Replacing 3 strand anchor rode with 8-plait?

[Finest Kind]

My 1987 3607 still has its original anchor rode - 5/8" 3 strand and 15' of chain. The windlass is a Good model 5/8. The 3 strand tends to become a "bird's nest" in the rope locker. Untangling the mess doesn't prevent it from happening again. I've read that switching to 8-plait rode can solve the problem but to check with the windlass manufacturer first.

Good Windlass has no information on anyone trying 8-plait so they don't know if it would work with their windlasses.

Has anyone out there tried 8-plait with an older windlass?

[bud37]

Welcome to the forum...Did the folks at Good have any recommendation to resolve your issue? I have had the same setup as you, Good and all, we had the rode and chain from them though and it was fine....maybe yours is stretched out over the years....can you go to all chain with that windlass ?

[amanphoto]

I replaced my 3 strand with 8 plait rode. Yes it is a lot more flexible and stronger. The only problem is, it's a bear to splice onto the chain. I would recommend buying an rope chain rode already made up.

[mjk1040]

Ditto!

[km1125]

I have the same setup... 3607 and Good 5/8 windlass. I have 3 strand and have not had an issue with it. I replaced all my rode about 10 years ago because I really didn't have a history on the original, and because I wanted a longer length (300' vs 200'). I had thought about 8-plait when I did it but the manual seemed to pretty strongly suggest the 3 strand, so that's what I used.

You guys with chain... are those Good Automatic windlasses?? Mine will not accept chain.

I would contact Good and ask them. I understand their customer service is excellent but I have not used it.