Snubber configuration

[chris95040]

Hi folks,

I have 3/8" short-link galvanized chain as my rode on a 40', 20,000lb monohull. 45lb CQR anchor. I tried several crappy snubber configurations last year and now I want to figure out what I should be doing.

First off, when I say snubber I'm talking about using a length of rope tied to a bow cleat and attached to the anchor rode to take the load off of the windlass and shock absorb the loads a bit. Am I correct in my wording?

I'm wondering what the best way to interface from snubber rope to chain is.

What do folks use? I know of three options: 1, Bow shackles/etc with the pin placed through the inside of the chain, 2, chain hooks of the S-hook variety that attach inside/through a link, and 3, chain hooks that attach around the outside of the link.

I don't like #1 because I don't feel like digging out wrenches and pliers every time I drop or raise the hook,

I don't like #2 because unless I'm mistaken I can't get much more than 1/4" diameter hooks through my 3/8" short-link chain. That seems weak for an s-hook approach.

I don't like #3 because it seems it could shake loose if tension were coming + going a lot, due to chop or wake, etc.

[Vasco]

Just an ordinary chain hook. The more tension the less likely it will come off. Have never had mine come off. You can also get fancy hooks (piece of flat metal with slot in it) but the plain one does just as well.

[Hydra]

chris
There are other options:
- you could tie a rolling hitch with the snubber around the chain (this is what I usually do)
- you could tie a Prussik or a Kleimheist around the chain
- you could thread a soft shackle through a link
- ...

There have been a few threads on the subject: http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...-a-110974.html

Alain

[chris95040]

Vasco,

Which style do you use? The kind that goes _inside_ a link of the chain (basically an s-hook) or the kind that grabs the exterior of a link (like http://www.gemplers.com/img/chain-ho...-WEB173262.jpg)

Also, do you only attach one of these to the chain, or do you use one port snubber + one starboard snubber?

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by chris95040

Vasco,

Which style do you use? The kind that goes _inside_ a link of the chain (basically an s-hook) or the kind that grabs the exterior of a link (like http://www.gemplers.com/img/chain-ho...-WEB173262.jpg)

Also, do you only attach one of these to the chain, or do you use one port snubber + one starboard snubber?

I use a stainless 3/8 chain hook. Goes over the link. My line is 5/8 nylon 3 strand and it's 30 feet long. Just one line led over the roller beside the chain. In calm conditions I put out about six feet and when it honks as much as 15 feet.
like this one only mine's 3/8

[sparrowhawk1]

Method I use is a rolling hitch to attach the line to the chain, one and a half inch reinforced hose that's smooth on the inside where it goes over the roller, and I bring the line all the way back to a midship ship cleat. This keeps a line out of the water and off the bottom and allows me to have a 30 foot snubber. I also have the line running through a block that is attached to a stantion to keep the line to the side of the boat out of foot traffic

[Robin3]

Originally Posted by Vasco

Just an ordinary chain hook. The more tension the less likely it will come off. Have never had mine come off. You can also get fancy hooks (piece of flat metal with slot in it) but the plain one does just as well.

that is the best way for sure unless you can tie rolling hitches fast and have a sharp knife if one jams

[savoir]

Originally Posted by Vasco

I use a stainless 3/8 chain hook. Goes over the link. My line is 5/8 nylon 3 strand and it's 30 feet long. Just one line led over the roller beside the chain. In calm conditions I put out about six feet and when it honks as much as 15 feet.
like this one only mine's 3/8

That's what I use and mine has never shaken loose. Part of the reason is that I never let it go underwater.

[Paul L]

I've been using a soft-shackle for the last year. They are easy to put on and take off, cheap to make and don't rust.

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by Paul L

I've been using a soft-shackle for the last year. They are easy to put on and take off, cheap to make and don't rust.

neither does my stainless chainhook.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Vasco

neither does my stainless chainhook.

cheap to make?
and I should add never falls off.

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by Paul L

cheap to make?
and I should add never falls off.

$15 for the stainless hook. Broke down and got the stainless one after two galvanized ones got a tad rusty. The line costs more.