I’ve read repeatedly here and elsewhere expectations for 10:1 scope in anchoring. I’m not opposed in practice or in “philosophy” to carrying hundreds of feet of anchor rode in case it might be needed. Certain special needs can & do arise. But really, does anyone here deploy 10:1 scope, especially of chain? I can say that I never have. I carry about 360 ft of anchor rode on the principal bower, 160 ft of it chain. But not so I can achieve a 10:1 scope anywhere I typically go. It’s based on a formula of 7:1 scope in 50 ft. Anchoring in 50 ft here in Southern California, e.g., Long Beach Harbor and “neighborhood”, as well as at the islands, is where depths of 50 ft are common. In places where the average anchor depth is less than 20 ft, a 7:1 formula would equate to 140 ft @ 20 ft; 105 ft at 15 ft depth. With all chain, you don’t need even 7:1. At 5:1 it’s between 100 and 75 ft of rode. Whence do those comments re: 10:1 scope arise?
Put out all that chain rode, remember you have to get it back up, or leave it. Frankly, my windlass has failed me more times than my anchor has ever dragged with the scope I use.
Put out all that chain rode, remember you have to get it back up, or leave it. Frankly, my windlass has failed me more times than my anchor has ever dragged with the scope I use.
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