How do I mark anchor chain?

[CHRIS V CLEMENT]

Try West Marine part number 104372. These are brightly colored plastic Anchor Rode Markers that are intended for 3/4" three strand line. I see no reason that they can not be tied to the chain with a overhand knot. A set of 9 markers is under $10...

[jasbee]

We have found that painting the chain at 10 metre intervals works for us, but the choice of paint is important. Originally we painted the intervals with white marine paint thinking it would be more visible at night (which is true) but the paint lasted no time at all as it gets beaten up every time it goes through the windlass etc. Eventually we found that International PA10 (a marine metal primer) lasted better than anything else. Only problem is that it is a dark maroon colour and therefore a little hard to see at night but with boating everything's a compromise and we have found that this works best. Note that the solvent for PA10 is Acetone.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by CHRIS V CLEMENT

Try West Marine part number 104372. These are brightly colored plastic Anchor Rode Markers that are intended for 3/4" three strand line. I see no reason that they can not be tied to the chain with a overhand knot. A set of 9 markers is under $10...

I did try these years ago. They lasted less than a year, anchoring out for a night or two every other week. I would not recommend them. Zip ties last a LOT longer, and are much less expensive.

[Emouchet]

I use paint. Metal paint with a layer of primer. I found out that the primer help a lot the paint to stay put for a longer time.

[mannix2]

For you zip tie fans, what marking method do you recommend for the line/rope attached to the chain? Paint?

[Boatguy30]

Yep, more plastic in the ocean. Totally the way to go

[meirriba]

Originally Posted by jsc7

I have your typical lightly corroded anchor chain and it has no markings so it is impossible to tell how much chain has been payed out.

How can I mark the chain so I know every 10 feet or whatever?

Personally I do not like most of the colour schemes for 2 reason:
1. Complicated to remember and to explain if a new person comes onboard.
2. Include dark colours difficult to see in darkness.
The system I use is made by using one bright (yellow) plastic marker at 10m, 2 markers at 20m etc (e.g. 6 marker at 60m). You can use white or yellow paint rings following similar schema. Simple, easy to remember and visible in darkness.

[Maka]

[QUOTE=thinwater;2637326]



Paint is by far the BEST ...and easy to read.


The hard part is finding tiny guys like this to paint it for you,

[Cheechako]

I use spray paint, have tried other methods. I mark about a foot long every 30 ft (5 fathoms) 30 ft=Red, 60 ft=White , 90 ft =Blue with spray paint. Easy to remember and once the blue goes out start over with red again at 120 ft.
If I need 70 feet out I just let out until the white passes then estimate another 10 ft.

[Suijin]

Originally Posted by nhschneider

We ‘weave’ a 3’ length of 1/4” polypropylene rope through the chain every 50’. It goes through our windlass without any problems and the length of the marking helps make it easier to spot in low light or if the chain is running fast. You could use different colors to identify how much chain you have put out or are retrieving but we don’t. I find that, regardless of the depth, I’m putting out either 100’ or 150’ but I rarely put out, say, 175.

Fair winds and calm seas.

I do exactly the same thing, using bright orange polypropylene. It stays put, goes through the windlass no problem. I mark it every 50' up to 200' (I have @ 240') and then another tied around at 235' to let me know I've reached the end.

I very rarely have less than 50' out, and I generally round up to the nearest 50' when paying out based on depth and scope.

[Don1500]

Originally Posted by jls095

Many colored zip ties every 25ft. Do something like red = 25, orange = 50, yellow = 75, green = 100; repeating until the end of the rode. No painting, no mess. Small zip ties have no problem going through my windless.

Use more than one at each spot. I know.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Boatguy30

Yep, more plastic in the ocean. Totally the way to go

Responsible boaters don't throw their plastic into the ocean. Zip ties starting to look bad, clip them and replace. Dispose of the old ones properly.

Personally I use neither, have a counter on my windlass.

[jr_spyder]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Responsible boaters don't throw their plastic into the ocean. Zip ties starting to look bad, clip them and replace. Dispose of the old ones properly.

Excellent advice. I'll change mine this year just for this reason.

[NirvanaBob]

I use and for ten+ years used 1/4 inch polypropelene line cut in 2-1/2 foot lengths which are woven through the chain links at whatever chain depth you wish. It does not interfere with gypsys, stays in place, lasts a long time, can be seen day or night, and is inexpensive. I use one piece respectively at 25’, 50’, 75’ and 2 pieces at 100’. Good sailing!

[RichandHelen]

Originally Posted by NirvanaBob

I use and for ten+ years used 1/4 inch polypropelene line cut in 2-1/2 foot lengths which are woven through the chain links at whatever chain depth you wish. It does not interfere with gypsys, stays in place, lasts a long time, can be seen day or night, and is inexpensive. I use one piece respectively at 25’, 50’, 75’ and 2 pieces at 100’. Good sailing!

How do you secure it to the chain?