On Anchoring: “I have no doubt that by far the most numerous cases of parting of chain or cable [rode], or breaking the anchor, are caused by a sudden jerk; but a long scope will, in great measure, render such a jerk harmless, as it is only to be dreaded when riding short. Any man in charge of a ship at anchor with the necessary quantity of chain cable on board, and space astern, to allow him to make use of it, but who neglects to do so, must be considered to be the author of his own misfortune, whether it amounts to the loss of his anchor, or the loss of his ship. No excuse can be offered for such neglect, which must originate either in indolence, or in a mistaken notion of the necessity.”
J.M. Murphy, 1849 (the originator of Murphy’s Law?).
Reading the latest issue of BoatU.S.magazine makes me wonder if there is any longer a need for chain markers, the author recommending 8:1 to 10:1 scope as virtually routine. Put it all out, all 300 ft!!, what the heck? Anchoring in 30 ft or more is not uncommon [albeit not preferable] along the coast of California or at the offshore islands!
Seriously, I have not tried the chain markers; I think I may b/c nothing else has worked for me either for chain! Typically, I run out nearly all of my 160 ft of chain rode for most anchoring situations so they might be superfluous. The 9/16" nylon rode that follows it is clearly marked off in 30 ft increments.
