Another anchor (rode) thread

[Mark Maulden]

I need to procure a second rode as a spare and also for use with a second anchor if necessary. So, I’m looking at 3 strand or 8 plaitt to be used in the PNW. Main anchor has 100’ of chain with 200’ of 3 strand and secondary has ~ 25’ of chain. Anchorages can be a little deep at times with unknown bottom conditions. Boat has a vertical electric windlass with drum and gypsy. So, I'd like to hear opinions on both types of rode! Tnx!

 

[jssailem]

Mark. I have 105' of chain and 250' 8 plaitt nylon rode. The 8plaitt was selected based on the smooth run over the gypsy and the nature of it lying compact in the anchor well. I have experienced no hockles as I did with 3 strand. It has held well in 45knt winds at anchor in Port Ludlow where I had 5:1 scope. The boat danced a lot but within her space.

 

[Kings Gambit]

The “rode pundits” I’ve read say that 3-strand (twisted rope) has better elastic (stretch) capacity than 8-plait and is easier to splice oneself, e.g., rope chain splice. Equally strong as 8-plait but not as easy to handle or stow as 8-plait. Can jam windlass whereas 8-plait generally does not. I’ve always used 3-strand so cannot say comparatively which to prefer in use. But I do prefer a rope braid that I can splice myself, on the boat, as needed, etc. Some complain about how 3-strand stiffens with age and use. I wash and soak my periodically in the Woolite water bath; helps some.

 

[dlochner]

Read the manual for the windlass. Some windlasses advise against 8 plait. If the windlass has a capstan as well as a gypsy, then 8-plait will work. The advantage to 8 plait is it collapses in to a smaller pile than 3-strand so it takes up less space.

We have ~150' of chain with j~150' of 8 plait.

 

[Terry Cox]

Hi Mark. Have had for years 50' of chain and 150' of three strand, plus another set of the same for those very rare times where needed. Over the years I tend to drop at 20' mid tide with a four/five scope in normal weather conditions and will increase to seven or eight in a blow. Prefer three strand due to its splicing ease as well as its elasticity.

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

@Kings Gambit I’ve spliced my own 8-plait and it’s not difficult. There are plenty of online instructions available. It’s better than 3 strand in every way except chafe and snags.
It’s more likely to catch fibers on rough surfaces because of the cross weave at the surface, vs. 3 strand that has linear fibers along the surface. Same issue with braided dock lines vs. 3-strand.

 

[Davidasailor26]

We have chain and 3 strand. The 3 strand has never given us any trouble (although our anchor locker is quite large). It runs through the windlass without any problems (except for where the chain/rope splice is) and has not hockled at all.

 

[thinwater]

3-strand is about 30% more abrasion resistant, based on side-by-side testing on rock. For me that settles it. I've never had a rope stiffen enough to bother me, though I'm sure that depends on the rope manufacture and how often it is washed or rinsed.

With a windlass, I liked having enough chain that I didn't need to pass the splice most days. Elasticity comes from the snubber (bridle).

 

[JBP-PA]

I switched from 3 strand to plait and I love it. Much easier on bare hands (I don't have a windlass). Stows easier and takes up a lot less room. I have 300 feet in the same space of 100ft of the old 3 strand. Snags and abrasion are an issue, I use chafe protection on the bow roller. Yale claims it has better shock absorption than 3 strand.