Anchor chain capacity

[The Masons]

We just bought a 2013 R27 and intend to move the anchor and chain from our current liveaboard sailboat (a 35' Columbia) which is a 15kg Rocna and 225' of G4 5/16" chain. The weight of the chain is about 1lb per foot so we're talking about 225lbs + 35lbs for the anchor for a total of approx. 260lbs. Is this too much weight to carry on the R27? I prefer an all chain setup over the rode/chain combo. Thanks much.

 

[knotflying]

I use a 35 pound Manson Supreme! similar to Rocna, with 30 feet of chain and 200 feet of 8 plait rode. Out here on the east coast I have yet to have an issue with the anchor holding. Besides the weight concern, have you confirmed that all that chain will fit in the locker? The locker is a bit shallow and most of us need to be at the bow when retrieving the anchor so we can reach in and spread the line and chain around so it does not pile up and jam the windless.
Perhaps someone can answer if all that weight may inhibit keeping the bow up in those instances when you may need it up.

 

[pugtug613]

I agree with the previous post. It's more of a "does it fit" then the weight. I have the standard hook w/50' of 5/16 chain and a yet unmeasured amount of rode. I never get passed the chain. On the Great South Bay, you're usually in 6' of water. So, 30' of chain is plenty.

Chester

 

[The Masons]

Thanks for the insight on the amount of chain to carry. The anchor locker on our old sailboat was very large so I hadn't even thought about it, but size does matter - ha!

 

[Andrew Custis]

I would be concerned with having that much weight in the locker. The maximum amount of chain we will put on our boats is 100'. If you go to 100' chain and 200' of rode, that should be plenty.

Take care,

Andrew Custis

 

[PhilR]

I have the original equipment- 50' chain & 200' rode. When anchored overnight, I always put out all the chain....don't want to listen to the creaking chain noise all night.

Phil

 

[gusweber]

we upgraded to the 15KG rocna, with 50' of chain and 200' of rode. No issues here in New England with that set-up, we always run out to a 7:1 scope, which gets us past chain to the rode (which we cleat off).

 

[NorthernFocus]

Space shouldn't be a problem. Chain typically takes up less space than three strand rhode of the same length. Though it will pile up where it peels off the windlass. Likely about the same space and beharior for braid if anyone is using that. A lot of chain will fit in a small space. Those with knowledge of the running trim will have to speak to the effects of weight.

 

[PhilR]

I would think that the added weight in the anchor locker would take some of the burden off the trim tabs. Is my logic defective?

Phil

 

[knotflying]

I would listen to what Andrew said.

 

[The Masons]

I appreciate all the insight from everyone. This what makes this such a great forum - lots of wisdom to gain from lots of experience. I can split my current 225' and keep the second half in storage or sell it I suppose. Thanks everyone

 

[captstu]

I intend to refit my R25 with 1/4" G4 chain - downsizing from the current 5/16". This will allow me to go to an all chain rode within the space and weight constraints of the R25.

My question: Will the Lewmar 1/4" gipsey intended for their "700" model fit in place of the supplied 5/16" gipsey?

Has anyone done this? Thanks /Stu

 

[knotflying]

Perhaps a call to lewmar will give you a definitive answer.

 

[SGIDAVE]

My question: Will the Lewmar 1/4" gipsey intended for their "700" model fit in place of the supplied 5/16" gipsey?

Has anyone done this? Thanks /Stu

Hello Stu,

On a previous boat I had a Lewmar V700 with 1/4" chain, so I'm confident that Lewmar makes an appropriate gypsy for the smaller chain.

dave

 

[captstu]

Dave,

I, also, had a Lewmar 700 with 1/4" ht chain - and their website lists a replacement for the Lewmar 700. They do not list a replacement capstan or wildcat for the more powerful Lewmar fitted on the Ranger - and calls to them don't tell me if I can retrofit the needed gipsey.

So, I was hoping to find someone who fitted a 1/4" ht gipsey to the windless supplied on the Ranger.

Having been through a number of South Florida storms on a larger boat with 1/4" ht chain, I'm comfortable with the smaller chain - and since my 5/16" chain jams occasionally do to limited fall on the Ranger, I was hoping to downsize, go to an all chain rode, and not suffer a hawse pipe jam when trying to weigh anchor to make a late night bridge openig.

Still looking, thanks for the advice. /Stu

 

[NorthernFocus]

I intend to refit my R25 with 1/4" G4 chain - downsizing from the current 5/16". This will allow me to go to an all chain rode within the space and weight constraints of the R25.

My question: Will the Lewmar 1/4" gipsey intended for their "700" model fit in place of the supplied 5/16" gipsey?

Has anyone done this? Thanks /Stu

Don't know if you ever resolved this. Assuming you have the ProSeries 1000 windlass, what you need is the 1/4 in. gypsy, Lewmar P/N 66000110. It was readily available through various on-line marine suppliers.

 

[captstu]

Dan, thank you, I didn't know if it would fit. Stu

 

[Commander Ed]

I have been running with my R-25 "Sea Dragon" with 200 ft of chain and the factory lenth of rhode for about 4 years. I have deep water achorages here in Southern Ca. and at Catalina from time to time. In addition, I spent 6 weeks on Lake Tahoe, and the extra chain was often required there. While the space in the chain locker is sufficient, the weight up forward impacts my top end speed - expecially when I am full fuel/water/ carrying my dinghy and such. I am lucky to get 15 - 16 kts in this configuration. Have considered dropping the chain again, but it is a hassle has not been worth it. I have no problem with the trim authority, but wish I could have it all (speed and long chain).

 

[NorthernFocus]

Dan, thank you, I didn't know if it would fit. Stu

Just to clarify, the Lewmar part number that I quoted is a Pro Series 1000 gypsy, not a 700 gypsy. They may in-fact be the same but I lifted the part number from the 1000 manual and ordered it. They list three different gypsies for the 1000.