Anchor rode / all chain

[HappyPlace]

Our 2014 R31 CB is outfitted with a combination of chain and rope for the anchor rode. I replaced the claw anchor with a Rocna and have been very satisfied with its performance. I was contemplating replacing the combination rode with all chain. I would like to utilize a Mantus bridle (http://www.mantusanchors.com/mantus-bridle/) thinking it would help with any strain on the windlass, reduce boat swing especially in windy conditions and be easier to secure quickly if needed. I am trying to figure out what size chain is currently utilized and if there are any drawbacks for using all chain other than the weight. I took a micrometer reading on the chain link and at most places it read about .343 (a little larger than 5/16") Would this be considered 5/16" chain by standards? Has anyone else used a Mantus bridle? I currently tie an anchor snubber with rope using the bow cleats, but the hook seems very easy to quickly engage and disengage. Lastly, has anyone changed their combination rode to all chain with positive results or see any issues with using all chain?

Best,

Al Sr.

 

[NorthernFocus]

Yes that sounds like 5/16 chain.

The two downsides to all chain are the additional weight in the bow and noise. The noise can be mitigated somewhat by using a bridle or sheathing the chain where it runs through the pulpit.

Using a bridle to reduce "shock loading" is a myth that has been perpetuated for decades in the pleasure boat/yacht industry. While theoretically valid, in practice the problem only manifests itself in extreme conditions. Also in the practical world one thing that is conveniently overlooked by those who profit from the myth is the fact that nearly all commercial fishing and professional maritime vessels use all chain and never use bridles and/or snubbers.

So if you want to go all chain, go for it. And do yourself a favor, save some money, and keep it simple by skipping the bridle.

 

[walldog]

I wanted all chain when we had our R31 built, however Jeff advised that all chain would not be practical considering the size and shape of the rode locker. The chain piles up and needs to be spread by hand every 15 feet or so. We compromised with 100 foot of chain and about 200 foot of rope. That and the Rocna 15 has worked very well for us.

 

[HappyPlace]

All,

I wasn't concerned about "shock" on the anchor line, but I do experience a couple of things that I was hoping the bridle would abate.

1. On occasion, we have boat whip that depending on the scope, has either the chain or rope jumping over the front edge of the bow roller. When it is the chain, it makes a heck of a racket. If it is the rope, I am concerned that it is cutting into the fabric. When I utilize a makeshift bridle, all the tension is on it and not the bow roller. It somewhat diminishes the sway too.

2. As a result of either tide, wake or wind, at times the bow of the boat rides up against the anchor line. When it is chain, I am concerned about the possibility of hull damage.

3. I would have thought that the rode locker would accommodate all chain, given that it appears that the rope is just as large. I already have to address the pile up in the locker when retreiving the anchor with a long scope, to ensure it is spreading out. I suppose the rope would generally spread out more easily than the chain.

I suppose most of my concerns could be addressed with a stern anchor, but that is more hardware as well and definitely more cumbersome to deploy and store. I was basically thinking that overall, the chain would be more secure, less chance for damage and I could deploy a bridle quickly for the aforementioned reasons.

I appreciate your input!

Al Sr.

 

[rick&sue]

I use the snubber to take the load off the bow roller assembly and the winch. The bow roller assembly is not strong enough to take the side loads from swinging back and forth. I had to remount the complete assembly because previous owners did not use a snubber.

 

[Bill & Donna Sibbers]

100' of chain + 200' of rope has been a perfect balance for our R31S. Most anchorages do not require more than 100' - we hang 5-10' of the rope portion, to reduce noise transfer, and tie it off on the cleat to take the strain off the windless. This scenario works for 90% of our anchorages. When remote (I.e. The Broughtons) we have used up to 250' to get the scope for windy conditions. We have seen our anchor high and dry barely embedded after a breezy night - the 100' of chain was the anchor. Don't think additional chain would make any difference in any scenario, while adding significant weight to the boat and additional work to retrieve. In the rare instance where we use less than 100' of chain I use a clove hitch from a dock line and tie to the windless cleat to take pressure off the windless. Simple, inexpensive, effective. Zero issues with pulpit strength - solid.

 

[knotflying]

You are on the East coast. You are going way overkill. The Rocna is a great anchor. Thirty to 50 feet of chain will work fine. Having just come back from the PNW I can understnd the need for more chain as well as total length to get enough scope. However the East coast has much better bottom and the tide swing where you are is less. I have a Manson Supreme, very similar to Rocna. I have an R-27, 30 feet of chsin and 200 feet of 8 plait rode. I had no problems anchoring in the PNW and never dragged on the East Coast.

 

[Pilotnavigator]

I have a 21ec with 30 feet of 1/4 inch chain and 150 feet 1/2 inch 3 strand spliced on. A rocna 13 pound anchor. I have a Bruce 11pound anchor as backup. To limit swing I use the Bruce as a Kellet attaching a carbinner to the shank of the Bruce and snapping it onto the primary rode then lower it to the bottom with a few more feet as needed. This is real overkill but keeps me in one place. If the wind really picks up the Bruce slows the swing down. All rode is kept in sunbrella bags on deck. My boat does not have an anchor pipe. I use the area for dry storage.