Kamaloha Bow Platform

Ivan destroyed our bow platform when the differential pull on our two anchors
tore the port side off. When we rebuilt it in Sint Maarten in May we made a few
design modifications:

1) Using a standard SS bow roller on the starboard side, extended the roller
position forward and down so the shank of the Bruce anchor fits properly
against the windlass. Note how the roller is angled downward on a support
block so the sheave is actually below the platform. This makes the anchor
launch and retrieve properly. We took the old roller and put it in the usual
place on the port side for whatever second anchor we have rigged, typically a
Danforth. It's stowed below right now as these shots were taken in
mid-Atlantic on a calm day; note the salt crust all over the platform.

2) We did a proper routed joint between the sides and the bowsprit, sealed
with TDS. Water had seeped into the old joint and split it.

3) (Invisible) The through-bolts which run side-to-side are much heavier; 10mm
instead of 8mm.

4) The little ears on the aft end are to follow the curve of the pulpit rail
for aesthetics.

5) There is a SS bang plate on the underside of the sprit to protect it from
the anchor fluke. This sits against the fluke and causes the Bruce to sit
perfectly and not rock when fully retrieved.

6) The bow platform was finished with Thompson's Water Seal. Note how only
three weeks later it is pretty much gone.