Anchor line

K

Karll

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 9, 2019
Messages
232
Fluid Motion Model
R-29 Classic
Hull Identification Number
TBD
Vessel Name
SEAduced
I have a question as I am new to owning a 2014 R29. Without pulling the anchor line out on the dock to measure it, is there a standard length that comes with the boat. I am guessing maybe 100’ of chain and 200’ of line.
 
Guessing is not the correct way. Best to pull it all out and inspect before you ever try to anchor out. You don’t even know if the bitter end is fixed in the anchor locker. Also how is the splice between the chain and line? Are all the shackles seized with monel wire? While you are at the dock is the best time to figure all this out. Also time to test the windless.
 
In recent years anyway, the R-29 and R-31 come stock with 50’ chain and 200’ nylon line. As already pointed out, though, that might not have much to do with what you actually have there on a 2014 boat. As an example, we asked for an additional 50’ of chain for our R-31. And on a previous boat, I had to cut the anchor away and replace it with an entire new anchor and rode setup. So neither boat has stock equipment onboard now. If I had a big investment dangling on the end of a line that is the only thing keeping it from drifting onto rocks (which I frequently do), and also wanted to sleep at night, I would want to inspect all of the equipment.
 
Thanks for the comments and will measure the chain and line once I take possession of the boat. My other related question is the person that did the marine survey suggest that I get a bigger Bruce anchor as it comes with a 22 lb Bruce. Looking at the chart a 29-32’ boat with a 22 lb Bruce with a 5/16” chain is rated for storm weather up to 47 knots. We are thinking about upgrading to a 33 lb Bruce. Do any of you that have experience anchoring an R 29 have a thought on this?
 
We have a 2014 R31 that was upgraded to the Rocna 15 which is also 33 lb. It has worked great so far. It has a roll bar to turn it over and dig in. There's a pretty cool video of how it works online.
 
We second the Rocna suggestion. We've been boating for forty years in Puget Sound, the San Juans, Gulf Islands, and Desolation Sound. On various boats over the years we've used Danforth, CQR, and Bruce anchors, and all worked well under most conditions. None measure up to the Rocna we now have on our R27 Classic, however. For example, the CQR can "plow" in soft mud in a storm (don't ask us how we know). The Bruce has difficulty cutting through a sea grass bottom. The Rocna has worked well in all weather conditions and different bottoms, even on the short scope sometimes required in crowded island anchorages. Give it a good look!
 
I'll 3rd the rave review of the Rocna 15. I will also add there was no change to the bow roller on our RT 29S. it was "plug and play" so to speak.
 
Rocky":xjlufbsj said:
I'll 3rd the rave review of the Rocna 15. I will also add there was no change to the bow roller on our RT 29S. it was "plug and play" so to speak.
Click to expand...

I am ready to buy a Rocna but I am concerned that it may not be "plug and play". We have a Cutwater C-242 Coupe (now called a C24). Does anyone know what complications this boat might have with a new Rocna? Also, I want more chain. Will the windlass have problems if I just add chain or will I need to completely replace the chain?

Marshall
 
Hi Marshall,

We have a Rocna 15 on our R27. You will need to look at the specs for the particular sized Rocna you are interested in vs measurements of your bow roller anchor launch. A Rocna 15 may not fit on a C24 (and is probably overkill anyway). A Rocna 10 may fit though.

You will need to determine if there is space in your anchor locker for the additional chain. You can splice the chain with one of these to ensure it runs through your windlass.

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/seaf...MI-OTBiNXn5AIVFarsCh2-JgAYEAQYBCABEgKOZfD_BwE

Be sure to buy the correct grade of chain to fit your windlass. Ours (Lewmar) uses Grade 43 (G4) high test chain. Proof coil will not work. Wrong dimensions.

Curt
 
We also upgraded to a Rocna 15. We have used other anchors with other boats in the past and before getting the Rocna, the Bruce (“claw”) anchor was my favorite. Now there is no going back. We just returned from a four month cruise up the inside passage anchoring in lots of different conditions. The Rocna always set on the first try and never dragged, even though the scope was often only 3:1.

I would suggest, though, putting a robust swivel between the chain and anchor shackle (like the Mantus swivel). This will help keep the chain traveling straight through the windlass gypsy so as not to skip/jam when you are weighing anchor. And speaking of Mantus, they also make an anchor that is very similar to and probably equal in performance to the Rocna. I have not personally tried it but am considering getting one as a spare since, unlike the Rocna, it is bolted together and can be disassembled for storage.
 
Great information, I love these type of forums as the wealth of information through experienced members is invaluable.
 
We upgraded to the Rocna 15 for our R25sc and we love it. It performs well in all kinds of conditions. It was a "plug and play" installation on our boat with no modifications needed.
As mentioned, make sure the sizing of your chain meets the specifications stamped in the side of your gypsy.
I would be cautious about adding splices or swivels; the G4 rating is a high strength chain and you don't want to create a weak link with a cheaper grade attachment.
 
Just installed the mantus swivel on my 2011 R29. Using a Rocna 15
 
Thanks everyone for the great information. I'm ready to move forward with a very much improved anchor setup. The anchor locker has plenty of room, so I just need to decide how much total chain length is sufficient.

Marshall
 
ShortCut":89dx1f6d said:
Thanks everyone for the great information. I'm ready to move forward with a very much improved anchor setup. The anchor locker has plenty of room, so I just need to decide how much total chain length is sufficient.

Marshall
Click to expand...

You would most likely want 50 feet of chain. 8 plait rode is more flexible and will lay flatter in the locker. Being in the PNW with deep depths the more length you have the better.
 
On my 21ec I have 40 feet of 1/4 inch chain and 100 feet of 1/2 three strand line spliced to it with a 13 pound Rocna anchor. I also use a 10 pound mushroom anchor on 25 feet of 1/2 inch double braid line spliced to it . It is used as a Kellet. I have a carabiner on the line buy the mushroom anchor. Once the Rocna is set, typically in 6 to 12 feet of water, I snap the carabiner on the anchor line and let the mushroom anchor slide down the line to the bottom. This adds a bit to the holding ability of the main anchor, but it’s main purpose is to reduce the tendency to hunt on the main. These boats seem to want to sail around on the anchor. Without the Kellet many times I have looked down and found I am resting over my anchor.
The kellet keeps me stationary, unless the wind picks up.
This tendency to wander at anchor is another reason not to attach a trip line to the main anchor. If you drift over it at night and it tangles with your rudder then the wind kicks up you may trip your anchor. Not good!
 
Red Raven":2gbqn4k0 said:
Hi Marshall,

Did you have to do any mods to fit the Rocna 15 or does it fit without hitting the bow??

thanks in advance
G

We have a Rocna 15 on our R27. You will need to look at the specs for the particular sized Rocna you are interested in vs measurements of your bow roller anchor launch. A Rocna 15 may not fit on a C24 (and is probably overkill anyway). A Rocna 10 may fit though.

You will need to determine if there is space in your anchor locker for the additional chain. You can splice the chain with one of these to ensure it runs through your windlass.

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/seaf...MI-OTBiNXn5AIVFarsCh2-JgAYEAQYBCABEgKOZfD_BwE

Be sure to buy the correct grade of chain to fit your windlass. Ours (Lewmar) uses Grade 43 (G4) high test chain. Proof coil will not work. Wrong dimensions.

Curt
Click to expand...
 
I endorse the Rocna posts above rather than a bigger Bruce. We have the Bruce that came with the boat, the Rocna for the Lake Michigan sea grass, and even a Danforth as spare/stern/etc.

The Rocna is now our "go to" because it cuts the sea grass on Lake Michigan (zebra mussels have cleaned the lake so much, grass grows on the bottom), and may use the Bruce on the Loop as conditions dictate.
 
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