What drum is fitted with whelps to engage the anchor chain?

The correct answer is that the wildcat’s outer surface is designed with whelps to engage the anchor chain. In anchoring systems, the wildcat is a specific component of the windlass or anchor handling equipment, and its outer surface features notches or raised sections referred to as whelps. These whelps provide a grasp on the chain links, ensuring that the chain is held securely as it is lifted or deployed.

This design is crucial for effectively managing the anchor chain’s tension and controlling its movement, especially when raising or lowering the anchor. The engagement between the chain and the whelps allows for precise handling of the chain, preventing slippage during operation.

In comparison, other components such as the inner drum, anchor drum, and chain drum are not specifically designed with whelps to engage the anchor chain in the same way that the wildcat does. Each of these parts serves different functions in the anchoring mechanism, but they do not incorporate the whelps that are essential for securing the chain as it operates.