Lost My Anchor!

[BillinPA]

Hey all, I lost my anchor/rode last Sunday, just snapped and poof! It’s for a 99 340 DA, should I get 1/2” line?

bill

 

[BillK2632]

I would consider going all chain since you have to replace the anchor and rode now.

 

[Fill Ess]

I would go all chain too.

If you want to keep it stock, the parts manual says 25 feet of 5/16 chain and 200 feet of 5/8 rope.

 

[brewster16]

Sorry to hear that Bill. Did the line just snap or did the shackle fail?

 

[Stee6043]

I lost mine in 2020. Failed right at the splice. I went all chain with the replacement and have been very pleased with the upgrade.

 

[BillinPA]

Sorry to hear that Bill. Did the line just snap or did the shackle fail?

I think it was the shackle

 

[spikedaddy99]

1/2" is too small.

 

[Captain Spike]

Hey all, I lost my anchor/rode last Sunday, just snapped and poof! It’s for a 99 340 DA, should I get 1/2” line?

bill

5/8” or 9/16” is correct size. All chain is an option too.

 

[Captain Spike]

I think it was the shackle

Use stainless wire to keep the pin in the shackle. To many don’t or use” zip ties”. Sorry.

 

[BillK2632]

Chain will work better with your windlass - the need for that tension finger that tends to break is no longer necessary and no more issues with the splice feeding through.

 

[b_arrington]

All chain is pretty nice. The only negative is you need to make/buy and anchor snubber. A windlass isn't designed for the stresses of anchoring (only raise/lower the anchor), and you can't cleat off a chain rode.

Three possible options:

1. There are pre-made anchor snubbers available. Often a bridle setup. Mantus makes one that's been well regarded.
2. Make one yourself. Get a 5/8 line and splice your choice of chain grabber / hook on the end. Many hook options available. You get exactly the length and hook type you want, but need to have or develop a splicing skill.
3. Use a line and tie a rolling hitch to the anchor chain. Cheap, but a little tedious if you anchor often.

There is a bit of a different technique to all chain anchoring. In summary,

• Deploy and initially set the anchor.
• Attach the snubber line.
• Pay out rode so the snubber takes the load, and you have a dip in the chain.

Here's a pic that illustrates it (grabbed from a Google search).

 

[electricaldoctor]

Don't forget to install a chain lock just after the windlass to remove the stress. A snubber after that would be an excellant idea.