Anchor rode

[Walz]

I need to replace my 12 year old anchor/chain windlass rode. The line (3-strand) is fraying and has gotten stiff. I was wonder how others feel about 3-strand vs. 8-plait nylon? Seems the 8-plait would run through the windlass easier and not hockle. Thoughts please!

 

[Alegria]

I am looking too. I am seriously considering the 8 plait. I think you have the Lofrans windlass as I do. I suspect it the 8 plait would run better in the windlass too. I think I've read that is has less stretch to it then the 3 strand.

I'll be following the thread to see what others have to say.

 

[Go Aweigh2452]

I need to replace my 12 year old anchor/chain windlass rode. The line (3-strand) is fraying and has gotten stiff. I was wonder how others feel about 3-strand vs. 8-plait nylon? Seems the 8-plait would run through the windlass easier and not hockle. Thoughts please!

Depends on your windlass manufacturer and the model...

Some windlasses can handle 8 plait and others can not... Some you have to buy the rode through the windlass company because they have a special rode that fits their windlass capstan only... I'd definitely check the windlass website and ask...

If your rode is stiff, dunk it in a big 6 gallon bucket of warm water and a little fabric softener... that should make it less stiff. That will remove a lot of the brackish or salt deposits...

 

[Henry Boyd]

Another trick is to cut the rode from the chain, bind the end and then toss it in the clothes washer. Then splice the old bitter end to the the chain and re-use.

Henry

 

[keokie]

I bought 8 plait a couple years ago. It has been great. I have 5/8" inch diameter running through a Lofrans Progress 1. Even though the teeth are chewed from PO, it pulls great. It is way more flexible, lays flatter and smaller, and does not hockle at all. I commonly pay out way more than a hundred feet to anchor.

 

[endless seas]

Cut the bad part off and soak the good in a bucket of water w/ fabric softener.Makes a world of difference.

 

[Cincy Aquaholic]

Resurrecting this thread and learned a new word, "hockle". My 3 strain rode is now starting to hockle. Or as I would've described it, slightly untwist and get bound up in the windlass. I've already cut 20 feet off that was doing it every couple feet. Tired of not being able to raise anchor without going up down up down.

Need to figure out if I can use the 8 plait style but need to determine if I have an Aster or an Antares? Might not make a difference. But how do you splice this type to the chain??

 

[MLauman]

I switched to 8 plait a few years ago and it's been great. The (Lewmar) windlass doesn't seem to know the difference but the rode falls in the locker better. My only complaint is that it is a little harder to redo the splice for us amateurs.

 

[hbishop3]

That said, there are kits at West Marine that include directions; it is challenging, but if you screw it up, just start again. AND, you'll be the only one on the dock who knows how when you are done!!!

 

[Iprof]

Resurrecting this thread and learned a new word, "hockle". My 3 strain rode is now starting to hockle. Or as I would've described it, slightly untwist and get bound up in the windlass. I've already cut 20 feet off that was doing it every couple feet. Tired of not being able to raise anchor without going up down up down.

Need to figure out if I can use the 8 plait style but need to determine if I have an Aster or an Antares? Might not make a difference. But how do you splice this type to the chain??

http://www.machovec.com/rope/splicing/8strand_tuck_splice.htm

http://sailmagazine.com/boatworks/sails-and-rigging/8-strand_splice/


Ken