Replacing anchor rode

[Sherwood]

I think my anchor rode is as old as my 1980 32' Grand Banks (recently purchased). It's chaffed, and rusted to the chain. Spliced directly to the chain. We live in Florida. Currently my primary is a Bruce anchor, 12' of chain, 150' of 5/8" 3 strand rode. Manual windless.

Is 5/8" rode the right size? Should I splice the new rode to the chain or use a thimble?

We plan on mostly doing weekend trips, with an occasional long weekend trip and one - two week trip in the summer.

 

[RCook]

If it were me, I'd get at least a boat length of whatever chain your windlass gypsy takes, and splice to it new top-quality 3-strand. The splice is not too difficult after a little practice - see:

New England Ropes - Product Details

http://www.neropes.com/Splicing Guide Individual Splices/3_STRAND_ROPE_TO_CHAIN_SPLICE.pdf

 

[HopCar]

5/8" is a good size for that boat. The only reason to splice a chain directly to the rope is if your windlass has a gypsy designed for both chain and rope. A thimble and shackle would throw the rode off the windlass. If your windlass is not this type, a thimble and shackle will last longer.