The wildcat is a heavy, toothed wheel or drum fitted on an anchor windlass. Its deep pockets are cast to perfectly match the size and pitch of a specific anchor chain. A clutch mechanism allows the wildcat to be engaged with the windlass drive shaft to heave in the chain, or disengaged to let the anchor free-fall using only a friction brake for control.
Heard on the job
Disengage the wildcat and stand by the brake, we're letting go the starboard anchor in two minutes.
Insider tip
Wildcats are cast for a specific chain size; swapping out anchor chains usually means replacing the wildcat so the links do not jump the pockets.
Also heard as
- chain wheel
- gypsy