Hi All - I know Anchors have been a topic of discussion recently but I wanted to post about Anchor Lines. I need to replace the Rode on my 30 foot Catalina. I currently have 5/8" about 200 feet w/ 25 feet of Chain. I only need to replace the rope and will most likely go with 250 length. I am using a claw anchor. I am seeing prices all over the place and was wondering what the main difference is? Should I go with a 3-strand 5/8" and if so - what is the difference between whats here in the store, West, Defender and eBay? Thanks - appreciate any feedback as I don't want to skimp on this purchase. Rob
Anchor Lines
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Consider a lighter rope
I just replaced a rode on my C350 with 9/16th 3-strand from Defender. I don't know where the original rope came from, but the new stuff is more flexible and lays much nicer in the the anchor locker. This could be because it's not salted up yet. 8-strand plaited will be even nicer to handle, but is more expensive and more difficult to splice (for me at least). For your C30, I doubt you need anything heavier than 5/8th, and you may want to consider smaller so that the rode "gives" a bit more under strain. Check out some of the recommendation sheets available online from some of the producers such as New England Ropes, etc. Gary Even Keel II
I just replaced a rode on my C350 with 9/16th 3-strand from Defender. I don't know where the original rope came from, but the new stuff is more flexible and lays much nicer in the the anchor locker. This could be because it's not salted up yet. 8-strand plaited will be even nicer to handle, but is more expensive and more difficult to splice (for me at least). For your C30, I doubt you need anything heavier than 5/8th, and you may want to consider smaller so that the rode "gives" a bit more under strain. Check out some of the recommendation sheets available online from some of the producers such as New England Ropes, etc. Gary Even Keel II
I use..
First check the chandlery HERE at SBO! I personally use a double braid anchor line with stainless thimble, from Cajun Trading in Canada. I paid less for a 5/8 double braid that flakes and coils well, has a better hand and is very stretchy than I would have for a NER three strand that does not coil or flake well! Chafe potential in a storm is one reason to go bigger just not to big... BTW I can fit my 33 Lb Rocna, my chain and my 300 feet of 5/8 rode in my anchor locker all at once. My old three strand took up nearly the entire thing! Cajun is GREAT! So is SBO!! Check here first! Cajun Trading Company http://www.cajuntrading.ca/anchor_lines.htm
First check the chandlery HERE at SBO! I personally use a double braid anchor line with stainless thimble, from Cajun Trading in Canada. I paid less for a 5/8 double braid that flakes and coils well, has a better hand and is very stretchy than I would have for a NER three strand that does not coil or flake well! Chafe potential in a storm is one reason to go bigger just not to big... BTW I can fit my 33 Lb Rocna, my chain and my 300 feet of 5/8 rode in my anchor locker all at once. My old three strand took up nearly the entire thing! Cajun is GREAT! So is SBO!! Check here first! Cajun Trading Company http://www.cajuntrading.ca/anchor_lines.htm
Anchor Rode
Rule of thumb is 1/8" diameter of rope for each 9' of boat length (IMHO, 5/8" is a bit much). Three strand nylon works fine, it stretches and is not too expensive. I like Defender...good service and much cheaper.
Rule of thumb is 1/8" diameter of rope for each 9' of boat length (IMHO, 5/8" is a bit much). Three strand nylon works fine, it stretches and is not too expensive. I like Defender...good service and much cheaper.
3 Strand 5/8" is good......
but 5/8" double braided nylon is better in all respects such as strength, abrasion resistance and storage. It cost more ( about 50% to 70%) but it is usually a one time purchase for most and many many years for heavy users. I think that NE rope from WM is probably about the best, but the price is not justifyable. Samson is a good brand. Be careful of some of the off brands. There IS a difference in breaking strengths from manufacturer to manufacturer and some are substancial. If you buy it by the roll, some manufacturers use 500' rolls and some use 600'rolls, it will be quite a bit less expensive and that stuff makes great dock lines Tony B
but 5/8" double braided nylon is better in all respects such as strength, abrasion resistance and storage. It cost more ( about 50% to 70%) but it is usually a one time purchase for most and many many years for heavy users. I think that NE rope from WM is probably about the best, but the price is not justifyable. Samson is a good brand. Be careful of some of the off brands. There IS a difference in breaking strengths from manufacturer to manufacturer and some are substancial. If you buy it by the roll, some manufacturers use 500' rolls and some use 600'rolls, it will be quite a bit less expensive and that stuff makes great dock lines Tony B
Both 9/16 & 5/8 are good. You want to be over 1/2" to be easier on the hands.
The 3 strand has a tendency to stiffen up more over time than the braid, but the stranded is easier to insert scope markers in, and to eye splice in the interior of the length, to hang weights from, or tie in a beam bridle. Of course weights can be slid down either stranded or braid with a saddle and retrieving line and the bridle can be made with the proper hitch. For those who don't know what I'm talking about, adding 1 or more weights to the rope rode simulates the added weight of chain and produces a deeper catenary to make a more horizontal pull on the anchor. The bridal is used to swing the boat axis off the wind as much as 90 degrees, to allow the long axis to point into the waves. I use stranded line as my 2 backups to my all chain rode because I had it. If I were replacing, I think I would go with the braid. Just an opinion. Have fun Joe S
The 3 strand has a tendency to stiffen up more over time than the braid, but the stranded is easier to insert scope markers in, and to eye splice in the interior of the length, to hang weights from, or tie in a beam bridle. Of course weights can be slid down either stranded or braid with a saddle and retrieving line and the bridle can be made with the proper hitch. For those who don't know what I'm talking about, adding 1 or more weights to the rope rode simulates the added weight of chain and produces a deeper catenary to make a more horizontal pull on the anchor. The bridal is used to swing the boat axis off the wind as much as 90 degrees, to allow the long axis to point into the waves. I use stranded line as my 2 backups to my all chain rode because I had it. If I were replacing, I think I would go with the braid. Just an opinion. Have fun Joe S
My 250' of double braid from Cajun has yet to go over the side.
It's all the fault of the 200' of chain. Love it.
It's all the fault of the 200' of chain. Love it.
Rule Of Thumb
Ross...I could not remember, so I looked it up. Page 243 or WM's 2008 catalog: - Heavy/high windage boats...1/8" diameter for each 8' of boat length. - Normal..1/8".....9'.. - Lightweight/nowindage..1/8"....10 '.. It also talks about chain.
Ross...I could not remember, so I looked it up. Page 243 or WM's 2008 catalog: - Heavy/high windage boats...1/8" diameter for each 8' of boat length. - Normal..1/8".....9'.. - Lightweight/nowindage..1/8"....10 '.. It also talks about chain.
Big Windy, you forgot something
"As a genneral guide, for winds up to 30Knots, we recommend......." I always plan for more than 30K, but hope for less. Tony B
"As a genneral guide, for winds up to 30Knots, we recommend......." I always plan for more than 30K, but hope for less. Tony B
Big Windy, I think that is on the light side for life expectancy
and bad weather. During hurricane Isobel we had sustained winds of 80 knots and a 6 foot storm surge and heavy wave action. I tied up with 5/8 lines and chafed thru one strand on one line of 3 strand line. Would 1/2 inch line have held? I don't know. If after the first line failed would the second line follow suit?
and bad weather. During hurricane Isobel we had sustained winds of 80 knots and a 6 foot storm surge and heavy wave action. I tied up with 5/8 lines and chafed thru one strand on one line of 3 strand line. Would 1/2 inch line have held? I don't know. If after the first line failed would the second line follow suit?
We've had many..
nights over the years with 40 & 50+ knots. Every time chafe was a concern and more than once we ruined a good rode even with chafe gear. I'd rather have a 5/8 line chafe through a few strands in 40+ knots than a 1/2" line chafe through a few strands in the same winds. As long as the bigger line is stretchy enough to prevent shock loading it's VERY inexpensive insurance against winding up on the rocks due to chafe and then failure because the remaining line could not handle the load.. Just my .02
nights over the years with 40 & 50+ knots. Every time chafe was a concern and more than once we ruined a good rode even with chafe gear. I'd rather have a 5/8 line chafe through a few strands in 40+ knots than a 1/2" line chafe through a few strands in the same winds. As long as the bigger line is stretchy enough to prevent shock loading it's VERY inexpensive insurance against winding up on the rocks due to chafe and then failure because the remaining line could not handle the load.. Just my .02
Don't...
...shoot the messenger. I told you what was in the WM catalog...it's your boat, put 2" lines on your boats if that makes you happy.
...shoot the messenger. I told you what was in the WM catalog...it's your boat, put 2" lines on your boats if that makes you happy.
Big Windy , we don't shoot the messenger
we expect him to do the honorable thing and fall on his sword. ;D ;D Probably 95 percent of the time a piece of clothes line would be adequate but most people plan on the very worst. The only time I ever read about someone dragging it was because of a too small anchor or a too short rode. It has never been because of too big an anchor, too much scope or too large a rode. West Marine also recommends chain sizes and lengths that seem to me on the light side of being enough.
we expect him to do the honorable thing and fall on his sword. ;D ;D Probably 95 percent of the time a piece of clothes line would be adequate but most people plan on the very worst. The only time I ever read about someone dragging it was because of a too small anchor or a too short rode. It has never been because of too big an anchor, too much scope or too large a rode. West Marine also recommends chain sizes and lengths that seem to me on the light side of being enough.
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