Anchor Problems

The boat was originally equipped with a Lewmar Delta type anchor with 60m of chain.
We have requested the existing anchor to be replaced with Ultramarine Stainless Steel Anchor with flip swivel and the existing chain to be replaced with Stainless Steel 80m chain, a 8300 EUR modification.

Windlass damaged by uncalibrated chain

During our seatrial, we have noticed that the newly fitted chain was not calibrated and was skipping from the anchor windlass gipsie during dropoff and recovery. The fact that the anchor has been operated with this issue also caused damage to the windlass. The problem has not been noticed by Princess until we pointed it out.
Status: Drum replaced. Damaged parts still intact (Pending since 03May18)
Status Update: Fixed in 326 days

Uncalibrated stainless steel chain not compatible with windlass gipsie skipping during anchor drop off and  recovery.

Chain skipping and whipping around caused scratches and damages to the brand new windlass.

Anchor chain getting jammed during anchor drop

Another issue that we have faced during the first seatrial was the anchor chain getting jammed in chain locker. Major reason for the jam was a long drainage hose fitted to the port side storage locker (see picture). The fitting that was used was for drains where a hose or pipe would need to be fitted behind. In our case the length of the drain fitting was totally unnecessary. We have asked Princess to cut the fitting flush with the locker bottom
Status: Fixed in 10 days

Anchor chain getting jammed between chain locker floor and storage locker due to drain pipe with excessive length

Anchor not centering in roller

Replacement of the anchor obviously required a modification to the anchor roller which was at the first place designed for the Lewmar model. Lewmar Delta anchor's shank is flat whereas Ultra Anchor's shank is oval shaped. This results in Ultra anchor sliding on the roller and become dislodged during recovery.
Princess denied to modify the roller claiming that this was not a big deal and that it was the way they do it with their other boats. With all due respect, this begs the question "Because the police did not catch you, does this mean you are not guilty?"
Status: Pending since 02May18

Newly fitted ultra anchor (a 3000 EUR option) slides over the roller and pushes against the roller belt.

Chain counters on both stations not working

We have asked chain counters to be retrofitted to both helms (an 2700 EUR option). Lewmar rode counters have been fitted. During the seatrial, we have realized that both chain counters were not counting accurately or not couting at all. Princess has been informed about the issue.
Status: Pending since 30May2018

50m of chain released. Wireless remote/counter displaying 39m, fixed chain counter displaying 1.5m 

Wireless chain counter and remote not working

We also ordered a wireless chain counter to be fitted (an 1800 EUR option) in order to control the windlass remotely (especially from foredeck) and see how much rode has been released/recovered. The remote only works when near the main helm area (which already had a counter and windlass control switch) and gets disconnected if the remote is brought elsewhere. As a result, we have never been able to use this remote. We have later found out that a repeater should have been fitted to the upper helm to amplify signal and prevent disconnection. Apparently the remote has not been tested thoroughly prior to handover. Princess has been informed about this issue.

Status: Pending since 30May2018

Once the remote is moved away from the main helm area, the Lewmar wireless windlass remote disconnects and displays "Searching" on its screen.

Last Page Update: 22 December 2019