Noelex
Veteran Member
Noelex,
Going to all the trouble to employ a 45' snubber I'd be inclined to just use a combination rode w only about 45' of chain. A 35 to 40' trawler w 20' of 1/2" chain and 25' of 3/8" chain should have lots of centenary protection and plenty of shock absorbing nylon line. Of course this is academic as few have a good enough winch to accommodate such a rode. I tend to think in ideal terms and then go from there. And I think the above chain arrangement would have the best centenary advantage if the heavier chain was positioned closer to the boat. I believe we had a discussion about that 5 or so years ago.
A combination rode has a lot advantages as you mention. The big problem is chafe. Rope is not as safe as chain.
Many boats insist on an all chain rode for this reason. If a snubber is broken by chafe the chain is still present as a back up. If chafe is unlikely to be a problem a combination rode saves a lot of weight.
All chain is also easier to manage with an electric/hydraulic anchor winch, but the lighter weight of a combination rode is a big help if retrieving by hand.
Heavy chain close to the anchor does help catenary, but most of the effect is lost when it needed, in strong wind. The thicker chain also slightly inhibits the anchors diving. A Thin SS wire or a Dyneema strop has been suggested as superior, in some circumstances, for this reason.
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