Anchor line thickness

[sean804]

I need to know what anchor line thickness I should use on my 27 foot Sundancer. I have about 15 feet of chain to connect to it. I do not have a windlass and I have seen conflicting sizes on the internet, everything from 1/4 to 1 inch. I wouldn't even think of going less than 1/2 inch. But what size do you suggest and is one type of rope better than another?

 

[H2ONUT]

You will be OK with 1/2" line. Get a good anchor line, they can be purchased with different lengths of chain also. I would suggest 20' of chain and 150' of 1/2" line.

 

[mwph]

West Marine's site has a video series, West Advisors I think its called. I use it to gain some insight on a variety of subjects. Anchoring being one of them. They'll make a sugestion based on boat length. You however will have to factor in bottom type, typical water/weather conditions & of course how much money you are willing to part with.

 

[Loneranger]

1/2 inch nylon line will be fine but 3/8 inch nylon line will be fine also depending on anchoring conditions. Rule of thumb 1/8 inch per 9 feet of boat. See below thread:

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28391

Also these articles:

http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/34.htm

http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/reviewpages/boatusf/project/info5e.htm

The trouble with going smaller than 3/8 inch line is that is gets hard to handle.

John

 

[Summer Fun II]

I use 1/2" line to hold my tug in place when I'm anchored out with no problems . :smt001.

 

[sean804]

Great information from everyone. Thank you for the links too. Since were talking about anchoring. What is the best affordable anchor. Right now I have the standard Sea Ray anchor. A couple of my friends say I should lose that and get a plow anchor. Lake Champlain is mostly mud, gunk and weeds with some rocky areas.

 

[Summer Fun II]

Sean, I boat on a sandy/muddy bottom lake I use this style of anchor. :thumbsup:

 

[JVM225]

I use a combination of chain and 1/2" line.
I just replaced the original factory windlass on my boat last year with a new one that handles chain and line. The original windlass was set up for 1/2" line.

 

[eshasek]

I tried the Sea Ray plow and had lots of issues in the sandy/mud bottom around Tampa bay. I found myself pulling in to the surrounding grass flats (and that is a big no no around here). I switched to a Fortress with eight feet of 1/2 chain and have never budged after that. I have a lot of anchor experience in some very interesting conditions around Florida and the Caribbean and am feeling very good about my setup for the conditions I could encounter (planned or unplanned).

Obviously more chain would be good, but more rode/scope helps a lot. Keep in mind, I am talking <30' boats here. When I have been working on boats 30'+ is often chain from bow to bottom. Some of the sailing cruisers I have worked in the Bahamas may carry north of 500 pounds of chain and anchor tackle. However, that is not what I am riding these days. Very happy with my 26' for many reasons.

Good luck with your choices for your rig.

 

[WTP07]

I would suggest 20' of chain and 150' of 1/2" line.

Actually, 150' of chain and 20' of line would work MUCH better, but is a bit of a b!tch to pull up without a windlass!

:smt043

 

[NoThanksDad]

I just got a great price on 1/2" x 300' for my 330, PM me and I'll be glad to forward you the contact.

 

[Iprof]

Great information from everyone. Thank you for the links too. Since were talking about anchoring. What is the best affordable anchor. Right now I have the standard Sea Ray anchor. A couple of my friends say I should lose that and get a plow anchor. Lake Champlain is mostly mud, gunk and weeds with some rocky areas.

Sean the fellow that wrote this post is a friend of mine last summer I spent 6 weeks anchored out. He was anchored out close to 90 days and did not spend one night at a marina, I spent 3 nights. Read his article it is a very good read with lots of information.

http://www.clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26408&highlight=Anchoring+101

Ken

 

[sean804]

Thanks Ken,
That was a good read. I wish I could spend that much time in the water. I took off a lot of time this summer. A full month between July15 and August 18. I can't wait, I am so looking forward to it.

 

[Loneranger]

Be careful with an all chain rode. They can get very heavy adding a lot of weight to the bow. They also lose the benefit of any elasticity of the rode.

The great benefit of a chain is its ability to resist abraision on the bottom with modern achors that tend to bury themselves and to provide some weight to get the rode to lie more parallel with the bottom. The nylon however provides enough elasticity so that the entire force of the boat is not pulling on the anchor with every wave to uproot it. The elasticity of the nylon allows the boat to move with the wave and not put as much force on the anchor.

John