hawsehole

A hawsehole is a nautical term for the opening in the bow of a vessel through which the anchor rode (chain or rope) passes to or from the anchor. On small boats it is typically a single circular hole in the bow; larger ships may have one or more hawseholes on each bow. The term is often used in conjunction with the hawsepipe, a tubular passage that guides the rode from the deck through the hull to the chain locker.

Functionally, the hawsehole provides a smooth, protected path for the anchor line as it runs from the windlass to the anchor. It helps to prevent excessive wear on the hull and on the rode and can be equipped with a hawse cap or protective lining to keep water, debris, and spray out. In ships with two bows or dual anchors, there may be two hawseholes to accommodate anchoring from either side.

Construction and maintenance considerations include reinforcing the opening to resist abrasion, ensuring a clean, burr-free entry, and maintaining seals to prevent water intrusion where the hawsehole connects to the hawsepipe or chain locker. Regular inspection is important to check for corrosion, wear, and chafing on both the hull and the rode, as well as ensuring that the associated fittings such as the cap, ring, or liner are secure.

The hawsehole is a component of the anchoring system and is distinct from related fittings such as fairleads and windlass hardware, though all serve to manage the passage and handling of the anchor rode.