Anchor rode question

[josrulz]

Originally Posted by camaraderie

I agree with the 5/16HT and 5/16 3-strand nylon recommendations IF you do not have or plan to own a windlass. If you think a windlass will be in your future...pretend you were selecting one now and make sure the chain is compatible with the gypsy on the windlass you would select but at least 5/16.

I agree with the 35' for the Rocna but note that Fortress only recommends very short chain lengths as does Danforth. I would get 20 ft. and keep it easy to handle. 200ft. of nylon should be plenty for the Bay.

Thanks cam. Understand about the windlass. I don't have one now, and adding one would require significant mods to the anchor locker cover. However, I haven't ruled it out. Maybe something for next year, so I agree that I need to decide on that one. Also, thank for the pointer on the Fortress chain. Currently it only has like 6 feet, which is just not enough in my opinion no matter what the specs say.

[SVAuspicious]

Originally Posted by josrulz

I think what was bothering me, was that the recommendations from West Marine said "for up to 30 knots of wind".

A reasonable thing to think about. Probably worth a call to Yale and/or NE Ropes to see what they think. They are likely to be conservative in their recommendations.

Especially if you are going to be running without a windlass, the weight of that stuff will get old quick. That's also worth thinking about.

[sailingdog]

I'd go with 5/8 octoplait/brait and 5/16" G43 high-test chain. If you're not getting a windlass, get a good chain pawl for the foredeck, since it will make hauling up the 35' of chain, 33 lbs. of anchor and 30 lbs. of mud that the Rocna will pick up, much more manageable. I'm speaking from experience, since I have a Rocna 15 on my boat.

Less chain on the Fortress is probably a very good idea, as they don't recommend much more than 12-16' of chain to begin with, and more makes the anchor more difficult to set properly.

Be aware that for 5/8" line, you'll want at least 10" cleats.

[janders]

Originally Posted by josrulz

I had been thinking about maybe 9/16" 3-strand with 5/16" BBB chain, but really wanted to hear what folks who have owned boats for much longer might recommend.

I appreciate everyone's input!

I don't fall into the category of "owned boats for much longer" but I've been doing loads of research into anchor rodes as we're up for a new one as well. Unless a pre-existing windlass is in play, I don't understand why anyone would buy BBB chain. It's heavier and has a lower WLL by half than high test (HT/G4/G40/G43) chain. I understand wanting weight closer to your anchor for catenary but the amount of chain you're looking for isn't going to give you that much catenary and it's going to disappear when you really need it. I'm not saying that's a problem though because you should get plenty of elasticity with the amount of nylon 3 strand you're talking about. I just don't see the benefit of BBB over HT (G4/G40/G43 - I'm not sure of the difference between G40 and G43...) in your situation. Or ever for that matter.

[retclt]

I'm only 6000 lbs and 26 feet but I have 5/8 X 300’ simply because 5/8 is easier to pull up by hand than a smaller diameter. 30 feet of 5/16 HT chain with a 22 Delta. I never drag because I'm so light compared to the tackle.

Question . . . . . . .
Has anyone noticed the difference in quality of rope made in China versus USA? I bought a roll of Sea Bowld 5/8 X 300 made in USA for a hundred bucks because it was the last one in stock and they were clearing out. All the new Sea Bowld is manufactured in China. My roll (USA mfg) is good quality, smooth and tightly twisted. The new (China mfg) is soft, loosely twisted and snags on anything that gets near it. I mean it has snags, pulls a Fray’s all over it. It's the same brand, size and part number! I've noticed the same thing in dock lines. The old stuff was tightly twisted and lasted forever no matter how you abused it. The new (Chinese) is crap.

. . . . . . . just wondering if I was alone in noticing.


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