Stainless Anchor Bow Roller – Size 200×50 mm

This 200×50 mm AISI 316 anchor roller is designed to make anchor handling easier and to protect your boat from damage. Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, the roller is built to endure saltwater exposure while retaining its strength and shine over time. Its polished finish gives a professional look to your bow, matching well with other stainless fittings.

Construction & Size: The 200 mm (20 cm) length provides a good leverage arm to support the anchor as it’s hauled in, keeping it a safe distance from the hull. The 50 mm (5 cm) width (internal gap) is suitable for standard small to medium anchors – for example, a small Bruce or Delta anchor in the 5–8 kg range, a Danforth 5–7 kg, or our grapnel around 6–8 kg, as well as other designs with similar shank dimensions. The roller at the front end is sized to accommodate anchor rode or chain. Typically, this model features a plastic (Delrin or similar) wheel on a stainless axle, which ensures smooth rotation with no squeaks and is resistant to UV and wear.

Functionality: When dropping anchor, the chain runs over the wheel and through this bow guide, keeping it off the boat’s edge and reducing friction – so your rope/chain won’t saw into the deck or the bow’s edge. When hauling the anchor up, the bow roller acts as a chute that directs the anchor toward the centerline. This means there’s less risk of the anchor banging against the side of the hull or swinging unpredictably as you retrieve it. This is especially important on sailboats, where the bow is narrow – a bow roller is indispensable for safely landing the anchor on deck.

Secure Anchor Stowage: The roller assembly usually includes a hole or eye through which you can insert a locking pin or clip once the anchor is up. This locks the anchor to the roller, so while underway the anchor won’t wobble or bounce in waves and potentially damage your boat. If your vessel doesn’t have an auto-locking windlass or a chain stopper, using this pin hole with a pin or shackle is highly recommended for safety.

Mounting Considerations: The base of the roller has several pre-drilled holes (typically four) for bolts, arranged to spread the load. When installing, use stainless steel bolts and, if possible, back it with a plate or large washers underneath the deck to distribute the force when the anchor is pulling. Seal the bolt holes with marine silicone to prevent water ingress into the core of the deck. Once properly installed, the roller becomes an integral part of your bow setup. The 200×50 mm size makes it universally suitable for smaller boats (around 5–8 m) where larger 280 mm or 300 mm rollers would be overkill.

Compatibility & Use: This bow roller suits most common anchors in its class – handling chain of 6 or 8 mm gauge and anchors up to around 10 kg. For heavier anchors or bigger boats (above 9–10 m), generally a longer roller is recommended for better leverage. But for medium-sized boats, fishing vessels, or day cruisers, a 20 cm roller does an excellent job. It can be paired with a small electric windlass or used on its own if you’re retrieving the anchor manually.

With the stainless 200×50 mm bow roller in place, your anchoring system becomes more efficient and secure. You’ll notice fewer scuffs on your paint, quieter anchor retrieval, and overall a more professional appearance to the bow of your boat. It’s a modest upgrade that pays dividends in convenience and protection every time you anchor.