To each his own, other than minimum chain length
of at least the boat.
When I first deployed my new Rocna, I used 3/8 chain that I had on board from an old anchoring setup left by the PO.
Given my designed anchoring SYSTEM discussed above, it was just TOO much weight for me to lift and WAY too much for the conditions I normally anchor in (remember, it was DESIGNED for a max. of 42 knot winds).
Now, many of you MUST use heavier anchors and rode systems because you can get hit with midnight squalls that exceed anything I've seen here in 25 years of sailing (other than days and nights I would NOT be out there).
If your personal physical conditions require or suggest a windlass, get one and use it, regardless of what other people say.
At the risk of repeating myself (like, I hardly ever do that, right?
) design the anchoring SYSTEM for your expectations, your boat and your conditions. If I move somewhere else, I'll have to reevaluate. And don't take the "
neighbors down the dock only use half the boat length chain argument" either. Do some homework with recognized texts on the subject, and you can start with the WM Advisors, right here online:
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...dvisor/10001/-1/10001/AnchoringTechniques.htm.
They've written entire BOOKS about the subject, for goodness sake.
Remember, your boat's a WHOLE lot more expensive than an anchor, rode and a windlass.
