Anchor chain marking

[Capt. Rodbone]

We will start the Loop in a couple of weeks. My anchor rode isn’t marked, and I’m looking for recommendations on how to do it?

[O C Diver]

Best method I found was to buy colored polypropylene 1/4" rope and weave it through the links. I found a supplier who had six different colors and would sell it my the foot. I used 20' lengths, but 5' to 10' would be more realistic. Don't tie the ends to the chain as only the first link or 2 will come out. It goes right through the windlass without issue. Probably have 300 plus deployments with no significant wear.

Ted

[Simi 60]

^^^^^This
We have spent six years full time using this method
Rope lasts about 18mths
We buy 20m rolls at the $2 shop or big hardware store
Weave a few feet through chain at first mark - for us 40m
And every 20m after.

Also have a bit about 1m before the anchor to lets us know when it's about to come over the roller.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/syneco-4...-rope_p4313938

[twistedtree]

Originally Posted by Simi 60

^^^^^This
We have spent six years full time using this method
Rope lasts about 18mths
We buy 20m rolls at the $2 shop or big hardware store
Weave a few feet through chain at first mark - for us 40m
And every 20m after.

Also have a bit about 1m before the anchor to lets us know when it's about to come over the roller.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/syneco-4...-rope_p4313938

This is a new one to me, and very interesting. Is there any particular way you weave it through to minimize damage from the windless? For example, is it weaved to keep the line from sandwiching between links and the gypsy?

[jleonard]

I decided I only needed 2 marks. One at 50 feet, and one at 100 feet.
I spray painted a section of the chain at each of those and it has worked for me for many years. Every 3 or 4 years I would re paint.

[saraml]

We have bought colored zip ties and put 5 at each desired mark. Cut off the excess and use a different color for each desired length of chain (eg yellowmat 25’, red at 50’ etc). No problem going through windlass and will not fade over time.

[rslifkin]

I paint my chain (re-paint periodically when the marks are getting too worn). For a mixed rode, I use spray on fabric paint/dye for the rope section and that holds up well enough that it'll likely out-last the rope in most cases.

[hollywood8118]

Originally Posted by saraml

We have bought colored zip ties and put 5 at each desired mark. Cut off the excess and use a different color for each desired length of chain (eg yellowmat 25’, red at 50’ etc). No problem going through windlass and will not fade over time.

I do the same with the exception I don't cut off the excess, never had any issue arise from the tails
Hollywood

[FWT]

Anyone tried these gadgets? Expensive for what they are, but do they work?

https://www.westmarine.com/imtra-cor...-17192881.html

[O C Diver]

Originally Posted by twistedtree

This is a new one to me, and very interesting. Is there any particular way you weave it through to minimize damage from the windless? For example, is it weaved to keep the line from sandwiching between links and the gypsy?

The line I use is very similar to double braid nylon. It's soft enough that it doesn't seem to be affected by the windlass. I guess it could be described as going through the center of the links and avoiding the outer part of the link to keep it off the windless gypsy.

Ted

[HeadedToTexas]

Originally Posted by O C Diver

Don't tie the ends to the chain as only the first link or 2 will come out.

What kind of weave keeps 5 or 10 foot lengths of ¼" rope in place on chain? We are still using the commercial markers the PO had added and are looking for a more visible solution.

[twistedtree]

Originally Posted by O C Diver

The line I use is very similar to double braid nylon. It's soft enough that it doesn't seem to be affected by the windlass. I guess it could be described as going through the center of the links and avoiding the outer part of the link to keep it off the windless gypsy.

Ted

Any chance of a picture or two?

[C lectric]

Originally Posted by O C Diver

Best method I found was to buy colored polypropylene 1/4" rope and weave it through the links. I found a supplier who had six different colors and would sell it my the foot. I used 20' lengths, but 5' to 10' would be more realistic. Don't tie the ends to the chain as only the first link or 2 will come out. It goes right through the windlass without issue. Probably have 300 plus deployments with no significant wear.

Ted

Thought I was the only oddball. NOT.

I got fed up with paint and zipties.
I used yellow polypro 1/4" line and wove about two feet into the chain at each 25 ft mark. No special weave or preparation was needed as I found.
THis was an experiment for me as I had no idea if it would work.
That was about 6 yrs ago. None have come out yet nor are they showing any sign of doing so.

Just before the anchor came up I wove a 10' piece or RED dyneema in so I have a warning the anchor is close.

[AnsleyS]

Originally Posted by FWT

Anyone tried these gadgets? Expensive for what they are, but do they work?

https://www.westmarine.com/imtra-cor...-17192881.html

FWT,


We tried these and they did not stay in the chain well.

[O C Diver]

Originally Posted by twistedtree

Any chance of a picture or two?

I'm out of country till next Sunday.

Ted

[O C Diver]

Originally Posted by HeadedToTexas

What kind of weave keeps 5 or 10 foot lengths of ¼" rope in place on chain? We are still using the commercial markers the PO had added and are looking for a more visible solution.

Friction passing through the links holds it in place.

Ted

[HeadedToTexas]

So it is simply a short 2ish foot long piece of ¼" rope that is strung through the chain lengths? I can appreciate that friction may be all it takes as there should be no tension on the marker rope, but if you pulled on one end it would probably come out, right? Very interesting.

Originally Posted by O C Diver

I found a supplier who had six different colors and would sell it my the foot.

Remember who that supplier was? Thanks Ted.

[koliver]

Originally Posted by saraml

We have bought colored zip ties and put 5 at each desired mark. Cut off the excess and use a different color for each desired length of chain (eg yellowmat 25’, red at 50’ etc). No problem going through windlass and will not fade over time.

I had a Harbour Freight pack of zip ties, a hundred or so of 6 or so colours. Tied one on every 10 ft, changed colours every 50'. I left all the tails on with no issues. An extra couple when the anchor has risen to the surface, so I don't get a surprise when it reaches the roller. Also an extra mark when the end of the chain is a few feet from arriving at the gypsey, again to avoid a surprise when I have to deal with the chain to rope connections. This way for several years and continues to last well.

[ScottC]

Originally Posted by AnsleyS

FWT,


We tried these and they did not stay in the chain well.

I agree. It took me an afternoon to install them and only a couple of uses for them to all fall out

[O C Diver]

Originally Posted by HeadedToTexas

Remember who that supplier was? Thanks Ted.

https://www.knotandrope.com/collecti...ypropylene-mfp

Ted