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length of anchor chain

Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2014 10:10 am
by lauraj
I saw a couple old posts but nothing definitive.
Anyone ever come to a conclusion on how much anchor chain is needed (figure Caribbean islands and Keys--ie. 20ft depth max)
and at what point the chain length just becomes additional weight where rope rode would be just as effective?

Re: length of anchor chain

Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2014 4:52 pm
by thinwater
I'd vote for about 200' of 1/4 G43. There simply too much coral to want rope, heavy chain is a waste, and rope-chain splices don't like windlasses.

I'd be happy with the lighter chain specifically because I believe in long snubbbers (at least 20') which eliminate high snatch loads. Otherwise, 5/16 G43 might be better for you. The snubber design is probably nearly as important a the chain selection.