Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 07-10-2019, 02:02 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
City: Rock Island, IL
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 147
All Chain vs Chain and Line Anchor Rode

We need to replace our anchor rode on our 34' Mainship Pilot with a V700 Lewmar windlass. We are trying to decide between an all chain rode, 250' of 1/4" G4 chain, vs a 30' chain and 200' of 8 plait 1/2" line. Will be boating the inland rivers, Great Lakes, East Coast and Bahamas. Would appreciate hearing pros and cons and experiences you may have encountered. Thanks!!
sammy999 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2019, 02:14 PM   #2
Guru
 
ranger58sb's Avatar
 
City: Annapolis
Vessel Name: Ranger
Vessel Model: 58' Sedan Bridge
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 7,087
Given the varied holding grounds, I think I'd go with 250' (for example) of chain... and back that up with another 100' (or maybe 200') of 8-plait. The extra rope would be about "what if" situations.

Around here, we just use a short 25' chain leader and 300' of 8-plait, but that's because of the mud here in the Chesapeake... and the time it takes to clean mud out of the chain... and there's aren't all that many rocks and so forth to saw against rope.

-Cris
__________________
Chesapeake Bay, USA
ranger58sb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2019, 03:47 PM   #3
Guru
 
fgarriso's Avatar
 
City: .
Vessel Name: GOTCHA
Vessel Model: Hatteras 58 LRC
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 1,103
I agree, but I would increase the chain to 50'
__________________
Captain F. Lee - R.P.E.
USCG 200 GT Master
fgarriso is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2019, 03:51 PM   #4
Master and Commander
 
markpierce's Avatar
 
City: Vallejo CA
Vessel Name: Carquinez Coot
Vessel Model: penultimate Seahorse Marine Coot hull #6
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 12,559
I'd go all chain. It can be a hassle handling different rodes on the windlass. That is, if weight isn't a major factor and a very long rode isn't needed. My boat is bow "light" so never see the need for a mixed rode.
Attached Thumbnails
IMG_2024_zpspht0ausq.jpg  
__________________
Kar-KEEN-ez Koot
markpierce is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2019, 03:53 PM   #5
Guru
 
fgarriso's Avatar
 
City: .
Vessel Name: GOTCHA
Vessel Model: Hatteras 58 LRC
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 1,103
Are you flying a black ball when anchored, if so good on you.
__________________
Captain F. Lee - R.P.E.
USCG 200 GT Master
fgarriso is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2019, 03:54 PM   #6
Valued Technical Contributor
 
DavidM's Avatar
 
City: Litchfield, Ct
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 6,784
FWIW I owned a Pilot 34 for five years. But no matter, my comments are applicable to anyone who cruises in varied waters:


Chain has several big advantages:


1. The chain feeds easily into the windlass and down in the chain locker. I have yet to see a chain to rope splice that retrieved without human intervention.


2. Chain provides more weight to keep the shank of the anchor parallel with the bottom for better holding power.


3. Chain does not break if you wrap it around a rock and tug and pull on it all night long.


Some cons:


1. Chain is heavy. But your boat will be fine with 250' or so of 1/4" G4.


2. Chain costs more.


So go with the chain. Maybe only 200' backed with 150' of nylon for the really deep anchorages.



David
DavidM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2019, 04:02 PM   #7
Master and Commander
 
markpierce's Avatar
 
City: Vallejo CA
Vessel Name: Carquinez Coot
Vessel Model: penultimate Seahorse Marine Coot hull #6
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 12,559
On the other hand, if you don't have a windlass and must recover the anchor by hand, I'd go with a boat-length of chain and the remainder of the rode in rope.
__________________
Kar-KEEN-ez Koot
markpierce is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2019, 04:10 PM   #8
Guru
 
O C Diver's Avatar
 
City: Fort Myers, FL... Summers in the Great Lakes
Vessel Name: Slow Hand
Vessel Model: Cherubini Independence 45
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,834
I did the Great Loop including Lake Superior, the inland rivers to the gulf, the AICW numerous times, but not the Bahamas. Don't think I've anchored in more than 50' of water and 95% of the time <30'. It's extremely rare for me to exceed 200' of chain.

All chain to 250' and add 100' of rope which adds no weight. If it doesn't effect the trim of the boat, can't beat all chain. The 100' of rope is your ace in the hole in case Mr. Murphy shows up.

Ted
__________________
Blog: mvslowhand.com
I'm tired of fast moves, I've got a slow groove, on my mind.....
I want to spend some time, Not come and go in a heated rush.....
"Slow Hand" by The Pointer Sisters
O C Diver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2019, 06:35 PM   #9
Guru
 
Alaskan Sea-Duction's Avatar
 
City: Inside Passage Summer/Columbia River Winter
Vessel Name: Alaskan Sea-Duction
Vessel Model: 1988 M/Y Camargue YachtFisher
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 8,050
Oh Lordie!!!!!

Let the fun begin.....
Alaskan Sea-Duction is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2019, 06:37 PM   #10
Guru
 
tiltrider1's Avatar
 
City: Seattle
Vessel Name: AZZURRA
Vessel Model: Ocean Alexander 54
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 4,308
I’m with the 200’ chain plus 100’ of rope minimum camp. Unless you don’t have a windlass, then i’m In the 30’ chain and 250’ rope camp.
tiltrider1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2019, 07:12 PM   #11
Guru
 
Nomad Willy's Avatar
 
City: Concrete Washington State
Vessel Name: Willy
Vessel Model: Willard Nomad 30'
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 18,743
Boat length of chain camp.

David,
No “con” for chain pile falling over?
__________________
Eric

North Western Washington State USA
Nomad Willy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2019, 07:18 PM   #12
Art
Guru
 
Art's Avatar
 
City: SF Bay Area
Vessel Model: Tollycraft 34' Tri Cabin
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 12,569
If you want to read about and learn from hundreds of experienced boaters about this - I strongly recommend utilizing TF's "Search" feature!
Art is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2019, 07:21 PM   #13
Moderator Emeritus
 
Comodave's Avatar
 
City: Au Gres, MI
Vessel Name: Black Dog
Vessel Model: Formula 41PC
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 21,185
We have 300’ of chain with a bit of small stuff on the end so I can let go of the anchor in an emergency. We usuall anchor in 20 to 30’ so we don’t let out that much chain. But out anchor rode locker is deep enough that we don’t really have a pile that falls over.
Comodave is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2019, 08:15 PM   #14
Moderator Emeritus
 
ksanders's Avatar
 
City: SEWARD ALASKA
Vessel Name: DOS PECES
Vessel Model: BAYLINER 4788
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,266
First question you should be asking yourself...

Does your current windlass pull line rode under tension without excessive slipping in the same gypsy the chain goes in??

The answer to that question will drive your decision.
__________________
Kevin Sanders
Bayliner 4788 Dos Peces
Seward, Alaska - La Paz, Baja California Sur
https://maps.findmespot.com/s/XLJZ#history/assets
ksanders is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2019, 08:25 PM   #15
Guru
 
Alaskan Sea-Duction's Avatar
 
City: Inside Passage Summer/Columbia River Winter
Vessel Name: Alaskan Sea-Duction
Vessel Model: 1988 M/Y Camargue YachtFisher
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 8,050
Quote:
Originally Posted by Art View Post
If you want to read about and learn from hundreds of experienced boaters about this - I strongly recommend utilizing TF's "Search" feature!

100%
Alaskan Sea-Duction is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2019, 08:26 PM   #16
Guru
 
Alaskan Sea-Duction's Avatar
 
City: Inside Passage Summer/Columbia River Winter
Vessel Name: Alaskan Sea-Duction
Vessel Model: 1988 M/Y Camargue YachtFisher
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 8,050
Quote:
Originally Posted by ksanders View Post
First question you should be asking yourself...

Does your current windlass pull line rode under tension without excessive slipping in the same gypsy the chain goes in??

The answer to that question will drive your decision.
Good point Kevin...
Alaskan Sea-Duction is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2019, 09:25 PM   #17
Guru
 
dhays's Avatar
 
City: Gig Harbor
Vessel Name: Kinship
Vessel Model: North Pacific 43
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 9,046
Quote:
Originally Posted by ksanders View Post
First question you should be asking yourself...



Does your current windlass pull line rode under tension without excessive slipping in the same gypsy the chain goes in??



The answer to that question will drive your decision.

Agreed. If the gypsy will handle both line and chain, I’d go with a mixed rode.
__________________
Regards,

Dave
SPOT page
dhays is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2019, 09:45 PM   #18
Moderator Emeritus
 
ksanders's Avatar
 
City: SEWARD ALASKA
Vessel Name: DOS PECES
Vessel Model: BAYLINER 4788
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,266
Quote:
Originally Posted by dhays View Post
Agreed. If the gypsy will handle both line and chain, I’d go with a mixed rode.
I would do the same. The stretch of a line rode is nice in a gusty anchorage.

The challenge we have as boats get larger is finding a windlass that will handle both in the same gypsy.
__________________
Kevin Sanders
Bayliner 4788 Dos Peces
Seward, Alaska - La Paz, Baja California Sur
https://maps.findmespot.com/s/XLJZ#history/assets
ksanders is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2019, 09:51 PM   #19
Guru
 
janice142's Avatar
 
City: Madeira Beach, FL
Vessel Name: Seaweed
Vessel Model: Schucker mini-trawler
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,236
One other thing to consider: I did have 100' of chain, mostly anchoring in less than 10' of water. Well, the chain rusted, and because of the depth of water it rusted out at about 60-75' -- thus rendering the entire length junk.

So, this time I bought 150' of chain (G4 1/4") and figure that when this one gets damaged I'll swap end for end, and pitch the rusty stuff.

I don't re-galvanize. I know some have had good luck with that. I'd rather budget for chain replacement. This is my home. I cannot afford for her to have a weak link.

Add a three-strand snubber, and buy the chain grabber made by Mantus. It is Superior. And yes, I did tie the rolling hitch for years. This chain grabber holds better/is easier to deploy. It was well worth the $$. Frankly their stainless gear is impressive.

I also have their swivel, which I like too. This is my first swivel and it seems much more robust than others I've seen.

Picture:
__________________
Janice aboard Seaweed, living the good life afloat...
https://janice142.com
janice142 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-11-2019, 05:03 AM   #20
FF
Guru
 
FF's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 22,553
Chain will be needed for the Bahamas because of the coral.

Otherwise a few ft of heavy chain (need not go thru the windlass ) and all line does not need to be scrubbed clean daily before going below.

The stench of stuff dying in the mud left on the chain does not add to the cruise pleasure.
FF is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Trawler Port Captains
Port Captains are TF volunteers who can serve as local guides or assist with local arrangements and information. Search below to locate Port Captains near your destination. To learn more about this program read here: TF Port Captain Program





All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:50 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2006 - 2012