[Sequitur]

In my first couple of sailboats, I used coloured bunting rove into the lay of the anchor line. But since 1982, my boats have had all chain rodes and I have used painted links to mark length. That is until my current boat, which I have set-up for single-handing. In her I have a remote switch, which allows me to remain at the helm while I lower or raise my anchor and it also counts the length of rode deployed.

 

[Sequitur]

At least until the batteries die...then he's screwed.

If the batteries have died, I will still be able to run forward and count the paint marks as I let the chain run out.

IMHO, there isn't a good argument for having an electronic rode measuring device aboard.

I sail almost exclusively single-handed, and I cannot see the anchor markers from the cockpit. For me it is much more convenient (and safer) to be able to remain at the helm and engine controls during most of the setting and weighing process.

Are you suggesting that I invest in a set of remote engine controls to take forward with my autopilot remote, so I can watch the marks?
Or that I run back-and-forth from the cockpit several times during my anchoring/weighing evolutions?