All Chain Rode

[Chris Hyland]

How many feet of all chain rode should be used.I assume given the same depths you can pay out less than 7 to 1 when using all chain. Therefore can't you get away with a little less chain than rope?Regards,Chris

 

[Tim Leighton]

CHAIN RODE

Chris: While I've never used all chain rode (except on charters and aircraft carriers!!), the normal accepted scope under benign conditions is somewhere between 3:1 and 5:1. I would highly recommend the use of a snubber to absorb shock loads to reduce loads to your boats deck hardware and help keep the anchor stuck. When we finally pull up stakes and head out for some serious cruising we'll probably put all chain on one anchor, but for the coastal sailing we do along the east coast (in my case the Chesapeake Bay) I think a chain/rope rode is more than adequate (far lighter, easier to handle, etc.). Good luck!Tim Leighton (S/V "MAGIC")

 

[Herb Tripp]

All chain pros

Benefits: Chain is extremely chafe resistant, thus excellent for areas of coral heads or rocky bottoms.Chain self stows in a very small area, given a sufficient fall off the windlass. Due to its weight, and the ensuing catanary effect, less chain (scope) is required for a given depth of water. Disadvantages: Chain is much heavier than rope. This weight in the very bow of a modern, light to medium displacement cruising boat can adversely affect trim and sailing quality.Chain absolutely requires a windlass to handle, and above 35 feet or so, an electric or hydraulic one, not a manual. Chain absolutely requires a snubber, a length of nylon rode with a chain hook to act as a shock absorber and to take the load off the windlass. Windlasses are designed to raise and lower anchors, not act as a cleat for the rode when it is being used. Use it this way and you will damage the windlass.All chain rode was popular for cruising boats when rope rode was manilla, boats were heavy displacement, and anchoring out was the only option in most cruising areas, because marinas had not been invented. For modern boats cruising most popular destinations, ( US East coast, Bahamas, Carribbean ) a nylon rode with a boat length of chain will suit nicely. Note the boat length of chain; 6 feet, as commonly used, is useless. A boat length will give the lower end of the rode the chafe protection it needs.

 

[Roy Peterson]

All chain in the Med

Chris,How many feet of all chain rode should be used?  I've got a bit over 200' on my 42' boat and have wished I had more. We really do "Med" moor in the Greek isles and some of the old harbors have terrible holding. In Kithera last summer I had to reset three times in 30' of water and ended up adding another 44lb anchor on 30 more feet of chain to finally get it to hold. Though I did get the opportunity to learn gel coat repair after, to fix my transom which took a beating on the quay wall. I normally use 5:1 but when it gets really crowded in the some of the anchorages, I'll use as little as 3:1 if the winds are light. I agree, don't do it without a powered windlass or without a good snubber. Roy s/y "Brilliant"