Stainless Stern Anchor Reel – 30m / 50m Webbing Line

This inox stern roller is designed to simplify handling of a second anchor or stern line during mooring. For many boats – especially motorboats – it’s common practice to drop a stern anchor to prevent swinging or to hold the stern near shore. Normally this involves a long rope, which often tangles, soaks the deck, and takes time to haul in. With this reel-and-strap system, those hassles are eliminated: the flat webbing stays neatly wound and ready, takes up minimal space, and won’t tangle.

Reel & Strap: The frame of the unit is made of stainless steel, meaning it can be mounted on the transom or deck and withstand continuous saltwater exposure. The polished finish is not only aesthetically pleasing but also protects the strap from chafing on sharp edges – all contact surfaces are smooth. The built-in spool (drum) is engineered for flat webbing rather than round rope. This is intentional: flat webbing winds in even layers without forming the high cones or burrowed sections you often get with rope. The result is that even 50 meters of strap store compactly inside the housing, ready to run without snarling. The strap (100% polyester) is chosen for its high tensile strength and low stretch – it can handle the significant load of an anchor in surf, yet it won’t stretch excessively or “bounce” in wind as a nylon rope might.

Usage: When you’re ready to use the stern anchor, simply release the reel’s lock and start pulling out the strap – it will unwind smoothly without fouling. The anchor (attached to the end of the strap, usually via a shackle and thimble) can be tossed into the water, and the strap will continue to feed out under control of the reel (mind that no one is standing behind it during pay-out). After letting out the needed length, the strap can be secured – some reels have an integrated brake or you can make fast the strap to a cleat on board. During retrieval, you wind the strap back in: most small reels are manual – you either turn the drum by hand or via a handle. For a few dozen meters, this is quick work, and the flat webbing lays back down evenly. The advantage is huge: when retrieving the anchor, you don’t have to pile a wet rope into a bucket or coil it by hand – it all goes neatly back onto the reel, ready for next time.

Orderliness & Safety: Beyond its anchoring function, the inox reel also contributes to a tidier deck. When the stern anchor is not in use, the strap stays stowed – no loose ropes lying about for the crew to trip over. This is especially important on small cockpits with limited space. Additionally, chafe and wear are reduced – the webbing isn’t dragging over the deck or other surfaces, but is protected inside the reel’s frame. The stainless construction ensures that even after years of use, the mechanism will operate smoothly (it’s wise to occasionally rinse with fresh water and perhaps lubricate the axle if needed).