Anchor rode brand?

Gulfislander · #1 (**permalink**) 06-03-2008

Hi All, I've just installed my new windlass and am ready to purchase the anchor rode. I have my 5/16 high test chain but I'm having troubles deciding which brand of anchor rope to purchase. Is there really a difference between Marlow, New England, and Samson? Thanks in advance for the help.

Dustin

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 06-03-2008

Get an eight-plait rope like Brait. It will be easy to stow, flakes well, doesn't hockle like three-strand, and takes up less space. It should be 5/8" generally, but you need to check the specs for your windlass. My windlass gypsy takes 5/16" HT G43 chain and 5/8" rope. Breaking strength of 5/8" rope is about 11,000 lbs.

negrini · #3 (**permalink**) 06-04-2008

No rope but lot of hope. I'm an all chain man

camaraderie · #4 (**permalink**) 06-04-2008

Gulf...I don't think there is any appreciable difference beween brands of 3 strand nylon anchor line from the major marine rope suppliers. While Brait is certainly the premium way to deal with anchoring line....99 out of 100 boats will use 3 strand as cost is so much less. I agree with the Dawg's recommendation of 5/8" for your application as that is sufficient leeway over the working strength of yor chain. If you have a boat with high windage...you might consider 3/4" for an additional measure of safety.

Gulfislander · #5 (**permalink**) 06-04-2008

Thank you for the info. Regarding rope size, I have been told by 3 of my local chandleries that all I need is 9/16 for my 31 ft Niagara. I want to get the right size and there comment is that with the lewmar pro series 1000 that I have 9/16 is stong enough and has a better chain to rope splice???? Any thought.

sailingdog · #6 (**permalink**) 06-04-2008

You really need to check with the windlass maker. From the Lewmar manual for the Pro 1000 series, it says that you can use:

8 mm ( 5 /16”) High Test G-4 ISO

and

14-16 mm or 9/16”-5/8” 3 strand medium lay or 8 plait nylon

I would go with the 5/8" line, since it will be stronger, and it will probably be gripped by the gypsy better than the thinner 9/16" line.

camaraderie · #7 (**permalink**) 06-04-2008

I based my 5/8"line suggestion based on the chain strength which I assumed was sized based on what you needed to hold the load of the boat.
9/16 has 3000lbs. less breaking strength. If your working load needs are LESS than the chain you bought then 9/16 will be OK...but be sure that 9/16 is sufficient before you take the advice of a clerk. Yes ...it has to fit your windlass, but it has a more important task of holding your boat in a storm AND retaining sufficient working strength as it ages.

Rockter · #8 (**permalink**) 06-04-2008

Right now I am an "all chain" man, but when you put 200 ft of it in the bow, look what it does...

Image of At Cairnbaan, Crinan Canal - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

It's time to revert to 25 ft of chain, and the rest rode, at least for a wee while. The last time I anchored was 7 years ago.

sailingdog · #9 (**permalink**) 06-04-2008

looking a bit bow heavy there...

artbyjody · #10 (**permalink**) 06-04-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockter

Right now I am an "all chain" man, but when you put 200 ft of it in the bow, look what it does...

Add 4 large Magma grills to the stern and she'll balance out - you can find other relevant posts supporting this method of fore-aft balancing - just look up CD's posts...