working life of anchor rode

[RichH]

Nylon 'hydrolyzes' (analog to rust in polymers) when water wetted. Hydrolysis becomes very evident in nylon after ~4-6 months of immersion. Once hydrolysis is evident, strength begins to go to zero quite fast.

So, the answer depends on how long your nylon rode was or remained 'wet'.

 

[Warren Milberg]

While there probably is no useful "rule of thumb" for how long an anchor rode may last or when to change it as every boat, and its use, is unique, it may be that the old addage about reefing also fits here: the time to do it is when you first think about it.

 

[Bob S]

RichH,

When you say wet, everytime you retrieve your anchor and stow it in the locker it is wet. How long does it stay wet in there? How can you tell hydrolysis is evident?