices high on our consideration list were the CRQ and Spade. We decided against the CRQ based on the Practical Sailor tests that indicate that it has more difficulty getting a good set and is more likely not to reset in a direction shift. Also, it seems there is common opinion that only the heavy (35 lb and up) CRQs work well. The same tests rate the Spade anchor highly, about the same as the Delta. At that point the less expensive Delta won out over the Spade. Our second anchor is a Fortress FX16. This style complements the plow since it`s strength is in soft bottoms (a bottom type the plows don`t do as well in).
Unfortunately, they do not perform well if the direction of pull shifts, and have been known to just skip along if they are pulled out in a shift. We chose the Fortress over other anchors of this style based on it`s ability to change the flukes angle from 32 degrees to 45 degrees.
The higher angle of attack gives the anchor much more "holding" power in soft bottom conditions. It`s higher strength to weight ratio is also a plus. This anchor is stored on the stern pulpit ready to go at all times. Choosing the anchor size is not an exact exercise since you can not determine how much load it may be able to hold in various conditions. An anchor may hold several hundred pounds on one bottom type and only half that in another. There are several charts that show how large an anchor should be used based on the length of the boat.
Many of those charts are based on a maximum wind speed of only 30 kts. It is generally accepted (for over night anchoring) to pick an anchor one size (maybe two sizes for a storm anchor) above what is indicated in most of the charts. Another approach is to calculate how much load may be expected for the particular boat and compare that to the holding power listed on some of the anchor tests.
However, it is important to remember that the tested holding power (if it can be found) is highly dependent on bottom type and getting it set right. To estimate the anchor load across wind speed, the frontal area of the boat needs to be estimated. For Chinook II the following components where added together for a total bow on area of 54 square feet.
Wind pressure is 3 lbs/ft at 30 kts and is a function of the speed squared. The following table shows the total wind load (in lbs) on Chinook II at various winds speeds for both front on and beam on cases. For the beam on case the load on a single anchor will be only half of what is in the table since there will be two anchors being used.
Our anchor light is at the top of the mast. It is the "Owl" LED unit made by Bebi Electronics. It features 15 white LEDs arranged in a circle. These are approved and tested for a greater than 2 nm visibility, draw 90 milliamps and are current regulated to provide constant output over a voltage range of 11-16 volts.
The Chinook II's anchoring system is designed with a focus on reliability and versatility to accommodate various marine conditions. The primary anchor, the 22 lb. Delta plow, is strategically chosen for its proven performance in a range of seabed types, ensuring it can maintain a secure hold even when faced with changes in wind direction. The decision to utilize the Delta over the Spade was influenced by cost considerations and comparable performance metrics. The secondary anchor, the Fortress FX16, is engineered to excel in soft bottom environments, where traditional plow anchors may struggle. Its adjustable fluke angle allows for enhanced adaptability, enabling it to provide superior holding power when conditions demand it.
In terms of anchoring strategy, it is crucial to account for the specific characteristics of the Chinook II, such as its frontal area and expected wind loads. The calculated wind pressures and corresponding loads inform the selection of anchor sizes, facilitating a more informed decision-making process that aligns with best practices in anchoring. The use of two anchors in beam-on conditions further optimizes holding capabilities, ensuring that the vessel remains securely anchored even in challenging weather conditions.
The implementation of an efficient and reliable anchor light, such as the Bebi Electronics "Owl" LED unit, enhances safety and visibility during nighttime operations. Its low power consumption and high visibility rating make it an ideal choice for ensuring that the Chinook II is easily identifiable to other vessels while at anchor. Overall, the systems aboard the Chinook II reflect a comprehensive approach to marine engineering, prioritizing safety, reliability, and performance.This section describes the various systems aboard Chinook II. Our approach is to use reliable and appropriate systems consistent with the size and for our intended use of the boat. Being a tinkerer and engineer (for better or worse) I often build parts or try to do things that may be different than normal, either in an effort to make improvements
or at times "off the shelf" components may seem just too costly. Anyone that has spent a few windy nights at anchor can appreciate how important the anchoring system is to a cruising boat. After all, it`s what`s keeping the boat in one place off the shore. And one needs confidence in it to be able to rest easy. As with most things there is no absolute fool proof solution. However with proper equipment and practices it is possible to be reasonably confident. Generally we use a 22 lb. Delta plow for the primary anchor that is always ready to go off the bow platform. We prefer the plow style for the primary because it works well in a lot of bottom conditions and seems to be the best at handling a direction shift.
Tests done by Practical Sailor and West Marine seem to confirm this. Other choices high on our consideration list were the CRQ and Spade. We decided against the CRQ based on the Practical Sailor tests that indicate that it has more difficulty getting a good set and is more likely not to reset in a direction shift. Also, it seems there is common opinion that only the heavy (35 lb and up) CRQs work well. The same tests rate the Spade anchor highly, about the same as the Delta. At that point the less expensive Delta won out over the Spade. Our second anchor is a Fortress FX16. This style complements the plow since it`s strength is in soft bottoms (a bottom type the plows don`t do as well in).
Unfortunately, they do not perform well if the direction of pull shifts, and have been known to just skip along if they are pulled out in a shift. We chose the Fortress over other anchors of this style based on it`s ability to change the flukes angle from 32 degrees to 45 degrees.
The higher angle of attack gives the anchor much more "holding" power in soft bottom conditions. It`s higher strength to weight ratio is also a plus. This anchor is stored on the stern pulpit ready to go at all times. Choosing the anchor size is not an exact exercise since you can not determine how much load it may be able to hold in various conditions. An anchor may hold several hundred pounds on one bottom type and only half that in another. There are several charts that show how large an anchor should be used based on the length of the boat.
Many of those charts are based on a maximum wind speed of only 30 kts. It is generally accepted (for over night anchoring) to pick an anchor one size (maybe two sizes for a storm anchor) above what is indicated in most of the charts. Another approach is to calculate how much load may be expected for the particular boat and compare that to the holding power listed on some of the anchor tests.
However, it is important to remember that the tested holding power (if it can be found) is highly dependent on bottom type and getting it set right. To estimate the anchor load across wind speed, the frontal area of the boat needs to be estimated. For Chinook II the following components where added together for a total bow on area of 54 square feet.
Wind pressure is 3 lbs/ft at 30 kts and is a function of the speed squared. The following table shows the total wind load (in lbs) on Chinook II at various winds speeds for both front on and beam on cases. For the beam on case the load on a single anchor will be only half of what is in the table since there will be two anchors being used.
Our anchor light is at the top of the mast. It is the "Owl" LED unit made by Bebi Electronics. It features 15 white LEDs arranged in a circle. These are approved and tested for a greater than 2 nm visibility, draw 90 milliamps and are current regulated to provide constant output over a voltage range of 11-16 volts.