I would like to get away from sloshing the anchor chain with buckets of water to clean the mud off when raising the anchor.   So, I'm looking to install a washdown pump system. 

I'm trying to figure out what size pump would be best.  I'm intending to supply the pump with water from a 1" hose (can be easily reduced in size), which is Teed to an existing seacock.  I'm on a 50'/15m schooner, and am cleaning up to 90m (300') of 7/16" (12mm) chain.  Since the engine is running whenever I'm retrieving the anchor, I'm not concerned about power consumption. 

I'm looking for advice from those who have a washdown pump system who are happy with using it for cleaning the anchor chain.  Specifically, I'd like to know: 
* what the flow rate and pressure of your pump is, or else the pump model
* if you're able to clean the chain as fast as it comes in, or if you often need to stop retrieving to fully wash the mud off

Thanks!

+x

 

Dick - 11/22/2020

+x

 

Richard Hudson - 11/21/2020

Thanks, Dick, that's helpful. 

I hadn't thought about the importance of a good nozzle, and I'll pay attention to getting no more than a 3% voltage drop. 

If washing the chain with the washdown pump won't keep up with the speed of the anchor winch, well, at least it's faster than frequently stopping to fill the bucket :). 

Richard

+x

 

Richard Hudson - 11/22/2020

+x

 

Dick - 11/22/2020

+x

 

Richard Hudson - 11/21/2020

Thanks, Dick, that's helpful. 

I hadn't thought about the importance of a good nozzle, and I'll pay attention to getting no more than a 3% voltage drop. 

If washing the chain with the washdown pump won't keep up with the speed of the anchor winch, well, at least it's faster than frequently stopping to fill the bucket :). 

Richard

Hi Richard, Your post seems not to appear: at least for me. Dick

I had some cut and paste confusion in my earlier reply :)

Thanks, Dick, that's helpful.   

I hadn't thought about the importance of a good nozzle, and I'll pay attention to getting no more than a 3% voltage drop.

If washing the chain with the washdown pump won't keep up with the speed of the anchor winch, well, at least it's faster than frequently stopping to fill the bucket :).

Richard

+x

 

Richard Hudson - 11/22/2020

I had some cut and paste confusion in my earlier reply :)

Thanks, Dick, that's helpful.   

I hadn't thought about the importance of a good nozzle, and I'll pay attention to getting no more than a 3% voltage drop.

If washing the chain with the washdown pump won't keep up with the speed of the anchor winch, well, at least it's faster than frequently stopping to fill the bucket :).

Richard

And much much easier on the back.
I usually have about 5-1 out. In the morning (in settled conditions) I often bring in the clean chain going to the bottom till it starts to get muddy with seabed. Letting it then sit hanging in the clear water, makes the next bit easier to clean when you get ready to depart.
Another use: Boats can get impressively dirty. If I knew it was going to rain, I would wash the decks and cockpit with salt water, rinse and then let the coming rain take the salt away. 
My best, Dick