[josrulz]

Hi everyone, I know there are many threads about rode and chain sizing, etc., but I wanted to ask about my specific application. The boat I'm buying only has one anchor (Fortress), so that means I'll be buying a 2nd anchor (probably to be used as my primary). In addition, the existing rode and chain need to be replaced, so I'll need two new sets of each for both anchors.

Below are the basic boat specs, my cruising area info, and my proposed configuration, followed by my specific question.

About the boat:
1984 Sabre 34, LOA: 33' 8", Displacement: 11,700 lbs (factory)

Cruising area:
Chesapeake Bay. Overnights, weekends, longer summer cruises, etc.

Proposed configuration:
Primary anchor - Buy a Rocna 15 (33lbs) for bow roller, and buy 35 feet of chain and 200+ feet of nylon rode.

Secondary anchor - Use existing Fortress FX-16 as back-up in cockpit locker (not sure of location yet), and buy 35 feet of chain and 200+ feet of rode.

Lunch hook - None (we almost always anchor overnight or longer)

Storm anchor - to be added later, either replacing the Fortress or adding as a third anchor

Question:
In the configuration mentioned above, what diameter nylon rode and what type/size of chain would you recommend for my boat and usage with these two anchors? I like to err on the sizde of oversizing a little, but not to the extreme. Line that is too oversized won't take advantage of the stretch in nylon as much, putting more load on the boat.

I've read West Marine's, Don Casey's, and Chapman's recommendations--they all vary a little bit. Any thoughts on what you'd recommend? This is where not having owned a boat before leaves me at little behind on these types of choices.

Thanks for your help!
-J

 

[zz4gta]

Search, this topic has been covered. Maybe not for your boat, but I'm sure you can fill in the blanks.

I use the cheap stuff from home depot. Probably not the best, but I also carry 150' of spare rode. If a storm is coming, then I'll tie the spare rode to the chain as a back up in case the one that came with the boat decides to let go.

Defender has some good stuff already spliced with a thimble, if I were to buy some 'good stuff' I'd check them out, and the store here on sailnet.

 

[josrulz]

Thanks zz4gta, I did search quite a bit. I found threads, but those that discussed rode diameter (at least the ones I found) were for significantly different applications. Sorry to post on this topic again--just couldn't find the answer in past threads. Thanks!
-J

 

[jackdale]

laid or braided

I cannot comment on rode diameter, but I would comment on braided versus laid line. These comments are based on my experience, nothing else.

If you have a windlass, use laid line; it seems to work better in a rope gypsy.

If you have no windlass, use braided line; it is much easier on the hands.

Jack

 

[Paul_L]

5/8" rode, quality 3-strand or brait
5/16" HT chain


Paul L

 

[btrayfors]

Agree with quality 5/8" nylon and 5/16" HT chain recommendation.

BTW, the Fortress is a very good anchor for the Chesapeake and its tributaries.

Bill

 

[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.

 

[SVAuspicious]

I looked at WM and Yale Cordage. West Marine suggests 1/2" 3-strand and 1/4" proof coil chain. Yale suggests 1/2" brait and 1/4" BBB chain. I didn't look at New England Ropes because I don't have the bandwidth (downloading podcasts) to get the catalog here on the boat. I don't see a lot of diversity there. I do really like the mult-iplait ropes so I would get 1/2" brait or the NE equivalent and 1/4" BBB or HT. If you already have a windlass with a chain gypsy I'd get whatever chain fit as long as it's 1/4" or better.

In the last year or so I've seen some real galvanizing problems on anchor chain, including that directly from Acco. I suggest not accepting delivery without inspection of the chain.

 

[josrulz]

Agree with quality 5/8" nylon and 5/16" HT chain recommendation.

BTW, the Fortress is a very good anchor for the Chesapeake and its tributaries.

Bill

Yeah, I know the Fortress is a good anchor, and I'll be happy to have one aboard. I didn't want it as my primary because on fluke-type anchors, a severe wind shift can cause them to pop out, where they may or may not reset (have experienced this and it wasn't fun). I know that short of that situation, they are a great anchor for mud, so I think it's a great asset on board. I just want my primary anchor to be better at resetting. Plus, the light weight of the Fortress means I'm more likely to dig it out of the cockpit locker when I even think I might need it.

 

[josrulz]

I looked at WM and Yale Cordage. West Marine suggests 1/2" 3-strand and 1/4" proof coil chain. Yale suggests 1/2" brait and 1/4" BBB chain. I didn't look at New England Ropes because I don't have the bandwidth (downloading podcasts) to get the catalog here on the boat. I don't see a lot of diversity there.

I think what was bothering me, was that the recommendations from West Marine said "for up to 30 knots of wind". While winds on the Bay are on the lighter side often, I've experienced sustained winds WAY over 30 knots while at anchor during squalls many times--and I've just been chartering. So 1/2" sounds a bit undersized to me, if I want to make sure we're prepared for most anything (short of named storms, etc.). 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!

 

[josrulz]

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]

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]

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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