What’s a good length ?

[Tyemac]

What’s a good length for your anchor rode ? The boat is a Hunter Vision 32’ and was thinking of getting 50’ of chain and 150’ of three braided rope, and we’ll be sailing around Florida area.

[Chotu]

That’s plenty for Florida.

[LakeSuperior]

Depends somewhat on the anchor you are using. That said, at a 5 to 1 scope you are good for about 40 ft of water max.

If you go with a 6:1 scope then you are good for 30 ft of water.

Also, if you are on a short cruise and score your rode on rock, coral, or debris then you don't really have much backup. Imagine doing large circles with a changing tide and snagging something with the 3 strand.

What if you are 3 days out and have to cut your rode.?

Personally, I always carry 300 ft of nylon plus an extra that is 200 ft. I also carry an extra anchor in the rope locker.

IMHO, cruising and anchoring is not the time to be stingy with rode or anchors.

[MathiasW]

Perhaps you may find my anchor chain calculator useful to get an idea of the chain length needed. The online version can do only chain, but the apps can do a mix of chain and rope.

Simply use Basic Mode and punch in the key characteristics of your vessel and the weather and sea conditions you believe you will encounter.

Anchor Chain Calculator

cheers, Mathias

[Chotu]

Allow me to expand on my post. You can do 10: 1 in a 20 foot deep Anchorage. They don’t have 20 foot deep anchorages in Florida.

[Bill O]

Originally Posted by Chotu

Allow me to expand on my post. You can do 10: 1 in a 20 foot deep Anchorage. They don’t have 20 foot deep anchorages in Florida.

So again it sounds like you are saying the 50' of chain and 150' of rode will be plenty for the majority of FL anchorages.

[Chotu]

Originally Posted by Bill O

So again it sounds like you are saying the 50' of chain and 150' of rode will be plenty for the majority of FL anchorages.

Most certainly. Half of that won’t even get wet usually. Florida isn’t known for having deep anchorages.

[Bill O]

Agree, just wanted it to be clear for the OP.

[Adelie]

Where do you want to take the boat?

I would get 2 sets of 100-125’ 1/4” G40 chain and 200’ of 1/2”-5/8” nylon twist.

2nd set and spare anchor live in bilge and are available for storm or lose or damage or shackling onto the main bower if you have an especially deep anchorage such as certain areas of the pacific.

[Auklet]

Sailing/Cruising in Southwest FL for several years, 5-ft draft, I did anchor occasionally in 20 ft, but usually 12-15 ft or less. I carried 20 ft of chain on 100 ft of nylon warp. Easily 5:1 most of the time. When I moved the boat to CA, I went to 300 ft of nylon warp.