You can get the 90 degree rubber "hawse pipe" (I think it is just a vent) that fits into the deck plate. That protects the ring from the chain. I cruise with my anchor on a bow roller and the chain in the forepeak. When racing, it all gets disconnected and put in a bag down below.
During my deck overhaul I eliminated the deck anchor locker because I think it is stupid and makes regular anchor deployment a chain rattling, gelcoat damaging affair. Vastly more hanging locker space now too.
