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Old 11-01-2014, 11:34 AM   #10
nwboater
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City: Gig Harbor WA
Vessel Name: Salty
Vessel Model: American Tug 34
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 381
You don't say what LOA or hull form is your boat but I would caution about adding too much weight to the bow. 500' of 3/8th" chain weighs over 850 lbs. Years ago I had a 30' Monk cruiser and decided to add an electric windlass and a bunch of chain. The first trip out Juan De Fuca I noticed the extra weight seriously effected buoyancy in steep seas, causing the bow to dive and make a slow recovery. In my 40' Willard I've cruised the Inside Passage to SE Alaska, including Glacier Bay (deep water anchorages) and Sitka, and never needed more than 225'. If you really want the extra length, switching to nylon rope is a good option. Depending on the size and displacement of your boat, switching the wildcat to 5/16th" G4 could be a good way to add length while reducing weight.
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Richard Soto, Whidbey Island WA
American Tug 34
Selene 47
Willard 40
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