Anchor Chain on Ordered R29S

[S. Todd]

We have a 2021 R29S ordered that is currently under construction. I am ordering an anchor swivel and need the factory to confirm the size and type of anchor chain currently being supplied with the R29S.

 

[TBates]

Good morning, on the Ranger 29's we install 50' of 5/16" chain and 200' of 5/8" line.

Thank you,

-Tim

 

[ALICE J]

I would consider a Mantus swivel. Their smallest one fits the 5/16th chain. If possible consider maybe 100 of chain and 200 of plait line especially for Alaska, and perhaps a 35lb Mantus, Roccna, or Manson Supreme. Heavier weight holds well and you sleep better, and in a pinch with a mandated shorter scope because of swinging room, weight holds. Only my opinion 😎 but the anchoring debate is a hot potato 😉

 

[S. Todd]

Tim Bates: Thank you for the quick response.
Alice J.: Thank you for the advice. I was considering the Mantus swivel and your endorsement is helpful. I have had excellent service from the Bruce style anchor on our R25SC so have no plans to change the anchor at this time. My back-up will be a Fortress because of its light weight and the success it has in sand, which is the typical bottom on the Great Lakes.

 

[ALICE J]

I would suggest a 1/2" plait line. I started with a 5/8" plait and found that it lacked the stretch; consequently the wave motion jerked the Fortress anchor out of the sand. I did not have any chain on the Fortress, just line. I use an FX 23 with 200 feet of 1/2" plait line. I love the Fortress, light, and easy to deploy from the dinghy.

 

[georgesilverman]

On the Rocna site there is an interesting discussion regarding the pros and cons of adding a swivel. To summarize, their recommendation was that for smaller anchors (#15 and smaller) to try without a swivel since the swivel can become the weakest link in the anchor system.

Might want to check it out yourself.

 

[ALICE J]

No argument on the weak link, but its working load is generally far greater than the holding power of the anchor or the wind load on the vessel. My particular issue was the twisting of the chain, where the twist entered the chain gypsy severely wore the soft chain gypsy casting causing the chain to slip and jump in the wildcat. The swivel reduced the transmitted twist and I also added a machined bronze bow roller with a grove for the chain links, that fed the perfectly aligned links into the chain gypsy. No more chain jumping 😀

 

[Wee Venture]

On the Rocna site there is an interesting discussion regarding the pros and cons of adding a swivel. To summarize, their recommendation was that for smaller anchors (#15 and smaller) to try without a swivel since the swivel can become the weakest link in the anchor system.

Might want to check it out yourself.

It is very true that traditional swivels have been the weakest link, because of side loading. However, the Rocna site doesn’t reference the Mantus swivel. This is probably because Mantus is a direct competitor to Rocna in the anchor market. Mantus claims to have "completely eliminated side loading." We have a Mantus swivel (along with a Rocna 15kg anchor) and have been extremely happy with both. We were happy with our former Bruce too, but the Rocna grabs faster and seems to hold better. I believe the Mantus anchor would be its equal though, if not a tad better.

Here is a link to the Mantus swivel page:
https://www.mantusmarine.com/mantus-swivel/

John

 

[S. Todd]

As indicated by both Alice J. and John from Wee Venture, the Mantus swivel eliminates the side loading problem that creates a weak link by using a swivel. The Mantus anchor swivel is a little pricey but quality products often are, so that is the direction I am going. Thanks for all of your input. I love the helpful hints from those on Tugnuts! We probably would not have purchased our first Ranger Tug if not for this forum, and it has been helpful in making the purchase of our second Ranger Tug.