One of the items on my short list for this spring is a new anchor rode. One of the outfitters in my area offers a premium anchor line by one of the major manufacturers that seems to fit my requirements. But the factory eye-splice includes a black plastic thimble on 5/8" rode. I'm concerned that a 38' 18,000 lb boat can put a lot of stress on that thimble, and if it lets go, the chafe would part that splice in no time. Maybe I just answered my own question, and for peace of mind and a good night's sleep on the hook, maybe I should go with stainless or galvanized thimble. Or am I over reacting? Can anyone share thoughts or experiences with these plastic thimbles? Thanks, Larry
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Thimble
I can't directly comment for the effect of a 38' foot boat, but 2 years ago I purchased new rode with a plastic thimble for my 27. We almost always anchor with a friend (26') tied to us in various conditions. I've seen nothing but a scratch or two on the thimble. I figure it'll outlast the rode. Peter
I can't directly comment for the effect of a 38' foot boat, but 2 years ago I purchased new rode with a plastic thimble for my 27. We almost always anchor with a friend (26') tied to us in various conditions. I've seen nothing but a scratch or two on the thimble. I figure it'll outlast the rode. Peter
Plastic thimble
The black plastic is actually much stronger than steel and will lastlonger...I'm having a brain cramp and cannot remember what it is called but believe me it will outlast anything on the market.
The black plastic is actually much stronger than steel and will lastlonger...I'm having a brain cramp and cannot remember what it is called but believe me it will outlast anything on the market.
Don't miss the great sale price for unused rode
by a fellow selling gear on this site. (ME) It's 5/8 nylon double braid, never been used, storm anchor rode (or working big boat rode), 300 feet. Buck a foot. Hey, I'm re-writing my ad.
by a fellow selling gear on this site. (ME) It's 5/8 nylon double braid, never been used, storm anchor rode (or working big boat rode), 300 feet. Buck a foot. Hey, I'm re-writing my ad.
Mine Broke
I put a plastic thimble on my anchor rode for my 37.5, because I couldn't find either metal type when I previously spliced my rode. It Broke.
I put a plastic thimble on my anchor rode for my 37.5, because I couldn't find either metal type when I previously spliced my rode. It Broke.
Test of Strength
My rode also has the plastic thimble. Once when my anchor got badly fouled in a submerged tree, I had to use a winch to raise the anchor. Leaned my Mac25 30 degrees before the thing broke free. Though the rode almost broke at the splice, the thimble never gave. Impressed me!
My rode also has the plastic thimble. Once when my anchor got badly fouled in a submerged tree, I had to use a winch to raise the anchor. Leaned my Mac25 30 degrees before the thing broke free. Though the rode almost broke at the splice, the thimble never gave. Impressed me!
It's NOT the Thimble
Larry Obviously, from the replies it's not the strength of the thimble. What I suggest you consider is the difficulty you will face in getting that thimble through and over your bow roller. Even without a windlass, the thimble and the shackle will (or easily could) get stuck on the roller, or at least make an extra step necessary to clear it when it comes up. I had that problem until we had the yard splice the anchor rode to the chain. Makes for a very smooth transition, and we don't even have a windlass. Give it a thought. Stu
Larry Obviously, from the replies it's not the strength of the thimble. What I suggest you consider is the difficulty you will face in getting that thimble through and over your bow roller. Even without a windlass, the thimble and the shackle will (or easily could) get stuck on the roller, or at least make an extra step necessary to clear it when it comes up. I had that problem until we had the yard splice the anchor rode to the chain. Makes for a very smooth transition, and we don't even have a windlass. Give it a thought. Stu
Thimble
I agree with Stu, the thimble isn't fun to bring over the bow roller, and sometimes I wish I spliced. But if you were ok with a metal thimble of the same size before, you should be ok now. But as I said before, our thimble barely shows any scratches. Peter
I agree with Stu, the thimble isn't fun to bring over the bow roller, and sometimes I wish I spliced. But if you were ok with a metal thimble of the same size before, you should be ok now. But as I said before, our thimble barely shows any scratches. Peter
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