i've never like the ground tackle on my 30 so I'm going to West Marine this weekend to get it right. How much chain should get and what size for 30' boat? I've heard one boat length, 10', and the entire rode should be chain! what have youguys used?
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anchor rode
Gary, I'm no expert, but either Chapman's or the USPS Sail Course (maybe both) recommend the length of chain to be a boat length attached to your nylon rode with a swivel. I use 30' on my O'day 272. If you are going to anchor in coral, that' a whole 'nother ball game, and some world cruisers will probably tell you to use all chain. The benefit of all this is to allow the anchor to set better and provide added strength where the rode may rub on the bottom. Tom
Gary, I'm no expert, but either Chapman's or the USPS Sail Course (maybe both) recommend the length of chain to be a boat length attached to your nylon rode with a swivel. I use 30' on my O'day 272. If you are going to anchor in coral, that' a whole 'nother ball game, and some world cruisers will probably tell you to use all chain. The benefit of all this is to allow the anchor to set better and provide added strength where the rode may rub on the bottom. Tom
Anchor Advice
Gary, The rope/chain issue is one of holding power verses practicality. As I'm sure you know, you want the anchor rode to lie flat agains the bottom for strongest holding power. The heavier it is, the more it co-operates. For that reason, the strongest holding power is available from all chain rodes. On the other hand, rope is much easier to deal with, to stow, to haul, etc. It just has a tendency to rise off the bottom more easily. Rope has the advantage of some elasticity, so it can help absorb shocks that would otherwise be transmitted to the deck fittings. The balance is up to you to determine according to the application. If the system you are setting up is designed for fair weather use, less chain is appropriate. If you are looking to survive a huricane, you might like having a lot of chain. I would find a good medium at a boat length of chain and the rest of line. If you would like to limit the amount of chain, increase th size of the anchor. West Marine has off the shelf anchor set-ups, but I think you will be better served by either splicing your own, or by having the rigging shop take care of you. The price is likely to be similar, but you will get the ideal system for your boat. Justin - O'day Owner's Group
Gary, The rope/chain issue is one of holding power verses practicality. As I'm sure you know, you want the anchor rode to lie flat agains the bottom for strongest holding power. The heavier it is, the more it co-operates. For that reason, the strongest holding power is available from all chain rodes. On the other hand, rope is much easier to deal with, to stow, to haul, etc. It just has a tendency to rise off the bottom more easily. Rope has the advantage of some elasticity, so it can help absorb shocks that would otherwise be transmitted to the deck fittings. The balance is up to you to determine according to the application. If the system you are setting up is designed for fair weather use, less chain is appropriate. If you are looking to survive a huricane, you might like having a lot of chain. I would find a good medium at a boat length of chain and the rest of line. If you would like to limit the amount of chain, increase th size of the anchor. West Marine has off the shelf anchor set-ups, but I think you will be better served by either splicing your own, or by having the rigging shop take care of you. The price is likely to be similar, but you will get the ideal system for your boat. Justin - O'day Owner's Group
What did you get?
Gary, What did you wind up taking home from West Marine? Justin - O'day Owner's Web
Gary, What did you wind up taking home from West Marine? Justin - O'day Owner's Web
30 feet
I got a #30 Delta and 30' of chain. I thought about gettng more chain but didn't want all that weight in the bow. I think that'll be enough. the guys at WM were helpful
I got a #30 Delta and 30' of chain. I thought about gettng more chain but didn't want all that weight in the bow. I think that'll be enough. the guys at WM were helpful
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