More chain vs. more weight?

[serpa4]

Just killing time....theoretically speaking:
Say I get stainless chain (.9lbs per ft) that is lighter than HT G43 (1.1 lbs / foot).
If you have 50lbs of HT at 50ft is that the same as 50lbs of SS chain at say 60ft?
If you anchor with 50ft HT at 50 lbs it seems better than 50ft of SS at 40 lbs.

But, if you could do 10 ft water at 10:1 scope:
What is better: 50ft HT at 50lbs and 50 ft of rope (100ft total). Or 60 ft of SS chain at 50lbs and 40ft rope better at the same scope?

The ability to have a higher scope is a win for sure, but if you have sufficient chain and rope to achieve the desired scope...is more chain better than less chain if both are equal weight?.

Would you rather have 50ft of HT or 60ft of SS?
I'd guess that is you anchor where you do not need all 50ft, then the heavier chain is a win.
If you anchor where you let out 50ft HT and the other boat has 60ft SS, the 60ft SS would be better since you'd have higher scope for same weight.

Pro/Con
In the locker, you would have to mind the stack of longer chain piling up more than heavier less chain.
SS chain is less/no worry on wearing off galvanizing.
SS is very very expensive.
I'm not doing SS, but just sitting here at work thinking.

 

[HookedUp]

Most of my anchoring is to fish for a few hours or to let the kids play on the beach, so I can't answer, but I did find some thoughts on your question at https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f47/anchor-chain-length-versus-weight-75741.html

 

[knotflying]

You are over thinking this. The difference in weight for the two chains is not significant enough to make a difference. Chain length allows the pull on the anchor to be more lateral and hence less likely to lose set. yes, more chain is better because more weight will prevent it from lifting off the sea bed when being pulled. Upshot, a good anchor with appropriate scope and chain about the length of the vessel, IMO, is a good combination for a restful sleep.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

In the last 10 years, with a Rocna anchor, The standard 50’ of chain and 200’ of line we have never lost our footing at anchor and we anchor a lot. More depth equals more deployment, more wind or current equals more delivery deployment. We typically have a 5/1 scope with no pending high wind or current hazards and 7/1 when there is and this has worked fine for us.

Jim F

 

[Romakeme IV]

If you are caught out in a blow and your entire rode has been drawn bar taut only 3 things matter. 1/the set and holding afforded the anchor, 2/the strength of your rode and all connections and mount, 3/ scope.

A kellet that drops right down on to the anchor may help but that would be adding weight directly to anchor not to the rode.

Just my 2c worth on a rainy day.

Rob