Care and Maintenance of Marine Anchors
Overview
Proper nursing and maintenance of marine anchors to ensure their reliability and effectiveness. It is a vital task, but it is often easy to be ignored. The following are some suggestions for maintaining anchor.
1. Regular inspection, regular inspection and maintenance of marine anchors at least once every six months.
Perform a visual inspection according to daily inspection and maintenance methods to check whether the anchor bolts have signs of wear, corrosion or damage. Check the flexibility of the anchor claw when it is turned to the maximum angle and the tightness with the ship's side. During ship repair and inspection, the weight loss of the anchor shall not exceed 20% of the original anchor weight. When the anchor is found to be damaged, it should be sent to the factory for repair and replaced with a spare anchor. Check for bent or deformed parts, such as flukes or shanks, and replace if necessary.
2. Clean in time and rinse the anchor with fresh water after use to remove salt and debris.
Use a soft brush or sponge to remove mud, sand, or other sediment from the anchor. Clean your anchor chain or rope regularly to prevent the build-up of marine life and debris.
3. Check the anchor chain and shackles to ensure safe use.
Check your anchor chain regularly for signs of wear, including rust, bent or stretched links, make sure the anchor shackle pin is securely fastened, and replace any damaged or worn links immediately.
4. Keep a maintenance log to record inspections, cleaning, lubrication and any repairs or replacements.
Note the date and details of each maintenance activity, and have your anchor checked by a professional regularly to uncover any hidden problems or wear and tear. If you notice any significant damage or the anchor doesn't work as expected, seek professional help.