[Public-List] Anchor rode

[Stephen Gwyn]

(Changed the subject since that's the topic of discussion)

I've read the best rode is a combination of rope and chain. Chain for
weight to get the catenary and chafe resistance, nylon rope because it
stretches. I have 40' of 3/8" chain leading to 200' of 1/2" rope, connected
with a rope to chain splice.

The chain and the anchor together weigh about 95lbs. I don't have a
windlass. I won't say it's easy bringing it in, but it's doable. My dad was
able to bring it up out of 10 fathoms of water at age 78. But I'm thinking
about a manual windlass at age 57. But new ones are hard to find and cost
over $1000. And the last time I tried to order one at local chandler, I got
talked out of it. The woman was 15 years older than me, and a foot shorter.
She said: "You have a 30 footer, same as me. I don't have a windlass, so
you can't have one either." I met her on the water after she retired. It
turns she has an aluminum Fortress anchor and only 10' of 1/4" chain. Hmm.
All the used ones I've seen have been seized or almost seized. Salt water
takes its toll.

Where I sail, it is impossible to anchor with a 7:1 scope in most of the
anchorages. Too crowded and/or too deep. A section of chain let's you
anchor more-or-less securely on a shorter scope. The Rocna anchor helps too.

SG