All chain rode

K

knotheadcharters

Member
Joined
Nov 16, 2005
RO Number
19571
Messages
100
When using an all chain rode, how do you tie off? I do not want to rely on the windless. I have seen people use nylon snubbers but am not familier with the procedures. Anyone have any insight?
 
You set your anchor then attach the snubber to your anchor chain, tie the snubber off to a cleat, let out more anchor chain till the snubber is taking the strain of the anchor and let out some more anchor chain till you have some slack chain between the windlass and the snubber in the form of a dip or half loop of chain.

In most cases when I make up a snubber I insert one of those rubber line tensioners in the snubber line to put some extra give or spring in it.
 
A snubber is indeed the way to go although in normal conditions I find the stress on the WL to be minimal and up to 15/20 kts I don't bother with a snubber but use a chain stopper mounted on deck.

Depending on deck layout you can also cleat the chain, that s what I do on my own boat.
 
I use the chain stopper on the deck. Works well in the rivers and inland. If I were to go to the bay regularly I would use snubbers.
 
I use a snubber all the time, because, well, you never know. I also find it handy for breaking out a well set anchor as it relieves stress on the roller and the pulpit. I used to just attach a three strand single line, about the size you would use for an anchor rode for the boat in question, with a rolling hitch, long enough to get just below the water line at rest. I have had this set up hold while guitar string tight for two days of 20-30 knot winds As Bill said, a "lazy loop" behind it that extends at least back to the waterline provides extra weight that takes additional strain off. A buddy gave me a deluxe set up that I now use instead of the rolling hitch, as shown below (the Devils Claw in Andy's link would work fine too, but I like the double bridle for a variety of reasons):

DSC_0143.JPG
 
Been using this for a long time just never got around to finding the SS pretty ones. I use smaller than anchor line to give more stretch in a short section. Not the prettiest but it works.
038613177291lg.jpg
 
quote:
Originally posted by abalmuth

Like some of the others I use the deck mounted chain stopper & the only downside I've seen is sometimes there is a pop sound when the chain twists. It isn't really bad on our current boat but I'm thinking of getting something like this:

http://www.ropeinc.com/anchor-chain-snubber-line.html

Click to expand...


We are on inland waters and rarely use a snubber but I think we might start to just prolong the life of the windlass. The link you provided looks like a quick and easy solution.
 
We use a nylon 3-strand bridle attached to a common chain hook, let out to about a foot below waterline. Effectively lengthens scope, reduces strain, &, significantly reduces chain clatter & noise over roller.
 
Under severe conditions, a stock chain hook will distort the chain link by applying a twisting motion. The devil's claw style as pictured in Bill1's link or the gizmo I have don't do that.
 
I can not provide any input because my boat has about 75' of BBB chain and 300' of rode.
I have a large properly rigged drouge for emergencies out at sea but have only deployeed it once to see how it worked actually pretty amazing and I could see it would be very valuable if ever trapped in an offshore blow. But I'm not an offshore boater so hopefully I will never need it.
Bill
 
I have 300' all chain & use a 30'x 5/8" 3 strand with a cat's claw because I want the cleat to have the load not the windlass.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top