Using 3/8" vs 5/16" Chain in a Windlass

[landonshaw]

Two more pieces of informaiton. I have a 33' storebro monohaul and anchor with a Rocna. Dave

[osirissail]

Originally Posted by landonshaw

. . .or
100 to 150 of rope.
If rope, suggestions as to what size and how is it attached to the chain so that a weak point is not created?
Thanks for all of your suggestions!!! Dave

Here is the splice I have used for 15 years on my stbd anchor which is a Fortress FX55 with 50ft of 3/8" chain then 300 ft of 3/4" 3-strand nylon

South Wales Marine 3 Strand to Chain Splice

- - This splice has been in use for the whole time and never broken or shown any significant wear. I use an Ideal windlass with chain gypsy and rope drum. First I raise the 3-strand portion on the drum and when the chain comes over the bow, I let a turn or turn and a half of chain to wind up on the drum. Then I hand transfer the chain to the gypsy and finish raising the anchor.
- - So using 3-strand to increase your anchor rode is fine, especially since the 3 strand (if deployed) take the place of the chain snubber line. You biggest consideration is how to store the length of 3-strand in your anchor rode locker. It will take up more space than chain.
- - As to size of the 3-strand nylon here is an excerpt from West Marine Advisor - seems 9/16" or maybe 5/8" 3-strand would work.
Light ___ Medium ___Heavy ___3 Strand Nylon _____Chain
26'-30'_ _23'-27' ___21'-24'_____ 3/8" ____________3/16" PC
31'-35' __28'-32'____25'-28'_____7/16" ____________1/4" PC
36'-40' __32'-36'____29'-32' _____1/2"_____________1/4" PC
41'-45'___37'-40'____33'-36'______9/16"___________5/16" PC/BBB or 1/4" HT
46'-50'___41'-45'____37'-40'______5/8"____________5/16" PC/BBB/HT

[craigsmith]

Originally Posted by landonshaw

Ok, thanks for all of the replies. First, I am in Grenada and sail the local islands. Which means coral is a possibility. I will stay with 5/16 chain, currently I have 150 ft. I am looking to add for those times I am in deeper water and want more scope.
So your thoughts on:
100 more ft of 5/16 chain
or
100 to 150 of rope.
If rope, suggestions as to what size and how is it attached to the chain so that a weak point is not created?
Thanks for all of your suggestions!!! Dave

150' is decent, but only you can really determine if you need more chain or not. In coral country you don't want to be worrying about rope and not deploying adequate scope for fear of sharp things underwater.

For whatever rope, the ideal anchor rode is polyester multi-plait*. Splice it to the chain, preferably using a multi-link splice. Have a nylon multi-plait length to use as a snubber for when the rode is all chain.
* But probably not if you want to use a rope/chain gypsy.

[GordMay]

To compare & match chain & rope specifications, see “Working Load Limits for Anchor Rodes”
➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/gallery...r&imageuser=79

[foggysail]

Gord--

THAT IS AN IMPORTANT CHART along with those in your pointer! Other forums have "stickys" for important information that I don't see here in Cruisers. A facsimile placed in a convient location would help many. Is there such a location or if not, could one be made?

Foggy

[bruce smith]

I sail the same waters.
Whatever you decide from charts, numbers and graphs, remember that hardened chain rusts faster. One night rubbing 10' of chain on a rock or coral,(dead coral, of course) , will bang up the zinc enough to have a rust patch in the middle of the chain.
I was talked into hardened chain too, after 3 years of use, it has rust patches. Not evenly rusted, but from chafe. One is from Grande Anse beach when I anchored 1 night for the Work Boat Regatta. Bottom there is sand with scattered largish rocks.
Just something to consider.

[landonshaw]

We live just around the coner from Grande Anse beachd. Very good sand but coral now and then.

We are in Secret Harbor on a mooring that I set down. 8' with a 10" plate at the bottom. Completely in the sea bed, I use 50' of 3/8 chain up to a mooring ball. Then two ropes to the boat with firehose to reduce chaffing. When I think a big storm is coming I add a chain from the boat to the chain on the mooring ball for insurance just in case the ropes break.

[seaman-lew]

our boat was stripped when we got it. there was no windlass. or chain.
I bought 3/8 but I can't find a windlass that will fit In the locker that takes 3/8 chain. so I may sell my 3/8 chain.