What size rode?

[Dusty Mac]

The new boat is a 21 foot sailboat weighing about 4K lbs. laden.
Will occasionally overnight in reasonably protected waters. What size 3 strand nylon do you recommend? Is there any consequential difference between manufacturers? What should I be
considering?

 

[Brian S]

Probably 3/8". You'd also want some chain on there, maybe a minimum of 15', but you could go with the chain=boat length rule of thumb. https://www.westmarine.com/WestAdvisor/Selecting-An-Anchor-Rode

 

[Sailm8]

Start here: https://www.westmarine.com/WestAdvisor/Selecting-An-Anchor-Rode

 

[capta]

Personally, I'd go with half inch just because it's a lot easier to handle. I can't see trying to haul in your anchor in 20 or 40 knots of wind with a little 3/8ths inch line. At this point it's about ease of management, not strength.

 

[Gunni]

I really like 8-Plait anchor line over the 3 strand, it doesn't hockle, stores compactly and has good hand. Have both but really like the 8-Plait best.

 

[SG]

Aside from the issue of "hand comfort", a smaller diameter line is more susceptible to being compromised by abrasion. If you want to go with a 3/8" line, I'd use one with a braided cover.

I'd stick with 1/2" line, as noted by others abovc. The 8-plait is very nice.

I'm partial to New England line -- but unless you're using it for dock lines or anchoring out a lot, I don't think you could go wrong with Samson or some other major manufacturer. I'd buy something made domestically for the normal reasons.

 

[Gene Neill]

I use a little over one boat length of 1/4" chain, and 3/8" three-strand after that. My vessel is a foot longer than yours, but about 700 pounds lighter. 20 knots is about the worst I've ever had to weigh anchor in, and yes it was a PITA. 1/2" might have helped, but honestly it was more of a brute strength issue than hand comfort. In 40 knots I might have had to cut the line ... or else just stayed where I was, frozen in terror.

 

[SG]

If you don't have an anchor roller (with a hard neoprene roller) then you'll find bringing that much chain difficult in any blow.
You can do it, but it's a hassle. At least get some gloves and think about how you'd retrieve the anchor while you're motoring backwards at 3/4's throttle. (That's about what a strongish wind would be equal to.)

I too subscribe to the 'one boat length of chain' advice; but we head a Pearson 35 with a Danforth and 6' of chain without much problem.

 

[Brian S]

I too subscribe to the 'one boat length of chain' advice; but we head a Pearson 35 with a Danforth and 6' of chain without much problem.

The amount of chain is partially dependent on what your bottom is. OP is on NJ coast, which is usually mud and sand, and not a lot of rocks/oysters, etc. Unless Raritan Bay is different than down S. Jersey. If I were anchoring in rocky/choppy/oystery conditions, I'd want more chain to take the abuse.

The amount of chain is also partially dependent on how much scope you can let out. More chain is heavier, and will hold the anchor down, so you could use shorter scope and still get catenary.

And finally, chain can also be a function of ground tackle purpose. For a lunch hook, I'd do like SG and use a pretty short length of chain like he did with his Danforth. It would take some abuse, and be lighter and easier to haul in. Plus, when you're on a lunch hook for a shorter period of time that doesn't involve sleeping over night (napping doesn't count! ) you're so much more likely to notice a problem. Overnight or stormy weather? Big hooks, long chains.

Oh, and vinyl dipped chain has no purpose on a boat. It's just an excuse to rust out the chain under the vinyl, without you being able to see the degradation in the chain.

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

on both of my recent boats, a 21 footer at about 3500, and a 25 footer that loaded goes at about 7500 pounds, I use 1/4 hi test chain, and 1/2 inch 3 strand nylon. The 25 has anchored from the Texas border, to Annapolis, Maryland, and all thru the Bahamas. The 21 footer has been from here to Florida and return 3 times.

I'd use a boat length of chain and 1/2 inch nylon. I prefer 3 strand for ease of splicing

Edited to add

I totally agree with Brian vinyl coated chain should be outlawed.