Three additional points to consider:
1. While typically more chain increases holding power, more is not always better. It is difficult to fit "all chain" rode on Ranger Tugs, but that is not necessarily the ideal approach anyway. More chain is helpful, but also increased nylon line coupled with the chain (as opposed to chain only) allows for more stretch of the rode under strain such as high winds. The nylon line provides more stretch, hence coupled with adequate chain on the bottom (and a larger anchor) will maximize holding power.
2. Anchor locker capacity: on our 2013 R27, we replaced our standard-issue 50' chain + 200' 3-strand nylon prior to our trip up the Inside Passage to Alaska last summer, in anticipation of anchoring in depths up to 100'+ rather than the typical 30' depths common to anchorages of the San Juan's/Gulf Islands. We were able to easily fit 80' of chain + 270' of nylon PLAITED line, for a total rode length of 350' (vs. 250' previously), a 40% increase. Yes, we used every foot more than once anchoring in Alaska!
3. We upgraded the undersized Bruce anchor and relegated the entire standard-issue rode and anchor as our back-up (highly recommended to have a back-up anchor if you anchor regularly), and use a larger stainless steel Delta anchor as our primary. This will also increase holding power in combination with the increased chain/nylon rode that allows for added scope if needed.
The key to allowing this much more rode to fit easily in the anchor locker is, as noted previously, moving from 3-strand to plaited line. The plaited line is worth the high cost, for ease of stowage as well as overall handling. Even with the increased rode, we still have ample room to stow a mooring line in the anchor locker for use when we tie to a buoy.
