Anchor chain question

[wahoo76]

Hi all
is it best to use just chain on your windlass (lofrans marlin 2006 model unit) or to use 3strand nylon rope with the required 10 metres of chain?? 280 sundancer. My current slice is bulky and gets caught in the gypsy sometimes.
Most larger boats look like they run only chain.
I only want 50-70m of chain so cost either way not an issue.
Your thought on this??
thanks in advance

 

[Converse48]

Best way to avoid the splice getting caught in the gypsy is to go to all chain. I switched to all chain two boats ago and will never go back. Yes, there is more weight, but sometimes that can be a help to keep the bow down and all chain is going to hold better (generally speaking). Downside is if you anchor out a lot overnight, chain can be a bit noisier for those sleeping in the bow.

 

[Havana Shamrock]

You could use a bridle, it will eliminate the clanging and increases your scope. The guys here I raft with use them so I had one made.

 

[JimG]

Yes, all chain with a snubber/bridle. :thumbsup:

 

[ChrisW]

Hi all
is it best to use just chain on your windlass (lofrans marlin 2006 model unit) or to use 3strand nylon rope with the required 10 metres of chain?? 280 sundancer. My current slice is bulky and gets caught in the gypsy sometimes.
Most larger boats look like they run only chain.
I only want 50-70m of chain so cost either way not an issue.
Your thought on this??
thanks in advance

Hello there,
Just to put this comment in perspective, I own one of the biggest marine suppliers on the Gold Coast in Australia and a lot of our business is commercial and this is what we advise nearly every day. Not pushing my own agenda, just adding some credibility.
So here's what I run on my boat;
- 50 meters of chain and 100 meters of rope - yes we go offshore but the principle is the same. Reason for this is that too little chain and you won't get the right angle on the bottom to set your anchor or it will pull out too easily, too much chain and you can punch a hole in your anchor locker if you come down hard off the back of a wave. Searays are pretty strong but I've seen it on other boats. At 5 to 1 that gives you 10 meters to moor in on chain(better to be safe than sorry). By the way go for quality on both - it's the only thing holding your boat if you have to hold on in bad weather.
- there's splicing and there's splicing. If your splice is getting caught then generally it's either the wrong size rope for your winch or it's the splice. You might want to ask around for the local splicing expert. It shouldn't get caught if it's done properly and everything is sized correctly for your winch.
- check the size of your anchor. Most manufactures, SeaRay included, put a standard anchor on the boat which is the smallest one they can get away with. I like to sleep at night so I check the anchor manufacture's guides and usually go one size bigger than the standard anchor supplied with the boat.
- definitely use a snubber or a bridle as your winch is not designed to take the extreme load put on it when the bow bounces around in even a mild swell, wind or wash from other boats. A snubber is cheap, an anchor winch is not.
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Chris

 

[ChrisW]

PS Sorry that should read 30 meters of mooring depth with 150 meters of chain/rope at 5 to 1. Doh! Old timer's disease kicked in
Chris