Snubber Line

[jrd22]

Nigel Calder recommends using a rolling hitch instead of a hook, anyone else do this? Seems like it would work fine, quick and easy, can't come off and easily undone. Our new boat has all chain rode and I need to decide what I am going to use also, timely thread.

John

[sailingdog]

The one thing I'd add to this thread is IMHO that the snubber lines should probably be longer than what has been suggested here.

If they're not long enough, and you're in a position where you need to let out more rode and increase scope, you'll have to retrieve the rode to the point where you can detach the snubber before you can let out more scope. That would delay your ability to let out more rode.

[Cruisingdad]

Originally Posted by jrd22

Nigel Calder recommends using a rolling hitch instead of a hook, anyone else do this? Seems like it would work fine, quick and easy, can't come off and easily undone. Our new boat has all chain rode and I need to decide what I am going to use also, timely thread.

John

I think you would have trouble getting that 3 strand nylon to make a good knot. It does not want to hold well. Maybe yours is different? Maybe a different type of line?

I will say that the chain hook is really easy and the way to go. They are very inexpensive. I heard somewhere that by using it, you would start to wear a spot in the chaing, but I have never seen this.

I use small bungie cords to hold it on. If you do not use that, or velcro, line, or something to keep it on the chain, it will come off usually at slack tide or when the wind dies down.

You can also try buying a snubber and hooking that to your anchor line. I like this approach the best. They really take a nice shock and put little strain on the windlass/cleat. It is more effective than nylong line, IMO. However, they are not cheap and nylon line will work, if long enough.



- CD

[telekitr]

Originally Posted by jrd22

Nigel Calder recommends using a rolling hitch instead of a hook, anyone else do this? Seems like it would work fine, quick and easy, can't come off and easily undone. Our new boat has all chain rode and I need to decide what I am going to use also, timely thread.

John

I have successfully used the rolling hitch method for years. Nothing extra to buy, no extra weak link, the knot is easy to tie and is a knot that comes in handy in lots of other applications (so it's good to know anyway). Tie it right up near the bow roller, then let out the chain to where the knot is at or near the water and adjust the snubber on the cleats. Simple as pie......

[soul searcher]

We use a shackle. line is nylon double braid run through a rubber snubber like
the one in CD's post and is about tweanty feet long. The line is also ran through a 3 foot piece of beverage hose for chafe protection in between the rubber snubber and the eye. Make sure you by a high quality forged one with a good safe working load. Captive pins are nice too. we also have a thimble
In the eye on the shackle end. It keeps the shackle from wearing on the eye.

Agree with all that recomend two to reduce swing if you have center line roller an use just on put it on the roller and it reduce swing.

[Ilenart]

We also use a single stainless steel hook with two lines shakled to the one hook. With two lines it seems to keep the tension on and so we hav'nt had the hook fall out. We also let out a fair bit of extra chain which forms a bight behind the hook which helps keep the tension on. The two lines definitely help to keep the boat pointed in the wind, plus it keeps the ropes from rubbing the metal connector to the bow sprit (bobstay?).

The other advice about extra length is a good idea. Our lines are each about 12m (40ft) long each so there is plenty of extra line to let out if necessary.

Ian (ilenart)

[Cruisingdad]

Speaking of snubbers and hooks, I saw this ad posted on sailnet. Maybe a good choice to get some of the hardware?

http://www.1st-chainsupply.com/chain...FQUQlwodsyLwag

- CD