Question 3978 Deck General

The correct answer is A) wildcat. The wildcat is the wheel on the windlass that has indentations or pockets designed to engage the anchor chain and lift it as the windlass is operated. This allows the crew to raise and lower the anchor smoothly. The other answer choices do not accurately describe this specific component of the windlass system. The pawl is a pivoting latch that prevents the windlass from paying out the anchor chain accidentally. The locking ring secures the wildcat to the windlass shaft. The grabber is not a standard term for any part of a windlass.