How should one store the anchor rode for the winter? Should it be washed and dried? Should it be hung loose or stowed in the bucket? What if I leave it wet with salt water in the bucket I laid it in the last time I used it? I might use it again this winter, I get to sail all year around.
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Worthwest Stuff Turns Green
To store your rode for the winter, rode being line and chain, I'd recommend taking it apart and washing both sections in plain fresh water and let dry. The line will be harder to clean because of all the silt it's picked up. Washing it in the tub should do well as you don't need to get it as clean as bed sheets. If you put it in the washing machine it'll get all tangled and twisted. Don't use soap on the line because it will generate mildew easier and washing something in the washing machine, even though it is with plain water, will pick up residual soap. Let dry and, depending on the length of chain, you didn't say if you had 20 feet or 200 feet, store it in a plastic bucket with the lid off. Leave the shackle on the end link so you can spot it easier. Ditto the line. Find smething approprite for the size and weight. Then store both in a dry place. If you're going to be reuising the rode during the winter you might as well leave it on board as this is a lot of work. If it is left on board and not used it'll turn some shade of green by next spring.
To store your rode for the winter, rode being line and chain, I'd recommend taking it apart and washing both sections in plain fresh water and let dry. The line will be harder to clean because of all the silt it's picked up. Washing it in the tub should do well as you don't need to get it as clean as bed sheets. If you put it in the washing machine it'll get all tangled and twisted. Don't use soap on the line because it will generate mildew easier and washing something in the washing machine, even though it is with plain water, will pick up residual soap. Let dry and, depending on the length of chain, you didn't say if you had 20 feet or 200 feet, store it in a plastic bucket with the lid off. Leave the shackle on the end link so you can spot it easier. Ditto the line. Find smething approprite for the size and weight. Then store both in a dry place. If you're going to be reuising the rode during the winter you might as well leave it on board as this is a lot of work. If it is left on board and not used it'll turn some shade of green by next spring.
Nylon Three strand with 20 ft chain
Yes I was thinking of nylon three strand with 20 ft of chain. I may anchor out sometime in Novemeber and January in Puget Sound. My rode is still damp from our August outing. Other than being wet it does not look like it is deturiating
Yes I was thinking of nylon three strand with 20 ft of chain. I may anchor out sometime in Novemeber and January in Puget Sound. My rode is still damp from our August outing. Other than being wet it does not look like it is deturiating
Boat storage
If you can't put in the bathtub for a freshwater rinse, then flake the line out along the deck and hose it off with fresh water, allow it to sun dry, and then return it to the anchor locker. Use a soft brush if the strands/links of the rode have caked or embedded grit. I try to do that routine very time we weigh anchor, other things permitting (like having the extra crew-dog aboard!). Just use a bucket with fresh water from the galley & brush. That's also a good time to inspect it for fraying or other damage, and to replace any scope length markers (if you use them). --Ron
If you can't put in the bathtub for a freshwater rinse, then flake the line out along the deck and hose it off with fresh water, allow it to sun dry, and then return it to the anchor locker. Use a soft brush if the strands/links of the rode have caked or embedded grit. I try to do that routine very time we weigh anchor, other things permitting (like having the extra crew-dog aboard!). Just use a bucket with fresh water from the galley & brush. That's also a good time to inspect it for fraying or other damage, and to replace any scope length markers (if you use them). --Ron
Deck Wash Good Option
The deck washdown is an excellent option. I like to do this when returning to my home port. If the top of the chain locker hasn't been sealed where it meets the underside of the deck one can get water inside the V-berth when spraying inside the chain locker; hence, hose down on deck. Oh, and that should have been "Northwest", not "Westwest" in my last post! And one more thing (for Ron), nothing wrong with being optomistic but we usually don't see enough sun here to dry anything now until sometime around May or June!!!!! And that's a maybe (although Everett is a bit drier than Poulsbo). In '86 we had measurable precip every single day of July - can you believe that? Our office asphalt parking lot was actually green! They don't call this a rainforest area for nothing. Cheers!
The deck washdown is an excellent option. I like to do this when returning to my home port. If the top of the chain locker hasn't been sealed where it meets the underside of the deck one can get water inside the V-berth when spraying inside the chain locker; hence, hose down on deck. Oh, and that should have been "Northwest", not "Westwest" in my last post! And one more thing (for Ron), nothing wrong with being optomistic but we usually don't see enough sun here to dry anything now until sometime around May or June!!!!! And that's a maybe (although Everett is a bit drier than Poulsbo). In '86 we had measurable precip every single day of July - can you believe that? Our office asphalt parking lot was actually green! They don't call this a rainforest area for nothing. Cheers!
Thanks for the input
I guess I was hesitant because I did not have a nice way to clean the rode. But with your suggestions I guess I could wash / flush the salt out using the bucket (about a 15 gal.) I store the rode in. Yep John I do not know how I can get it dry with out taking it home and hanging it in the garage. I think washing the salt off is the first step.
I guess I was hesitant because I did not have a nice way to clean the rode. But with your suggestions I guess I could wash / flush the salt out using the bucket (about a 15 gal.) I store the rode in. Yep John I do not know how I can get it dry with out taking it home and hanging it in the garage. I think washing the salt off is the first step.
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