Anchor and chain

[tonyiiiafl]

I have a 1994 390CPMY with a Lewmar Profish 1000 free fall windlass. I got free rode with it, 200' 8 plait and 15' 5/16" chain. In my opinion, not enough. I just scored at West Marine for 300' 8 plait 5/8" and 15' chain. I am not comfortable with that amount of chain. I was thinking of having say 50' or 75' of chain spliced on, rather than what is there. Any opinions? I know the scope to depth ratio, but just think I need more chain. I had thought of 300' chain, but the co$t and weight have deterred me. opinions please?
Thanks!
Tony

[Midnightsun]

If you want to combo then 50' is sufficient IMHO. Gives a good amount of weight close to the anchor to keep the scope down and you get the benefit of tying off to the rope once you are past the 50' mark which is quiet and has some give. Best of both worlds so to say. Also really helps as you know exactly when you have deployed 50'. There is also a safety side when you have rope as it can be cut easily in an emergency, chain? not so easy. Mine came with all chain but if I had to do it from scratch I would go with chain/rope combo as I suggested.

[bud37]

We have had both, all chain...... and rope with 15 or 20 feet of chain, cant quite remember exactly..Anyway , never had any issues with the rope/chain...worked just fine, quiet and I like the idea of a little stretch. The all chain is probably what most cruisers would recommend, but I think the 20ft of chain would be enough to keep any chafing from the bottom away.

If I had to choose, for where we are now, the rope/ chain would be fine, the chain better but I would not change one for the other for the sake of it. I really don't think there is enough weight difference to matter in the locker.If the makers gypsy is designed for a certain size chain and rode I would stick to it.

It will be interesting to hear from some salt water guys as we dont hang from the hook all that frequently.

[tomschauer]

How deep is the water you anchor in? We anchor in pretty shallow water, 4 -20' so I have no problem with my 25' of chain. If I was in 50-75' I would like at least 50' of chain.

[denpooch]

My previous boat was a 1989 Wellcraft 34' Express Cruiser. The boat weighted about 14K lbs. I had about 10 ft. chain, a bunch of line with a danford style anchor. Did a great job and always held. Now I have an 18k pound boat with 150 ft of 5/16" chain and a 45 lb anchor. (The vessel came with a 35 pounder) and it does a great job and always holds.
She is a bit bow heavy but that's what it is. I am not planning to cut half of the chain and splice in anchor line to save the weight. That in my mind would be a step backwards.
I guess I will have to keep a bit more fuel on board!

[tonyiiiafl]

I got 300' of 5/8" 8 plait, and bought 90' of 5/16" chain at DEFENDER, and had it spliced. SO I now have 390' of rode. I usually anchor in 30 to 40' of water, but if we do an overnight, then it will be in the 15 to 20' range. SO with just the chain out I will feel a lot more secure. Heavy stuff, I might add!