AnkaData, a patented and highly innovative anchor chain measure aimed at leisure and pleasure craft owners, will be given its world launch at the Southampton Boat Show (September 14th - 23rd ).
If you've ever thought: “there has to be a better way of doing this” when standing on the deck trying to count markers on the chain, this could be the answer.
AnkaData is a chain counter and anchor roller that will measure and remember (in both feet and metres) how much chain has been deployed or rewound, with an accurate reading given on its integral LED display.
It can be used in place of a conventional anchor roller or mounted in line behind the existing roller, if only the measuring function is required.
Aimed primarily at boats in the 24-45 foot range, It is said to be equally suitable for fitting to new craft or retrofitting to existing boats.
The unit is solar powered so it is independent of the boat's batteries and will continue to function in the event of an on-board power failure. With no wiring required it is extremely simple to install, either within the bow roller assembly or as a deck mounted counter between winch and bow roller.
AnkaData can be fitted to virtually any type of boat with either manual or powered winches, using an anchor rode of between 6-10 mm diameter chain and 8-20 mm rope combination, say the makers. The boat's anchor rode characteristics can be calibrated into the memory for greater accuracy if desired.
AnkaData starts automatically - on sensing movement of the anchor rope or chain it will start counting from the last reading (or from 00 if the reset function has been applied). A switched backlight also means the unit can be used at night.
Design4Ltd conducted research amongst boat owners at the 2007 London Boat Show, showing them a pre-production model, and it gained universal praise. The typical reaction from both motor and sailboat owners was: “I must have one,” says the company.
AnkaData will retail at £249.95 (including VAT). It can be purchased direct from the company via their website at www.ankadata.com. They will also be appointing retailers and hope boatbuilders will also start offering AnkaData on new boats too.
