CASE STUDY

Our patented submarine anchoring system

Challenge

In 2009 Bowmaster recognised a weakness in underwater anchoring. Yards and designers were taking different components and trying to make them all work for underwater
deployment. Whilst there was some success, there were challenges. Bowmaster decided to start from the ground up, and designed an anchor and a system that was entirely
dedicated to underwater anchoring. Whether this was for a military submarine, a yacht wanting a clean bow, or a high-speed vessel, this system was uniquely designed and developed for this style of anchoring.

Solution

A patented underhull anchor turning mechanism was developed by Bowmaster’s design engineers using the Manson Submarine Anchor. The turning system
enables both 90 degree turning of the Submarine Anchor (for symmetric baseplate) and 180 degrees turning (for asymmetric baseplate) of the Submarine Anchor. No matter the rotating position, the anchor can be aligned every time for secure and safe stowage. This system was designed to be installed into all hull types (steel, aluminium, or GRP) whilst adhering to all galvanic isolation. The full system is fabricated by the Bowmaster team including anchor pockets, windlasses, hawse pipe and related spares.

The system has been designed to be robust. It needs to work in the worst conditions, not just when the vessel is sitting in no wind, or no seaway. The engineers have made a system that can operate successfully in 40knots in 3 metre seas.

All submarine anchor systems are built with surrounding structure for easy installation into the final vessel and all systems are given a proper FAT on site to ensure system operation before delivery. Prototype testing allows Bowmaster to be sure that the approach is accurate for each specific vessel. The systems are stressed and tested at Bowmaster’s purpose-built facility to confirm the systems reliability in all conditions.

This is a key feature of how we operate at Bowmaster, test, build, test, check and then deliver. We pride ourselves on building low risk systems for our clients and their end users.

The Bowmaster patented Submarine System has been used by many well-known boat builders around the world proving to be the ultimate solution for submarines.

QUALITY APPROVALS AND ACCREDITATIONS