Rope to anchor chain attachment

[Richard19068]

Ignoring the ability to go through a windlass ( I don't have one) or need to fit down a hawse pipe, or ease of pulling over a bow roller, is a direct rope to chain splice better than using an eye splice around a thimble and an appropriately sized shackle?

 

[BigEasy]

is a direct rope to chain splice better than using an eye splice around a thimble and an appropriately sized shackle?

I have my anchor chain / rope rode spliced with a tapered splice at the chain/rope attachment to facilitate running thru a gypsy and the attachment of the chain to anchor is via a Crosby shackle. I would prefer using a shackle on an all nylon rode to simplify removing the rode from the anchor without cutting the splice.

 

[dlochner]

There is nothing wrong with using a high quality shackle (Crosby) in your situation. It also allows you to change the chain end to end to even out wear on the chain. The shackle does need to be properly moused so the pin does not work its way out.

 

[jviss]

I think a chain splice is the best, simplest, most reliable and economical solution. I've made these splices myself and they last forever, it seems, as long as you think the nylon rode is good.

Chain Splice Securely attaches three-strand rope to anchor chain

 

[Stu Jackson]

I've had both. No windlass. Older setup was a rope to chain splice. Worked great over bow roller. Newer is rope thimble and shackle. The rope is oversized (because reasons...in 2016 trip north) so thimble is big and so is shackle. I have to lift the thimble/shackle over the ear of the roller, so not optimal, but it works.
Overall, Dave is right about end for ending, but lots depends on how much you use your boat, how long your chain is (all in water or not), etc.
I'd say it's 50/50 as long as the shackle can come clean thru the roller ears. If not, do the splice or an anchor bend.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

is a direct rope to chain splice better than using an eye splice around a thimble and an appropriately sized shackle?

Rope/chain splices scare the hell out of me but I've got use one at this stage of life because of the windlass. Take a close look at a splice if you ever get the chance, particularly if they've been through a windlass 20-30 times.

Where the rope/ chain splice will fail is when bringing up the anchor when anchored in a muddy bottom. Snug up the rode, cleat it off, and get everybody to bob up and down in unison on the bow to break free. That's the most shock stress the splice will ever see. Goodbye $$$$$ with a 15 kg. SS claw anchor and 60' of chain. OUCH.

 

[jviss]

Rope/chain splices scare the hell out of me but I've got use one at this stage of life because of the windlass. Take a close look at a splice if you ever get the chance, particularly if they've been through a windlass 20-30 times.

Where the rope/ chain splice will fail is when bringing up the anchor when anchored in a muddy bottom. Snug up the rode, cleat it off, and get everybody to bob up and down in unison on the bow to break free. That's the most shock stress the splice will ever see. Goodbye $$$$$ with a 15 kg. SS claw anchor and 60' of chain. OUCH.

You're gonna need more chain....

 

[Richard19068]

Thanks guys. All helpful opinions.
I was kind of hoping there would be a no brainer decision but now I have to make up my own mind!
Up to now I've always used the eye splice & shackle so I'll probably stick with that. But I am going to practice on a couple of chain splices.

 

[jssailem]

I think that if you are just going to toss the anchor over the side and retrieve it by the hand over hand method, there is probably no difference between a spliced rode/chain and a rode thimble shackle chain connection beyond the added weight of the thimble and the shackle.

I've used such rig - 3/8 three strand nylon rode, ignored the chain, and attached a 15lb anchor with shackle through a thimble to hold my 15ft Montgomery in shallow bays. Worked great when cleated off to a bow cleat. I never was in a gale anchored such. I thought there were limits. But the set up works on the right boat. Which is the right boat... That depends on the skipper.

 

[thinwater]

I use a splice. Nothing to catch on my hand, smoother over the roller. No shackle to mouse. Having used a splice on my last boat for 15 years, no difference in durability.

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

If you have a windlass you need to use a splice. It’s probably about 85% of the strength of the line. A spliced thimble is probably above 90%. Mice nuts. If that small difference matters, the whole of it isn’t strong enough, you need a more robust setup.

 

[Stu Jackson]

I've always used the eye splice & shackle s

If you know how to splice, why do you even have a question?!?

 

[Richard19068]

If you know how to splice, why do you even have a question?!?

Well, there is the choice of either an eye splice with a thimble and a shackle or a direct rope to chain splice. Two different connections, both with splices. What's your problem with the question about which may be better? Are you just upset about something?

 

[Stu Jackson]

What's your problem with the question about which may be better?

The reason I asked is that most people who ask this question do NOT know how to splice, and they ask the question BECAUSE they can easily BUY pre-spliced thimbles and BUY shackles whereas they have to make a special purchase to get rope spliced to chain.
Since you can do splices, I just wondered why there was a question, in ^^^ regard, because a rope chain splice is hands-down better based on your original question. You didn't say you could splice in your OP. I thought it changed the dynamic.

 

[jviss]

FWIW, I think the chain splice is perfect for this: simple, elegant, strong, slim. You might check that the link you are splcing to has no rough spots on it, but otherwise it's the way to go, IMHO.

Chain Splice Securely attaches three-strand rope to anchor chain

 

[thinwater]

I should have clarified (post 10). I prefer the rope-to-chain splice, even in the absence of a windlass, because there is nothing to catch on my hands or rope in the locker, and it is smoother over the roller. No shackle to mouse.

Some would argue it is harder to remove the anchor. For what purpose? If it is to end-for-end the rope, cut it with a knife. The splice has seen some wear anyway. The last link of chain, the shackle, and the thimble are probably worn as well. If it were spliced, just cut off the last 5 feet or rope, the last two links of chain, and re-splice. End-for-end it too, if you like.

Having used a rope-to-chain splice on my last boat for 15 years, I see no difference in durability.

With a windlass I actually prefer the irony splice/long chain splice. It is much smoother around the gypsy. But it is a more complex splice.

But there is no strong reason not to use a thimble and shackle if you like. I just like the smoother profile of the rope-to-chain splice.

 

[Richard19068]

The reason I asked is that most people who ask this question do NOT know how to splice, and they ask the question BECAUSE they can easily BUY pre-spliced thimbles and BUY shackles whereas they have to make a special purchase to get rope spliced to chain.
Since you can do splices, I just wondered why there was a question, in ^^^ regard, because a rope chain splice is hands-down better based on your original question. You didn't say you could splice in your OP. I thought it changed the dynamic.

So you assumed I couldn't splice and assumed I was going to pay for it. I never implied either and you showed yourself banging your head against a brick wall in frustration at the audacity of my question. I think you need to relax and not get so upset based on your own assumptions.

You bring a lot of good knowledge and information to this forum but sometimes sir you do come off a bit crotchety!

Your reply #5 was very helpful.

Your statement in reply #14 "...because a rope chain splice is hands-down better based on your original question" Is also helpful. It would have been even better if you had followed it up with why you think that (other than windlass issues or ease of bringing it over the bow roller which I excluded in my original question). Is it because you think it is a stronger overall connection, has less chance of chafe damage, has fewer parts or what?

Trying to remain cordial. Thanks.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

but sometimes sir you do come off a bit crotchety!

Stu ? No bloody *$&%^! way !

 

[Stu Jackson]

Is it because you think it is

less parts, no bumps.
Sorry if I disturbed you, unintended. I think we're "there" on this subject. Do you agree?

 

[WayneH]

When I bought my used boat, it had an eye splice and thimble on the anchor rode and the hawse pipe was oval. So when you went from chain to rope and back again, you had to make sure the eye splice would feed thru. And if you needed to anchor RIGHT DAMN NOW, the splice would always catch. So I cut off the eye splice, flipped the anchor line and put in a chain splice that smoothly fed thru the pipe. I also put a butt splice on the original anchor end with 10 feet of 1/8" line to attach to the boat. So when the one inch rode turns into 1/8 inch, it is time to cleat it off.

After 10 seasons and thoughts of going far afield, I had Dark Horse Marine splice 300 feet of 8 plait onto 40 feet of chain brand new last year. YMMV

Edit: One of these days I will get a windlass for the boat but the anchor line is windlass ready now.