Retrofit Anchor Rode Locker

[H2operator]

I haven't seen the CP23's with the anchor/rode locker. Any knowledge about older boats that have been retrofitted with one? It would be a good idea to have a crash bulkhead and a locker that drains anyway. Since the 81 that I have just has the deck pipe you would expect that it will take on water. The forward area doesn't seem outfitted to drain so that needs to be addressed as well! All this is speculation at this point as I just aquired the boat and haven't splashed it yet.
Lance

[Bristol14]

Last season I replaced the bow eye on my '87 23-2. I had difficulty reaching the nuts thru my anchor locker (fat arms). After conferring with Gerry at Hutchins who confirmed there wouldn't be any structural issues, I sawed a square access hole thru the plywood locker wall. I also made a PVC plate to cover the access hole.

Also, at least on my boat, the anchor locker "floor" doesn't fully extend to the plywood wall but has a 1-2 inch gap on the stern or backside of the "floor."  It would be hard to see this without a wider access hatch. Any water that gets past the deck tube (it has a hinged cover) drains down and eventually finds its way into the bilge. Surprisingly, the leakage is minimal, judging by the lack of water in my bilge most of the time.

[H2operator]

So your 87 has a full on deck locker with a hinged lid? My guess is that it would be too difficult to retrofit a deck accessible locker for my boat. My 81 doesn't have a bowsprit so no decent way to store an anchor. My best option is probably to install the bowsprit. My boat has signs of water siting in the storage areas below the v berth, no drains through the stingers so that needs to be done.

[Bristol14]

Sorry, I left out the word "rode."  I have an anchor rode locker. I also have a bowsprit. Sorry for the confusion

I agree that a hinged anchor locker accessed on deck would be a major undertaking.

The previous owner of my boat mounted a spade anchor on the deck with the "spade" hanging over the bow. I don't like that arrangement as it has the potential to chafe and cut mooring line with constant wind shifts. Instead, I use a Danforth mounted on the bow pulpit.

[Bob23]

I added a second deck pipe to the foredeck of my 1985. I made removable plywood dividers in the anchor rode storage area so I can keep 100' of 1/2" line and 250' of 5/8" line in separate compartments. Everything is removable without tools. The plan was to carry my standard Danforth stainless steel knockoff on the 1/2" line and hang a larger Danforth off the bowrail. Never got around to needing that second anchor but at least I have 2 rodes on board at all times. Lines are never stored wet; everything dries out on the foredeck before flaking it down below.

[H2operator]

I added a second deck pipe to the foredeck of my 1985. I made removable plywood dividers in the anchor rode storage area so I can keep 100' of 1/2" line and 250' of 5/8" line in separate compartments. Everything is removable without tools. The plan was to carry my standard Danforth stainless steel knockoff on the 1/2" line and hang a larger Danforth off the bowrail. Never got around to needing that second anchor but at least I have 2 rodes on board at all times. Lines are never stored wet; everything dries out on the foredeck before flaking it down below.

Thanks Bob and Paul for the replies, I need to get a bowsprit! Lance

[Cruzin]

Bob,
Can we get a picture of your rode locker? I would like to see the inside if possible. My 23 is jealous that she is just not complete without a locker.

Thanks

Dale