Anchor Swivel: Do You Need One and Which Type Is Best?

Ready to master anchoring check out the NauticEd anchoring course - https://www.nauticed.org/sailing-courses/view/anchoring-a-sailboat?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=8Xm-oJ1q-lQ Check out IMTRA for all your windlass needs (they are experts) - https://www.imtra.com Adding a swivel between your anchor chain and your anchor is one of the most debated decisions in anchoring — and getting it wrong can result in twisted chain jamming your windlass at the worst possible moment. This NauticEd video covers whether you need an anchor swivel, what it actually does, and exactly which style to select for safe and reliable ground tackle recovery. What this video covers: - Why chain twists naturally during overnight anchoring as wind and tide change direction while you sleep - How twist shortens chain links and causes them to jam as they enter the windlass during retrieval - How a swivel connected between the anchor shank and the first chain link begins to unwind accumulated twist as the anchor lifts off the seabed - Why the two pins of a swivel are sized differently — one for the anchor shank and one for the chain link — and how that pivot geometry works - Why bullet-shaped swivels outperform traditional bow shackle style swivels on the bow roller - How flush cross pins eliminate the snagging point that causes resistance when the anchor makes the 90 degree turn over the bow roller - Why Imtra recommends the Gloma swivel made in Spain, and how its cross pin, thick sidewall, keeper pin, and Loctite retention system prevent hardware from backing out and losing your anchor at sea A swivel is a small component with significant consequences if it fails or is absent. Selecting the right style and securing it correctly is one of the most important decisions in your ground tackle system. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 00:16 - How a Anchor Swivel Works 00:43 - Why Chain Twists at Anchor 01:03 - How Twist Jams Your Windlass 01:16 - Anchor Swivel Connections 01:37 - Bullet Swivel vs Standard Swivel 01:54 - The Bow Roller Problem 02:10 - Why We Recommend the Gloma Swivel #sailinggear #sailing #boating #boatinggear