I just finished installing a Lofrans windlass on my Hunter 336 (photos coming soon), and I have equipped it wtih a combination chain/rope rode. Since the chain segment is nearly 100 ft, I need to attach some length markers. I've always had mostly rope rodes, and I have no idea how to do this on a chain. Obviously, I want the markings to be visible and durable and relatively resistant to being chewed up/scraped off by the gypsy. Is this possible? How do you mark your chain rode? Thanks, Paul sv Escape Artist h336
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Nylon zip-ties?
They're tough and cheap and you could probably devise codes for the various depths using them in combination or use different colors (they come in white, black, grey and other colors). Other people have sewn leather and fabric strips around the links of the chain at various depths. You shouldn't many markers because you have to provide enough scope for the water depth. Assuming you have a 4 ft draft and three feet of freeboard, your first mark won't be until 50 ft with a 7:1 scope. If you put a second mark at 80 ft, you can estimate 65 ft of chain by splitting the distance between marks or 90 ft by splitting the distance between the second mark and the end of the chain. Peter H23 "Raven"
They're tough and cheap and you could probably devise codes for the various depths using them in combination or use different colors (they come in white, black, grey and other colors). Other people have sewn leather and fabric strips around the links of the chain at various depths. You shouldn't many markers because you have to provide enough scope for the water depth. Assuming you have a 4 ft draft and three feet of freeboard, your first mark won't be until 50 ft with a 7:1 scope. If you put a second mark at 80 ft, you can estimate 65 ft of chain by splitting the distance between marks or 90 ft by splitting the distance between the second mark and the end of the chain. Peter H23 "Raven"
The rode less taken
Paul, I don't have an all chain rode but I've seen quite a few. Usually, they have painted links color-coded to indicate length. (If you're into electronics, you could even use stripes like you find on resistors! Then you could be accurate to the nearest foot with only 3 stripes.) Your best alternative would be to put a counter on your gypsy. Since the chain should always stay in sync with the drum, counting revolutions would tell you exactly how much was paid out. Lofrans makes a remote unit (called the Orion) and also panel mounted unit. The link below (scroll down for English) has installation and setup instructions for the Orion. A third method is to use "chain rainbows". These are little color coded twisted metal thingies that clip inside the chain links. I don't know anyone in the US or CAN that sells them. Whatever method you use, just be sure it doesn't cause the chain or windlass to get pookered. Happy sails *_/), MArk
Paul, I don't have an all chain rode but I've seen quite a few. Usually, they have painted links color-coded to indicate length. (If you're into electronics, you could even use stripes like you find on resistors! Then you could be accurate to the nearest foot with only 3 stripes.) Your best alternative would be to put a counter on your gypsy. Since the chain should always stay in sync with the drum, counting revolutions would tell you exactly how much was paid out. Lofrans makes a remote unit (called the Orion) and also panel mounted unit. The link below (scroll down for English) has installation and setup instructions for the Orion. A third method is to use "chain rainbows". These are little color coded twisted metal thingies that clip inside the chain links. I don't know anyone in the US or CAN that sells them. Whatever method you use, just be sure it doesn't cause the chain or windlass to get pookered. Happy sails *_/), MArk
Chain Rode
Paul Beg, borrow or library your way to the Pardey's book, Cost Concious Cruiser. They have suggestions. You could also go way back to Hiscock, or any other suitable reference sources, like Earl Hinz's anchoring book. Spend some time at a Marine store and do some browsing.
Paul Beg, borrow or library your way to the Pardey's book, Cost Concious Cruiser. They have suggestions. You could also go way back to Hiscock, or any other suitable reference sources, like Earl Hinz's anchoring book. Spend some time at a Marine store and do some browsing.
Paint and Wire Ties
I mark my rode with paint every 20 feet and a wire tie. The wire ties may be pulled off by the windlass, but are easily replaced (had to replace one last year). With all chain a seven to one scope is a lot. I only use that much scope if a storm is on the way. I normally anchor in 10 ft or less and normally put out 40 to 50 feet and never drag. I try to stay out of the "Live Aboard" anchorages where they put out 150 to 200 feet of scope in 8 ft of water. Bill
I mark my rode with paint every 20 feet and a wire tie. The wire ties may be pulled off by the windlass, but are easily replaced (had to replace one last year). With all chain a seven to one scope is a lot. I only use that much scope if a storm is on the way. I normally anchor in 10 ft or less and normally put out 40 to 50 feet and never drag. I try to stay out of the "Live Aboard" anchorages where they put out 150 to 200 feet of scope in 8 ft of water. Bill
chain marker
Paul; Before my Mexican cruise, I marked the chain with white paint every twenty-five feet, but that didn't last long. Next time, I'm going to use day-glo safety orange. Even half gone, it should still be visible.
Paul; Before my Mexican cruise, I marked the chain with white paint every twenty-five feet, but that didn't last long. Next time, I'm going to use day-glo safety orange. Even half gone, it should still be visible.
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