If only a gimbal could really remove the roll!
There are many things I love about Grenada’s St. Georges anchorage. For starters, the water is so clear that we can see the loop on our well-buried Mantus anchor just protruding out of the sandy bottom. It’s also convenient for us to get to town for shopping, and we’re almost always treated to a spectacular sunset. What I’m not a fan of is the swell that all too often affects the bay. Frequently unpredicted, the swell can set up an uncomfortable roll that will send unsecured items flying. Such as it is now.
If only a camera gimbal could really get rid of the roll!
To deal with roll like I just mentioned, and the heeling that occurs when sailing, certain items on a boat are typically gimbaled. The galley stove is one such example. Coincidentally, in the past day or so, I have been researching electronic camera gimbals that could be used with our iPhone and GoPro. Here is one in particular that I have been reading about: LanParte HHG-01. While not cheap, these electronic gimbals, when working properly, can help to create some impressive professional-looking video, using non-pro cameras. While I’ve really gotten away from purchasing “toys,” I can definitely see a benefit to having one of these.
Check out this video to see how it works:
My guess is that, if I had one of these, it would totally remove the significant roll that we’re dealing with right now. Or at least, eliminate it on video, that is!
Last night’s sunset. This photo, and the one above, were taken with our Olympus TG-4.
Sometimes “Swell” can be cool!
http://www.shepherd.edu/news/phaze-2-gallery-hosts-sculptural-exhibit-by-benefiel-july-8-august-30/
What? No pics of the sculpture? Congrats to your son!
Click on “PHOTOS” under the headline in the article.
Thanks. I’ll pass along your comment to him.
Duh! Thank you. Very cool! 🙂
Hi Mike We had a boat in the Caribbean about 15 years ago and we often stayed in Prickly Bay on the south coast of Grenada. The customs guy there was the best customs guy we ever met. We always used 2 anchors a Fortress FX-37 on the stbd side and a Danforth deep set high tensile on the port side. We never dragged. In Prickly Bay the swell tends to come around the point and enter the bay so it can be quite rolly. I slacked of the port side anchor rode and reattached it to the port side mid ships cleat then adjusted the stbd side rode so we were broadside to the wind but facing the swell. It worked great. A little pitching is better than a lot of rolling. Bill
“A little pitching is better than a lot of rolling.”
I like that, and completely agree!
And we are well aware of Prickly Bay’s propensity for being rolly. Been there, done that! 🙂
Mike,
I am considering a mantus anchor. What is your displacement and size of anchor and chain and length?
The Maramu’s displacement is 28,000 lbs. Because of the extreme conditions in Patagonia, we purchased an 85 lb. anchor which I believe is one size up from what is recommended. We have 220′ of 10mm (3/8″) chain on the boat, but when I replace it, I will get 300′. Knock on wood, we have never dragged anchor! We also have multiple friends who use Mantus anchors and they swear by them too.
My thoughts were that, before sailing to Patagonia, I’d purchase an identical anchor to keep as a backup. Because the Mantus breaks down, it would be easy to store in a locker. Hope that helps.
PS: Please note that the Mantus ad on our site links to our affiliate account. Purchasing through that won’t cost you a dime more, but it will earn us a few bucks. 🙂
You might already know about this, but I’ll leave it here anyway:
http://www.windtraveler.net/2011/03/slow-your-roll.html
Yes, I know how to rig such a bridle. Thanks, Doug. I have another solution if the roll is extended: move to another anchorage! 🙂
Patient: Doc, it hurts when I do this.
Doctor: Well, don’t do that!
How do you find the roll of the monohull as compared to the motion of the catamaran in a similar anchorage? We decided to go with a catamaran after dealing with the rolling sensation of a monohull in the Caribbean in the late 80’s. That being said, not all catamarans are created equal as some have an awful motion in a rolly anchorage!
I swear I just answered that exact question somewhere recently. You think I can find it? :/