In many models of 17th & 18th ships displayed with catted anchors the anchor line ends in a bight which is formed around a ring on the anchor stock. The anchor line is then led through a hawse hole into the ship. No provision is made for removing the anchor line from the anchor although this was apparently done so the line could be pulled entirely inboard and the hawse hole plugged to prevent water from entering. Does anyone know how the anchor connection was actually made (e.g. large shakle? split ring?) or have examples, diagrams, etc. Any comments would be much appreciated.
Hello Syhobbs,
You are correct. The cable was removed from the anchor if the ship was not close to any hazard which might necessitate its use. This allowed the hawse hole to be plugged to prevent the entry of water in a heavy sea. When the anchor was likely to be needed, the cable was bent through its ring and looped over itself. The loop was then seized with several bends of twine. Thus a form of the noose was made which tightened around the ring as the pull on the cable increased.
You are correct. The cable was removed from the anchor if the ship was not close to any hazard which might necessitate its use. This allowed the hawse hole to be plugged to prevent the entry of water in a heavy sea. When the anchor was likely to be needed, the cable was bent through its ring and looped over itself. The loop was then seized with several bends of twine. Thus a form of the noose was made which tightened around the ring as the pull on the cable increased.
One thing I have learned modeling ships of sail is that everything can be undone and redone. This but one example…