chain anchor rode

[John]

Has anyone changed the anchor rode to be all chain? I've found the rope/chain combination to be difficult at the splice and was wondering how an all-chain rode would work with the orignial windlass on my 1991 P42.

 

[bill walton]

all chain rode

I know several 42s including my 1997 that are all chain. My primary ground tackle is 200 ft chain backed by 150 ft of line. Where I currently live and sail in the Keys, I never get to the line portion but use a 5/8 snubber. A friend on 'Sojourn', a 92, currently in St. Martin, also has all chain.

 

[Scottie Sale]

much more durable

An all chain rode is great when anchoring in reefy areas. In addition, the additional weight of the chain helps keep your anchor at a shallow angle(more bite on the anchor). Yet one drawback I've encountered is that when anchored in a wake prone area or in away "wavey" situation, I feel that the chain doesn't absorb the shock of boat motion. Just my two cents.

 

[bill walton]

Scott's Right but ...

Scott's right about the abrasion resistance and shock absorbtion or lack of, with an all chain rode. I use a 3/4 3 strand snubber about 20 ft long with a chain hook on one end and a loop spliced into the other. When I get a sufficient amount of chain out, I hook the snubber to it and let enough additional chain out to form a long loop between the hook and the boat. This keeps the chain from jumping off the hook. the snubber offers the necessary shockk absorbtion. Also the chain between the hook and where it contacts the bottom moves up and down as a boat pitches.

 

[Bryce Grefe]

chain rode

Have 200 chain and 100 feet 3 strand. Also use a snubber as Bill suggests. Mines about 25 ft. Its quiet, safe and secure.BryceS/V Spellbinder

 

[Paul Cossman]

1991 P42 all chain rode

I carry 350 feet of 5/16 inch chain rode. I also have a 1991 P42, which originally came with the Maxwell 700 windlass. I found the windlass to be underpowered for pulling in that much chain in a 75 foot deep anchorage under bad weather conditions. It would often cause the windlass breaker to switch off, causing unpleasant situations.. So I upgraded to the Maxwell 1200. The bolt pattern has changed a bit where the windlass and cathead holder bolt together through the anchor locker, but a machine shop easily machined my old cathead holder to adapt to the 1200 model. It works great, and has plenty of power.Regardless of what chain type you use, Maxwell will provide the proper size cathead for your chain at no additional charge. Just contact them before installing the new cathead.Good luck.